Windows XP Automatic Updates keeps asking for reboot

Question

I installed updates via Automatic Updates (I have it set to "Notify but let me choose which to install"). Then I rebooted as prompted. Immediately upon logging in I received the message "You must restart your computer for the updates to take effect." So I did.

Now it continues to give me this message every time I log in, even though no new updates have been installed. Any ideas on how to make it realize that no reboot is needed?

Answer 1

Found the solution. Here's what I did:

1. Deleted HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update\RebootRequired
2. Deleted HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\FileRenameOperations
3. Did a Registry search on HKLM\SYSTEM and deleted every PendingFileRenameOperations value found.
4. Restarted the Automatic Updates service.

Apparently there had been corruption in a few of the values, indicating a reboot was required even though it wasn't. Completed those steps and voilà! Problem solved!

Answer 2

You can try taking a look at this article.

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Try to disable Windows Update, restart ur system then re-enable.

Answer 3

Sometimes 3rd party security software can cause this, perform a clean boot Once the system restarts and cleanly boots, reverse the settings you changed in msconfig and reboot again, hopefully the message will be gone.

How to configure the system for a Clean Boot

Step 1: Start the System Configuration Utility Click Start, type msconfig in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.

Step 2: Configure Selective Startup options

In the System Configuration Utility dialog box, click Selective Startup on the General tab.

Click to clear the Load Startup Items check box.

Click the Services tab.

Click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box.

Click Disable All, and then click OK.

When you are prompted, click Restart.

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If you do not get it sorted out contact Microsoft via Free email support for Windows Update.