skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Computer help please

samkarenorkaren

3 years ago

I have a 7 y/o Gateway laptop with Windows 8 (I think cuz I didn't upgrade to 10)
Was doing Restart and update but my screen has message "Keep your PC on until done...installing update 1 if 1"
I did shut it down manually this morning cuz I was going out. When I turned it on again same message came up.
It's been over 2 hours now. Do I just let it run or is there a way to cancel it?
Any help is appreciated

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

Elizabeth
3 years ago
It is hard to say not knowing the size or type of update it is. I would let it run for a while and see what happens.
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
3 years ago
I'll let it run until I go to bed in 6 hours
Related Discussions
Need Computer Help, Please
Q
Comments (7)
Like Debby said, I go to my server and check e-mail deleting a bunch and can tell the really big ones that take forever to download and just delete them before letting OE download the rest for me to read later. I had that problem with umpteen downloading the same thing and nothing else and was stumped. Called the guy that runs our local ISP and he told me to go to the server and dumb me didn't even know I could do that:( After he gave me some simple instructions I was okay and since then, that's what I do and can delete unwanted, looonnng e-mails. Since I'm on dial up, those movies and such they forward take too darn long to download and I just delete them. Doesn't do any good to tell my friends not to send them, they never listen to me.
...See More
need some computer help please.
Q
Comments (2)
I found a place that said I had to check it to be blocked either for mail or news....I checked news, then it let me uncheck it for mail...so now I am able to send myself mail again. I use that a lot to mail myself pictures from my phone. Looks like I got it figured out.. Don't have a clue what the "news" thing is that I won't be able to get anymore...lol patti
...See More
computer help please
Q
Comments (3)
I don't know if I'm doing it the best way, or if this is what you are asking, but here's what I do. Put the flash drive into a USB port. Go into Windows Explorer - on the left side, go to "My Computer" - click on it and it should show you the list of drives--you will see which drive the flash drive is in. Find the pictures you want. They will probably be in "My Pictures" or "Pictures" (depending upon your operating system). If you click on "My Pictures" on the left side, you can see the photos (thumbnails) on the right side. Drag and drop them into the flash drive. Hope this helps. If not, just holler.
...See More
Computer help someone please
Q
Comments (17)
Thanks for pointing out the Ctrl-Shft-Del hotkey sequence, that's useful. I think everyone should have their browsers set to clear browsing history and all other data when closing. Doing so can prevent SO MANY problems of misbehavior but if not, this key sequence can be used. I try to not suggest corrective steps (with anything) before having some sense of what the problem is. The press and the internet world have so sensationalized random passing security issues that too many think that any PC misbehavior is automatically from a virus or malware. It's usually not the case. Malwarebytes is a fine product. I think it's more efficient to do other things so that its regular use is unnecessary. Better to use tools to prevent issues in the first place than to have an arsenal ready to handle avoidable problems.
...See More
olychick
3 years ago
Why not let it run while you sleep? That's how I have to update everything because my internet is so slow. Or I take it to someone's house who has high speed.
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
3 years ago
I guess I could leave it on. Never did it before
User
3 years ago
Yup, just leave it on. And next time it does updates, do not turn off or restart your laptop until it's finished.
Elmer J Fudd
3 years ago
If you can get to Control Panel or the Desktop, go to the Control Panel and trigger another Windows Update. This behavior can happen when an update hiccups or is interrupted.
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
3 years ago
I'll try that Elmer and let you know
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
3 years ago
Nope...won't let me out of this screen
olychick
3 years ago
Here's an article that might help you. https://www.lifewire.com/when-windows-update-gets-stuck-or-frozen-2624439
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
3 years ago
Olychick...Thanks. light is flashing so the install isn't stuck. Article says I can try ctrl alt delete. Will give it another hour and try that
Elmer J Fudd
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Try olychick's suggestion, part of which describe better than I can what I do.

What I said wasn't exactly what I do, but what I do is more complicated and perhaps not suitable for all to follow. In case you're stuck, here's enough to try if you want:

When a PC seems stuck, I reboot it the "not recommended way" - I hold down the on/off switch for 10-15 seconds until it shuts off. Then restart it. While it's restarting, I hold down or press fast and repeatedly the F8 key. That should get you into starting choices in BIOS. Choose Safe Mode with networking.

The PC should boot up. Then go to Control Panel, find the Windows Update choice (I forget what the words are in the menu tree) and tell the PC to update Windows.

Or, a better choice if System Restore is enabled, trigger System Restore (NOT RECOVERY !) . Choose a date several weeks back. It will role Windows back before the failed update. Then after that concludes (can take 10-30 minutes, depending), you can trigger a Windows update the normal way or wait until it does it on its own. Keep the PC on for a few days to give it a chance to get back to normal.

Good luck.
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks guys for the help. Will try again tonight and let you know.

Related Stories

Help Me Design My Wine Cellar - Please!

HOUSEPLANTS Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Surprisingly Easy to Please

By creative jewish mom.com

This low-maintenance, high-impact houseplant fits in with any design and can clear the air, too

ORGANIZING Help for Whittling Down the Photo Pile

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Consider these 6 points your personal pare-down assistant, making organizing your photo collection easier

EXTERIORS Help! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways Cats Help You Decorate

By Molly Brandenburg

Furry felines add to our decor in so many ways. These just scratch the surface

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

COLOR Paint-Picking Help and Secrets From a Color Expert

By Tiffany Carboni

Advice for wall and trim colors, what to always do before committing and the one paint feature you should completely ignore

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: How to Edit Your Belongings

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn what to take and what to toss if you're moving to a smaller home

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 10 Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

By Mink Home Staging

As with the kitchen, the bathroom is always a high priority for home buyers. Here’s how to showcase your bathroom so it looks its best

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

Sponsored

More Discussions

Oh no! Another one!

611

Ninapearl -- An idea for my scoliosis twin

11

4/24 - Survivor and Amazing Race

7

I'll show you mine/you show me yours - Th 4/25/24

19

Armour Thyroid vs. Synthroid

11