After the updates are all said & done, does it do anything? Does it power & you just not get video? Does it show the Dell logo?

How are you restoring the system? Are you using a Dell disc that gives you a choose "Upgrade" or "Custom (Advanced)" option? If not, are you using the Dell Data Safe Emergency backup?

Have you tried doing what's called a System Restore? It's the utility built in by Microsoft that allows you to roll-back changes to the system (F8 at boot > Repair my computer > System Restore). By default Windows Updates creates a system restore point just in case something like this occurs.

Another Question is>>>why is the update causing my failed boot?

The only reason why I know it's the update is because, after I rebooted the PC to it's original state (Factory State)>> I did this 2x, installed the updates, then the PC just stopped working. Which update is safe? Now I am scared of updates.

That's what I meant.

I did system restore from the early date.

Would not work.

I can only do it, if I restore from factory date.

After it has been restored, it will give me time to upload my updates.

I can use the PC..then starts slowing down.

Acting like had a virus.

I can use the PC after a while, maybe a day or more.

Then when it die, I will try to restart, I will have a dell logo>>>then black screen will say something like hit Ctl/alt del because failure to read the disk? don't remember the exact words.

While waiting on people to respond to my questions,

I restored my computer for the 6th times right now.

Writing what program I installed to see where it will stop working.

I am now on the printer.

I installed the updates, the Mccafee that came with the PC, then the printer.

I am now in the process of installeing my external hard drive back for safety.

I'm curious with the factory restore if you're just installing Windows over itself constantly. In your C:\ folder, is there a file called "Windows.old"? If so, then you haven't deleted all of your system's prior information. This could be causing a software conflict and/or taking up excessive hard drive space which may cause the system to slow down. Also if that is the case then you're most likely missing many of the drivers for the system. Installing those would improve system performance, if they're missing.

You can check your drivers by going to "Start" > in the "Start programs and files" search box enter DEVMGMT.MSC - This will load the Device Manager. If you are missing anything in there then finding the appropriate driver(s) will be a big help.

If needed the Studio XPS 7100 driver page is here:

support.dell.com/.../driverslist.aspx

Not sure exactly what you meant there.

When I do system restore, I follow this little booklet that came with my tower.

It says, turn off pc, turn back on, hit F8 after the logo...

Then I do just system restore from factory after many more warnings about loosing your datas.

It will erase everything.

That's why I wonder, if I should do the system restore from the CD that came with the PC.

Just not sure how to do it.

No instructions if I do it from the CD.

Might ask me for partition etc>>>I don't even know what to do with it.

Thanks for answering :-)  Loreta

No you're doing it the right way. You're doing what's called a destructive recovery because it destroys the data on the system. Most likely this is not a virus we have to worry about here.

Go to the link I provided to see if there is a BIOS update for the system (under heading BIOS). When you go to install it a notification window will say "Your are upgrading from version A## to A##: - if the second version is higher than the first then click OK & let it install.

After that: try running the updates one by one or in small groups of 3-5 after you get your peripherals installed. I know it's a pain and is going to take God-awful forever but it will help us narrow down which update specifically is failing & causing your issue.

In the meantime I'd ask that you visit http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/ and download the program HijackThis. Get the version 2.0.4 (2.0.5 is a beta so don't worry about that one). Choose the option of "Executable" - you won't need to install this to your system. Once you run that program choose the option to "Do a system scan and save a log file" - the copy/paste the contents here into a new post so I can take a look at your startup items to make sure nothing funky is going on.

I've got to head into work so I may not reply for several hours. However, if I get free I promise I'll take a peek & post back with some advice. Otherwise I'll chat with you when I get back home.

Dear Greg.J

OK, My PC is still alive as of today..After I re installed the system for the 6th time yesterday.

What I did differently this time, I installed the McAfee that came with the PC >>>will expire in 30days.

I normally use Windows Security System>>it's all good in my other computer with no problem.

Then>>> I tried to install the Updates little group @ a time...Writing them down before installing so I can pinpoint which update is causing me a headache.

I looked into the device manager like you told me = there is no ? marks. Everything seems OK there.

I downloaded hijackthis >>that a scary message:

!!FOR SOME REASON YOUR SYSTEM DENIED WRITE ACCESS TO THE HOST FILES. IF ANY HIJACKED DOMAIN ARE IN THE FILE, HIJACKTHIS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FIX THIS"

That was scary, but can't stop it. So, I let it run.

Unfortunately, can't paste that thing in here, so I have to send them to you by e-mail.

Thanks again for your help!

Loreta :-)

I meant I sent it via message.

Thanks :-)

Everything seems fine in HijackThis so I don't think it's a startup item. While there is nothing 'wrong' in the startup I'd give you two suggestions:

--Uninstall AksToolbar

--Uninstall McAfee. Just stick with Microsoft Security Essentials. Who knows, maybe McAfee is your problem! It's a massive resource hog & I've never had good experience with it as an anti-virus. Even PC Mag over the last couple years hasn't had too much in the way of good things to say about it.

Once all that is done keep going with the Updates to see if the issue remains or reoccurs.

A relative of mine had weird errors (like you're describing) with a Dimension 5150 ... turned out the power supply was failing. I replaced the power supply and all was well. Can't say it's the problem with your machine, but it's worth a thought.

As for anti-virus protection, Windows Security Essentials is adequate for consumer use and free.  

Dear Greg.j,

Thanks for your input.

Thanks for taking good care of my issues.

So far so good.

The one thing I have not done, is to uninstall McAfee..It will expire in 20 days.

Just didn't get the time.

This rebooting just consumed me so much, that I really have to leave the computer for awhile.

But now, I have so much stuff to do.

Anyway ...one more question.

There is update that kept on asking me to update my PC : KB976932

Tried to update my PC, kept on failing.

It won't update the system.

You think it's the McAfee preventing it?

Or..is it a bad update number.

Let me know what you think...only when you get the chance.

Thanks again :-)

Loreta

Dear Greg.j,

I went to the website. But I was given 2 kinds of 64bit:

windows6.1-KB976932-IA64.exe 511.0 MB

windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe 903.0 MB

Not sure what that letter before the 64 meant. IA64 vs X64?

Not sure which 64 to choose from.

Thanks again,

Loreta

Dear Geg.j,

OMG!!!!!

It worked!:emotion-2:

Jumping UP & DOWN & with DANCING too :-)

Not good in dancing though.

It installed without any problem.

Holding on pretty good.

I am forever grateful!

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge....

“Whatever we possess becomes of double value when we have the opportunity of sharing it with others.”

Jean-Nicolas Bouilly  (1763-1842);

Writer, Politician

Always,

Loreta:emotion-21: