Back in the startup again (and again and again...)

You have a System Repair CD, not an Installation DVD.

It sounds like it repaired the problem until you installed Updates at reboot, correct? You should have a System Restore point any time you install Updates, so if there is a problem with the Updates installing, System Restore and install the Updates one-by-one until you find the one which is causing the problem, then open a Support Case on WIndows UPdates website to resolve that Update via email.

If this is not the full problem, or doesn't solve it, I would find or borrow a Win7 installation DVD to clean reinstall the OS after backing up files externally and wiping the HD of all code: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation. I have found this is always a superior install on an eMachine which never integrates factory preinstalled bloatware or utilities well.

We are not allowed to link to the Win7 installation ISO here but you can search for it on a safe site like Digital Life which hosts official downloads. Follow these steps to get a perfect reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

So should I Factory Default again, or run the Repair disc? Both undue the updates, but one lets me keep Internet access without worry is why I'm asking.

Again, you need to run System Restore to before you installed the Updates. Every batch of Updates sets a System Restore point.

Restore to before the Updates and then install them in small batches or one-by-one until you find the problem Update, do not install it but open a Support case on WIndows Updates website.

gregrocker said:

Please post up your exact make/model. You have eMachine, correct? I think Ray confused it for Acer.

Acer, Gateway,eMachine, P.Bell are the same OEM manufacturer.

gregrocker said:

Again, you need to run System Restore to before you installed the Updates. Every batch of Updates sets a System Restore point.

Restore to before the Updates and then install them in small batches or one-by-one until you find the problem Update, do not install it but open a Support case on WIndows Updates website.

All right, will do. It may be a while before I can update you. Also, Digital Life is currently under construction; do you know how long it usually takes?

theog said:

gregrocker said:

Please post up your exact make/model. You have eMachine, correct? I think Ray confused it for Acer.

Acer, Gateway,eMachine, P.Bell are the same OEM manufacturer.

Ray does eMachine use the same procedure for running Factory Recovery? OP says he has run it twice but could not find the folder in the Acer REcov links you posted.

Also he needs to make Recovery Disks in case REcovery stops running since he is depending upon it and has no backup method without the Recovery DIsks made off that partition.

KBT said:

All right, will do. It may be a while before I can update you. Also, Digital Life is currently under construction; do you know how long it usually takes?

The link is still up and working. Google Digital Life + Official Win7 downloads

It would be worth checking the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
HD Diagnostic

All right, two days in a row without any updates, and the only oddity was a blue screen immediately after restoring to factory default, which also happened the prior two times (something about a startup error; I blinked and it was gone, then the computer restarted on its own). If it really was a problem associated with updates, and if my computer runs normally without any, can I just not update and go about normally?