Windows – System Hung applying updates ‘Stage 3 of 3 Preparing to configure Windows…’

KB ID 0000640

Problem

I installed a classroom full of PC’s today, after setting them all updating, and rebooting, I went to lunch, and came back to find them all displaying this,

Stage 3 of 3
Preparing to configure Windows.
Don't turn off your computer.

I went and did another room, came back, and there was no change.

Solution

It turns out this is a known problem if you are installing KB2533552, to get round the problem simply press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and you will be presented with the login page.

Microsoft recommend you install the above update separately.

Note: It will affect both Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2.

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

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