Microsoft fixes Vista SP1 endless reboot cycle

Microsoft is resuming automatic distribution of a Vista Service Pack 1 prerequisite update that previously sent some users of the operating system into an endless reboot cycle during installation.

The problematic update — Servicing Stack Update (KB937287) — was pulled from the automatic update in February.

However, now Microsoft has the problem in hand, according to the Microsoft Update team blog: "We discovered that there were a few unknown and rare events during the middle of the installation of the update that could cause the update to think it needed a reboot to complete the installation. If this happened, the system entered a repeating reboot loop."

A fix is being released on Tuesday which will install prior to the problematic update and prevent the system from rebooting during installation. Changes have also been made to the Servicing Stack Update installer code so it checks for the fix before installing. Both updates will install in the proper order through Windows Update.