"Preparing to configure windows" Message EVERY time I boot up

[karlsnooks]

Just to let you know after the last round of Windows Updates I now too get this "Configuring Windows Update" each and every time I startup.

History, I have a fully legit and registered copy of Windows Home Premium 64 bit that I purchased directly from the Microsoft Store.

About 6 months ago (about a year after I upgraded my laptop to this OS) I began getting errors that my version of Windows wasn't valid. I spent countless emails and phone calls with Microsoft TS to get the issue resolved, but never really got it resolved. I finally installed a hack that prevents Windows from checking authenticity. I felt bad having to do that but since it IS a Legitimate copy, and I DID go through Due Dilligence with Microsoft, I felt it was justified.

That was about three months ago, and now after the most recent round of Windows Updates, now I'm getting this Configuring Windows Update message every time I start up which delays my startup for an additional 1-2 minutes.

I've read this thread but I'm still not sure what I should do.

What should I use to do a deep scan for Malware before I try and fix the missing registry stuff.

That's the way that Windows Activation Technology (formerly known as Windows Genuine Advantage) works. Your program to remove the WAT is not a permanent fix.

I suggest you start a fresh post addressing your "validation" problem.
This fresh post will then most probably be seen by our experts in this area.

 

[NoelDP]

I can guess which hack it was - please post an MGADiag report after removing the hack. Most problems with WGA can be solved farily simply, despite what MS likes to say

If you can't remove the hack for any reason, please post a report anyhow - I may be able to assist.

To properly analyse and solve problems with Activation and Validation, we need to see a full copy of the report produced by the MGADiag tool
(download and save to desktop - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 )
Once saved, run the tool.
Click on the Continue button, which will produce the report.
To copy the report to your response, click on the Copy button in the tool (ignore any error messages at this point), and then paste (using either r-click/Paste, or Ctrl+V ) into your response.
- **in your own thread**, please
Please also state the Version and Edition of Windows quoted on your COA sticker (if you have one) on the case of your machine (or inside the battery compartment), but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
How to Tell

 

[Hikertrash]

I believe you can beat this by deleting the pending.xml file located @ C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml

I've only done that on vista not win 7 so you may want to back up the file to another location before removing it. Just in case.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This had been driving me nuts since I believe one of the most recent MS updates to update the updater!

I've been reluctant to restart with the only fix starting in safe mode then restarting. First attempt with your fix brought me straight to my desktop without a endless "Preparing to Configure Windows" message.

 

[chewtah]

I have similar problems and things in my registry sometime shows 'registry values not set' it's neither 0 or 1, I can't see that being any good.

 

[wben353]

Chewtah

Before starting a new thread please read and follow the instructions below.

• For Windows genuine and activation problems - Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions
• For Windows Update problems - Windows Update Posting Instructions

Please remember to start your own thread - Do not hijack somebody else's!!!

 

[chewtah]

Sorry, more careful next time.

 

[wben353]

No problem, I make boo boos all the time!