Windows 7 Update program is continually asking for a reboot but there no upgrades to install.

Question

Windows 7 x64 performed an update that failed on two files. Since that time update shows it requires a reboot to install updates, but there are no updates queued for installation.

My system keeps trying to reboot by after dozens of reboot it still asks for reboots, and it will not try and look for updates, or allow manual updates to be installed.

This is getting really annoying but I cannot find any way to fix this anywhere. I have tried editing the registry and many other suggestion I found online, but still the system wants to keep getting reboots.

Ed

Any help will be gratefully accepted.

Answer 1

I did not get an error at the time of the update. The update just showed 2 failed updates, but nothing else.

Immediately after, update showed a need to reboot to install updates, but nothing updated, and for the next 200-300 reboots nothing happened, but update keeps demanding a reboot, and I get a popup window that warns of the reboot and allows a postponement.

I have tried the restore no change, my restore points do not go far enough to get past the update failure.

I also did a clear install of windows 7, and this did fix the issue, but I have lots of stuff I had backed up and need, so after doing a restore from my external drive, the problem returned.

I tried altering the reboot required field in the registry. No change.

As usual upgrade had killed by WiDi link and I need to install software from intel to get it working, but I cannot install anything until this issues are resolved.

Upgrade will also not look for upgrades because it is waiting for a reboot to take place.

Does anyone know where windows 7 keeps the knowledge of a pending reboot?

Answer 2

Hi Edwin,

You can try the following steps and check if it helps.

The issue may be resolved by enabling a function related to Windows Update.

Perform the steps mentioned below and see if it helps.

**a:**Go to Start -> Run

**b:**Type: gpedit.msc

c:ExpandLocal Computer Policy / Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Windows Update

**d:**Double-click "No auto-restart for scheduled Automatic Updates installations"

e:Select "Enabled", thenOK. Close the Group Policy configuration program.

Chek the link mentioned below as a reference:

**http://blogs.technet.com/b/mu/archive/2008/10/02/windows-update-and-automatic-reboots.aspx**

Hope this information helps.

Reply to us if you face any issues with Automatic restarting  or any other Windows Issue, and we would be glad to assist you.

Answer 3

By the way non of the Microsoft Fix-its will work because upgrade will not allow any installs that check for reboot status.

Is update set to auto update and install ?

If it is ,set it to notify you when there is updates available and choose new ones to install .

If you re-installed Windows there would be a lot of  updates that take a lot of time

to install .

Other programs trying to install auto-updates at the same time can sometimes conflict .

Answer 4

By the way non of the Microsoft Fix-its will work because upgrade will not allow any installs that check for reboot status.

Answer 5

Hi Edwin,

1. What is the KB number of the failed updates?
2. Do you get any error message when you are trying to I install the windows updates?

This may happen if the update isn’t installed correctly the first time, or if your Windows Update settings can't detect the update.  If you keep seeing the same update being offered for installation, try to install the update later. 

1. Start Windows Update. To do this,      click Start, type Update in the search box, and then, in the list      of results, click Windows Update.
2. In the navigation pane,      click View update history.
3. Click Status to sort by      status, and then look for any updates that have a status of      "Failed."
4. Right-click an update that has a      status of "Failed," and then select View Details. The      window that opens displays the error code for that update.

Method 1:

I suggest to perform System Restore and check if it helps. You can refer to the following Microsoft article for performing System Restore.

System Restore

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows7/products/features/system-restore

Note : All of your personal files will be deleted and your settings will be reset. Any apps the came with your PC will be reinstalled, but all other apps will be removed.

Method 2:

After performing System Restore I suggest you to reinstall the Windows updates and check. If the you are facing any issues in installing Windows updates you can refer to the following Microsoft and check.

Troubleshoot problems with installing updates

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-7

Hope this helps.

Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.