Vista SP1 does not complete install.

[Guybo42]

I have Vista x64 home premium installed, which was running pretty good without any major glitches other than driver issues with some peripherals. When I try to install sp1 via windows update, all looks good until the final reboot when the computer boots in to the bios and then the screen goes black other than the mouse pointer which I can see and move. No activity is evident from the hd light. I have also tried the standalone install with exactly the same result !!!!! All other security updates etc ... seem to have installed without a problem.

I am stumped, any ideas ?

 

[failurbydesign]

run windows update, on my x86 system it installed a pre sp1 update...idk if this is true for the x64

 

[Guybo42]

Been there, done that ! As stated in my post, tried both the win update and standalone version.

 

[Dark Atheist]

update your drivers

 

[ray_gillespie]

When you say standalone version, do you mean a disc with SP1 integrated? If so, then I think SP1 maybe has a problem with one of your devices. Can you try removing any unnecessary devices before installing Vista? You could also try disabling your onboard sound.

Let us know if that does anything.

 

[kcnychief]

Not to shove you away, but worth mentioning that MS is offering free support with reasonable turn around time for SP1 installs through March of next year:

https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&x=8&y=7&prid=11274&gprid=500921

 

[Guybo42]

Carpo, I do have all the latest drivers, which I made sure I had prior to even considering SP1.
ray_gillespie, by standalone, i meant the 700mb file from the microsoft site. I have tried with the sata drive disabled since vista would not even install on it but the same thing happened. I have not tried disabling the onboard sound yet but thanks for suggesting it, will try that next. The only other thing I could disable would be my burner.
kcnychief tx for the link, I wasn't aware of the ms support thing, the reason I came here first was because I seem to find solutions a lot quicker as a rule and I was wondering if anyone else had the same problem.

 

[ray_gillespie]

I've noticed on a few websites that people have had problems with Realtek onboard sound and SP1, though not usually preventing installation altogether.

Have a look at this.

I think there is a chance that your onboard audio is to blame. Good luck anyway!

 

[kcnychief]

Also could be worth waiting - sounds a little like you had an issue with the prereqs and the file itself detecting the requirement for reboots and such. Give this a whirl, maybe be patient for the updated bits?

http://blogs.technet.com/mu/archive/2008/04/07/windows-vista-sp1-prerequisite-kb937287.aspx

 

[ray_gillespie]

Any luck Guybo?

 

[Guybo42]

No luck yet, installed the latest updates but still had the same results. Also disabled the onboard sound but that did nothing either. I can't get the event log right now 'cause I'm on the laptop. I'm just going to have to be patient.

 

[Guybo42]

Update !

Finally got SP1 to finish installing, I reset the cmos to default settings and disabled everything I didn't need since I got sick and tired of trying to pinpoint the cause of the problem and voila !!!! The whole install process took about 1.5 hrs and I haven't had a problem since. I only wish I could have pinpointed the exact cause of the problem but my patience ran out......
I noticed a marked speed difference when tranferring files on my home network. I haven't tried gaming yet but I have just acquired Assasin's Creed and can't wait to see if SP1 has made any difference in gaming mode. I want to thank all of you that took the time to reply and try to provide help with this problem, this is why I keep coming back.

 

[ray_gillespie]

Good to hear you got it sorted, well done!

 

[hem.acharya]

Oh in my case it was vice versa. i was able to install the SP1 but couldn't uninstall it. i left PC whole night for uninstallation but in the morning it was still uninstalling ( some 90% in step 3 ) ..