Windows 7 updates lasting hours

[Stargate]

I'm installing some windows updates (53 in fact, yeah I know but it's not my fault ...) on someone's laptop and it's been at update number 6 for 5 hours now.
I can't get to the desktop anymore, someone tried to do a shutdown and now the shutdown screen is stuck at update 6.
Should I just leave it running for some 24 hours or so and call a pc technician/shop if
there's no progress?
Would it totally destroy Windows if I hardware-shut if off?
Thanks!

 

[jamesmcuk]

I would shut it off if it were me. Unlikely to destroy it. Once it reboots it will likely resume the update

 

[JDFan]

WHen it firsts starts the updates it sets a system restore point to revert to if something goes wrong - so wait awhile and then shut it down - when you reboot it should ask if you want to boot normally or in safe mode - choose safe mode and once it boots run a system restore to back before the updates started.

 

[Stargate]

Best answer selected by Stargate.

 

[Stargate]

Thanks JDFan. Should I then try the updates again or leave them be?
Could be a tad dangerous if I leave 48 updates uninstalled couldn't it?

 

[memadmax]

No, it's not system restore.
Theres a problem with windows update, you need to clear it's cache and start the downloads/installation over again.
Delete all the files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
And start windows update again.
Also, it's ok to turn off the computer if it's stuck on the shutdown process, no need to start in safe mode either. Safe mode is for when you can't start windows.

 

[Stargate]

I can't even shut it off now, it's dead ... all I can do is wait until the battery runs out.

 

[burmese_dude]

You should've try to update a dozen or less at a time. 50+ can be too many.

 

[Stargate]

It just said "install updates" or something (it's in French) without the possibility of choosing how many at a time. Besides it hung at no. 6.

 

[1tym]

I can't even shut it off now, it's dead ... all I can do is wait until the battery runs out.

hold on to the power button for like 5 secs and it will shut down

 

[Stargate]

I held onto it for 2 minutes ... nothing.

 

[memadmax]

Just pull the battery out.

 

[Stargate]

I deleted all the files in the Softwaredistribution/Downloads folder, but more than 50 updates still failed to install. Now it says there are no more updates waiting to be installed.
Maybe they'll come back later ...

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

 

[Stargate]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Thanks, I'll try it if the updates don't reappear.