Rebooting after installing Windows Updates

[Humpty Dumpty]

After installing Windows Updates which need restarting, and OK the dialog
box ("restart now") I get the start menu and no option works (neither safe
mode, nor "last known configuration", nor "start windows normally"). Very
anguishing, indeed.
I tried closing the dialog box and restarting normally, to no avail. Same
scenario.
Fortunately, after several reboots, at last windows starts. I avoid "last
known configuration", because I am afraid this could take me back before the
updates were installed.
What is wrong? I fear the moment when the start menu will hang forever.
TIA
Humpty

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

You just installed a *ton* of updates, including SP2, all of which made
major changes to WinXP (cf.
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...d7dc1?hl=en&lnk=gst&q=humpty#03a3fc8f5f1d7dc1).

You'll probably never see this behavior again and the machine should start
faster with every reboot.

That being said, it'd be an excellent idea to check for BIOS (firmware) and
driver updates for that specific Presario. Contact HP Support (who
purchased Compaq since the machine was manufactured) or start here:
http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html?pageDisplay=drivers

 

[Humpty Dumpty]

Thank you.
I also installed IE7 strictly according to your instructions (in a different
message). I downloaded it from the site you told me. This is a wondrous
installer, which installs all the updates, so I get the last updated
version.
About updating the Notebook, I browsed HP Support, found my PC model, and I
am now asking for further assistance from them (i.e., how to install HP Help
and AU in my Notebook, if possible)
Thank you again, I'll be back
Humpty

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

YW and thanks for your feedback.

Thank you.
I also installed IE7 strictly according to your instructions (in a
different
message). I downloaded it from the site you told me. This is a wondrous
installer, which installs all the updates, so I get the last updated
version.
About updating the Notebook, I browsed HP Support, found my PC model, and
I
am now asking for further assistance from them (i.e., how to install HP
Help
and AU in my Notebook, if possible)
Thank you again, I'll be back
Humpty