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Some background. Im currently working on a friend's PC (running Windows Vista) that keeps shutting down while configuring 3/3 updates after logon (Configuring 3/3 updates, 0%.), but then after a couple of seconds, the computer just shuts down for no reason.

So my question, how can I stop Vista from trying to install updates from a command prompt?

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I would run "sfc /scannow` to verify the system image intrigity isn't a problem. –  Ramhound May 28 '13 at 16:10
I've tried it, doesn't work. I get 'There is a system repair pending which requires reboot to complete. Restart Windows and run sfc again', but unfortunately i can't reboot because of the update problem. :| –  Sam May 28 '13 at 16:15
if the scan detected a problem then you have a serious problem. You should be able to shutdwon without installing the update though. –  Ramhound May 28 '13 at 16:16
Are you able to log in to safe mode? Typically windows creates a restore point before installing updates. The best thing you can do is to gain access and restore to said point. –  Will.Beninger May 28 '13 at 16:24
@ Ramhound, The scan doesn't run, it gave the above error. –  Sam May 28 '13 at 16:26
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1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Cancel Pending updates:

  1. Boot from install media (Windows Vista or 7 install disk should be fine)
  2. Select "Command Prompt" from the recovery choices.
  3. At the command prompt change your directory to C:\Windows\WinSxS
  4. Type: del pending.xml
  5. Exit and reboot.

If it's not already, install KB937287 by itself.

After that's done install other/remaining updates one at a time. Once all others are done, install any Service Packs that may be waiting in the update queue.

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How do i change the cmd directory? –  Sam May 28 '13 at 16:30
cd .. to go up one and cd thatdirectory to go into a directory. dir to view the files in a directory. –  Will.Beninger May 28 '13 at 16:33
I've tried using, cd C:\Windows\WinSxS , But that still doesn't work, it's still set at X:\Sources> –  Sam May 28 '13 at 16:34
Change to the C: drive first (type c:), or use CD's /d option (cd /d c:\windows\winsxs). Maybe check this out for a quick command line/DOS primer. –  techie007 May 28 '13 at 16:35
Excellent, it works!!! Thank you so much! –  Sam May 28 '13 at 16:37
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