Windows 7: August Updates - help!

Ahh... just remembered. You can't do a repair install from safe mode or at boot. You can only do it from within Windows. I'm sorry I forgot that.

Marsmimar,
Well, I've got sp1 from an update. So I can't use my disk until it's removed. Can't remove it because wusa.exe is gone. If I'm going to do a total clean install over my last clean install, do I just use the tutorial?? Other ideas?
Thanks again, Wally

Wally, I know it's a hassle and a half, but considering all the issues plaguing your computer, I think a clean install is the best way to go. Even if you could somehow get into Windows and do a Repair Install, there's no guarantee that something won't be left behind that could corrupt things again.

Clean Install Windows 7

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

A couple of other suggestions ... and I offer them as someone who's been there, done that, and got the T-shirt. After you get your 7 reinstalled and it's time to get the Windows Updates, I'd install SP1 first. That will incorporate a bunch of pre-SP1 patches, hotfixes, etc. I'd get SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center and not rely on Windows Updates.

After SP1 installs use Windows Updates for the remaining 2,561 patches, hotfixes, etc. (It will seem like that many if you follow my suggestion.) Install just a few at a time - maybe 5 or so. After each group is installed, play around with the computer for a bit to make sure there are no problems. Then install the next 5. If you do discover a problem you've narrowed it down to one of 5 updates.

After you have everything set up again, I would strongly urge you to make a system image on an external hard drive. Yeah, it's gonna cost some $$$ but once you have a system image, if you ever experience a major computer meltdown again, you can be up and running in 30 minutes or less. Update the image every week or so (or when you make a major system change create two images - a before and after) and you'll never have to go through this hassle again.

I'm really sorry I couldn't be more help.

Really, you have been a big help. Yes, I dodged the image thing for a long time, and I'll do as you say. The tutorial exception then is to not let it look for or do updates until I get sp1 installed first. I like the 5 at a time, and manual control idea as well.
I'll let you know how it goes!
Regards,
Wallypedal

Did another install, and it all went OK. Thanks again, M. Now onto getting that image finally.

That's great news! Glad the reinstall went OK.

If you haven't imaged before you have a couple of options. I've used the built in Windows 7 imaging tool with great success. Made many images and have restored my computer from those images. All went without a hitch. But it's a very basic tool and doesn't have a lot of flexibility compared to say, Macrium free or Paragon free.

My suggestion, FWIW is to try the 7 imaging tool and see how you like it. It's pretty straight forward and it will image the entire hard drive including the reserve partition, main C: drive, and any other partitions you might have. And it will return your machine to that exact condition with no problems. You can make your primary (go to) image using 7 and then play around with the others so if something gets messed up you know you can get everything back in about 30 minutes or less. But don't forget to make the companion System Repair Disc just in case. If you have any questions or run into problems you can always PM me and I'll do my best to help.

How to Create a System Image in Windows 7

How To Restore Windows 7 from a System Image

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

Imaging with free Macrium

Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Overview