Windows update hangs at Stage 3 - Vista Home Premium

I received a Windows update alert on my Toshiba Satellite laptop. Vista Home Premium. When it progressed to Stage 3, it kept restarting and looping indicating Windows update configurating updates: Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
I have restarted and the same thing occurs. I cannot access anything on the laptop where I need to do work. How can I stop this installation process and why won't the update progress to completion? I have never had problems with updates.
Thank you for your assistance.

 

Have you tried rebooting, pressing F8 :
When you get the Windows Advanced Options Menu :
Select " Last Known Good Configuration "
See if that helps at all, then start with a good old clean out using this link : http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106650 following all the guide lines then try to reinstall your updates !

Rusty !

 

I have found this can happen if the updates are installing as you shut down, then again when you start-up.
Strangely, I left one alone for a time, while I was sorting another laptop out, then came back to it, and it gave the same screen- I left it running, and got on with another laptop, and it actually fired up on its own- does happen- but frustrating- I wonder if its because it does not finish an update properly, while in the shutting down mode installation
If you can get to F8 restore as suggested,its probably the best way to solve it

 

I just tried to reboot pressing F8 and selecting Last good configuration, and the same thing came up the looping at Stage 3.:cry

 

How long did you leave it before it stopped this looping and restarting?

 

I left it for about 3 hours, but I cannot remember exactly.
Have a look here
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358
If you have the Vista disc you have a better chance of restoring, if it will not go into safe mode on its own.

 

If you don't have a vista disc (so many laptops don't give you a physical disc and use a recovery partition) see if you can borrow one-

 

Maybe you should post into the malware forum after clicking on this link http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=208809 do everything that is requested and then repost with the required logs, then just be patient as the malware fighters do get really busy, but don't worry as they will get round to sorting you out !

 

Or the other alternative is click baklogic's link and follow instructions or follow these instructions :

Boot your Computer in safe mode and try performing a SFC scan on your computer :
How to boot your system into Safe Mode…
1. Restart your computer if it is powered on.
2. Tap the F8 key after your computer initially powers on.
3. Once you see the Advanced Boot Options menu you can stop tapping.
4. Use the up/down arrow keys to highlight your selection.
5. Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
6. You should see drivers loading, and then please wait for the welcome screen.
7. Logon to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.
Steps to perform a SFC scan..
1. Open an elevated command prompt. To do this, click Start , click All Programs , click Accessories , right-click Command Prompt , and then click Run as administrator . If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow .
2. Type the following command, and then press ENTER:
sfc /scannow
The sfc /scannow command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions

 

rustyjack- you must have missed this.....
But, if a disc is available.........

 

Oops ! should have poted that into another members thread !

 

I am in the startup repair that keeps running and running and running. Another box says "Do you want to restore your computer using system restore?" Is this what I want to do? I don't want to lose anything on my desktop.

 

Tried the system restore and of course it did not work and is still looping back to the original Windows update configurating updates: Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete. How frustrating not to have access to your work.