A Windows Vista-based computer restarts repeatedly after you install a security package

Consider the following scenario. You install a security package on a Windows Vista-based computer. Then, you restart the computer. In this scenario, the computer restarts repeatedly. Specifically, after you restart the computer, the Windows Vista startup screen appears. However, the computer then restarts instead of finishing the startup process.

This problem occurs if the security package is signed by using the method that is described on the following Microsoft Developer Network Web site:Note The security package that causes this problem may be offered by a third-party cryptographic service provider. A security package is a software implementation of a security protocol.

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Vista. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.Generally, you cannot recover the Windows Vista-based system after this problem occurs. This hotfix only prevents this problem. You must install this hotfix before you install the security package.

If this problem has already occurred, you must run a repair installation of Windows Vista.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, x86-based versions

Windows Vista, 64-bit versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: