Windows 7: Updates Problem

After being messed up for about 6 hours, and getting help on the upgrades forum, I'm ready to do a clean install over a clean install -- I think. Would I be better off to reformat and really start fresh? What do you suggest I do? Problems now:

1. Desktop opens, nothing works
2. Can't get to safe mode anymore, I did for awhile
3. Can't uninstall sp1 cuz wusa.exe is gone; upgrade disk won't repair after sp1 was applied through online update
4. Restore points are gone
5. Got to hunt for my key code for my valid upgrade disk from HP

Thanks! Wallypedal

I would suggest you find an exact version that matches the Windows 7 key you own on the inerwebz and be sure it already has SP 1 integrated to do the clean install with, have a look through the information in this tutorial linked below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key

Have you tried running Startup Repair repeatedly with reboots to see if it can sort and then fix your issues?

If you've got stranded files, you can copy them out this way using Repair CD or DVD: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console

Then these steps to get a perfect clean reinstall. They were written for preinstalled factory OEM but can easily be adapted for retail Windows 7: Reinstalling Windows 7

All done, thanks for the suggestions! I found my upgrade envelope with code, stored where it should have been, doh. Went ahead and re-installed and ran all the updates. So my problem is solved, but the issue of hung up updates messing things up for me for a couple days is still out there!

Good to see you got it sorted and thanks for the update.

Check you have apportioned plenty of space for Updates so that more of them hang around longer: System Protection - Change Disk Space Usage. I suggest 20%.

If Updates hang again, System Restore to before the problem using the booted Repair CD if necessary: System Repair Disc - Create

Then install the Updates in one by one or in smaller groups to find out which one is the problem, start a Support Case via email on the Windows Updates Help website.