Topic: Vista problems after update

[Simon]

A friend has asked for help with his Vista laptop, which is having a problem with Windows Updates:

I have a problem with the new laptop, I was updating Windows Vista when it came up with a 8000FFFF error code.
 
I looked up the error code on Google, and it appears this is a common problem, the problem I have is the laptop won't start up, it comes up with Updates 93% then the laptop shuts down. Then it tries to start up, but keeps coming up with the same message and shuts down again.

Having searched on Google myself, it appears this could relate to a previous Windows Update (KB929777), which needs to be removed, and reinstalled manually, but he can't remove the update if the machine won't start.

Any ideas?

[topquark]

Sledgehammer approach would be to use the recovery console.  However I'm wondering if it's possible to avoid the updates being applied by interrupting startup (F8) and using safe made or start using last successful boot options.

[Simon]

He said even using safe mode the machine still won't start, (although, I'm not convinced he actually managed to invoke it), but I have suggested trying 'Last known good configuration', or whatever it's called in Vista.

[davy51]

Last known good configuration should work

He should be able to get into safe mode if not recovery console is the only way I know to stop it


There is a fix for the bad update I cant find it now but I had to use it
I downloaded mine from windows site


Im sure when Sandra gets here she will have better ideas

[Simon]

I've been told now that he's tried same mode and last good configuration, and neither have worked.  He wouldn't know what to do with a recovery disc, if he has one.  Even if he did a Windows repair installation, would that wipe out the existing updates?

[davy51]

I dont know
The disc I have with windows allows me to reinstal and save all files and folders

His might not have this

The best bet would be to find the fix on the windows site and put it on disc and try to install it

other than that a reinstall is all I know

It would be best to wait on Sandra to come in and ask her

She is much better than I am

[davy51]

I use this site often
It has a lot of ex hackers and even more techs

They should be able to answer all questions and tell you how to repair it

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/

[Simon]

Thanks Davy, I'll take a look. 

[davy51]

Your welcome Simon I just wish I could be more of a help

[Simon]

Right, I've now heard back that he has...

managed to enable the laptop to restore the files at a previous date, before the updates were made, this seems to have worked.

I don't know quite how he did it, but I'll be seeing him at the weekend, so I'll find out, for the sake of curiosity.

Cheers, Dave! 

[Clive]

Sounds as if he managed to get into safe mode and system restore.  Maybe he was originally pressing the wrong f key.   

[davy51]

Let us know how he did it Simon for future reference

[Simon]

I suspect something like that, Clive.  I'll find out at the weekend.

[gmax]

I new there was a reason I had "auto update" disabled. 

[davy51]

it will keep throwing this update at you
Its best just to go to windows site and download the fix before hand I did