Automatic restart on ThinkPad software update

I've got a Vista 64-bit T61. Today there was a list of ThinkPad software updates so I said do them, and watched the progress for a while, but then started working on some other stuff and suddenly the machine restarted and there was nothing I could do about it. I had a bunch of stuff open and could have lost hours of work and this is one of the most annoying things ever. I've worked with computers for decades and never had one suddenly restart on me until Vista (Windows update was also doing this for a while, but I thought I succeeded in turning their automatic restarts off). What caused this automatic restart? Why the hell doesn't it ask me if I want to restart now, like any updating program with the tiniest bit of courtesy would do? (And not do it unless I say yes?) And is there any way to insure that this never happens again?

Hi, greg.
The following conditions can result in problems after applying a Software Update:
• You apply a Software Update to a drive which has a corrupted directory.
• The Update fails to install completely, or you abort the installation while it is in progress.
In most cases, this can leave you with a wholly corrupted operating system.
Here are some steps you can try:
• I suggest you begin troubleshooting by running the Procedure specified in my "Resolving Disk, Permission, and Cache Corruption" FAQ. Perform the steps therein in the order specified. At a minimum, perform Steps 1-3.
• An errant Startup or Login Item maybe the cause. My "Troubleshooting Startup and Login Items" FAQ can help you pin that down if such an item is causing the problem.
Generally, the only way to recover from a failed Software Update is to reinstall the operating system using the Archive and Install process. See my "General advice on performing an Archive and Install" FAQ.
Before installing future Software Updates, you may wish to consider the advice in my "Installing Software Updates" FAQ. Taking the steps therein before installing an update often helps avert problems and gives you a fallback position in case trouble arises.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
Note: The information provided in the link(s) above is freely available. However, because I own The X Lab™, a commercial Web site to which some of these links point, the Apple Discussions Terms of Use require I include the following disclosure statement with this post:
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

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Message was edited by: Host

Run the repair disk setting from the install disc. To use the Install Mac OS X disc, insert the disc, and restart your computer while holding down the C key as it starts up.
Select your language.
Once on the desktop, select Utility in the menu bar.
Select Disk Utility.
Select the disk or volume in the list of disks and volumes, and then click First Aid.
Click Repair Disk.
I have notified the Host to remove your email address. Never post your email address in a public forum to avoid getting spammed or worst.
Message was edited by: CMCSK
Message was edited by: Host

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My MacBook pro did not restart after the software update

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Kappy wrote:
Now, were I a mindreader this wouldn't be an issue, but unfortunately, I'm not.
WHAT??? Now that's a disappointment! I was sure the all-seeing, all-knowing Prof. Kappy would instantly discover the problem thru time and space....
Ok, back to the issue at hand, the Prof. is right. In none of the OP's participation, nor in any of his choir of followers save mommy power is there the least hint of what Apple product is failing. While y'all get a move on and disgorge the details, may want to try a Safe Boot. Hold down the Shift key prior to the startup chime and wait awhile. IF it starts, then it means you have some third-party software that's causing the problem. Else there's a strong probability a complete reinstall will occur in your near future.
In the future and in spite of what some purists may say, be sure to service the system disk BEFORE patching. By "service" I mean booting up the Mac using your Install DVD (Snow Leopard or priors) or booting in Recovery Mode (Command R, in the Lions and successors), running the Disk Utility found in that mode and doing a Repair Disk and Repair Disk Permissions. Until NO errors show up. Cause patching up an already damaged system will only make things worse.

Application to restart computer when needed after software updates

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Hi,
Windows Update itself have this configuration. You could push the corresponding group policy to achieve it:
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find No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations
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http://blogs.technet.com/b/mu/archive/2008/10/02/windows-update-and-automatic-reboots.aspx
Karen Hu
TechNet Community Support

Automatic restart on ThinkPad software update

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