Hewlett-Packard (HP) machines are often packaged with operating systems (OS) that maintain regular updates for security, corrections and even new features. Unfortunately, there situations where an otherwise routine update can go horribly wrong.

By understanding some of the causing and conditions of update failure, you can prepare a fix or at least know where to go for recovery:

Update Failure From Virus Interruption

Operating systems rely on a specific set of conditions in order to perform updates. The operating system version must match, and the files and directories being updated need to be correct. Unfortunately, a virus can ruin these relationships.

When a virus damages the system, it could corrupt specific files to the point of losing recognition. Some update patches can ignore the problem by simply installing the new files without replacement, but the virus may damage the new files in the process.

Many operating systems have a powerful virus scanning process that can clean the system before updating, but there's always a chance that a virus can slip through the cracks. At this point, you have three options:

• Perform a manual virus scan. Install your own virus removal program or take the computer to an HP third party maintenance professional for repair.
• Wipe the system. Instead of trying to remove the virus, start from scratch and install all updates as a new computer.
• Acquire a new system. If the old system cannot be repaired in time, another system can be used in its place until repairs or file transfers can take place.

The final option is usually not necessary for a virus problem, although a combination of viruses and existing hardware issues may make replacement a good choice.

Operating System Patch Mistakes

Operating system updates can be faulty for specific systems. Humans make mistakes, and human error occasionally causes major problems with some of the biggest commercial and consumer operating systems.

If you're lucky, your computer still works and you'll be able to revert to a previous version of your computer. Most major computer operating system brands have a rollback feature based on major changes and dates.

If your computer doesn't turn on properly or won't allow you to do anything, you'll need to enter a safe mode. Safe modes are ways of starting the computer with the bare minimum settings required to operate. From there, you can either uninstall the update or install a newer, fixed version. Follow the directions from your operating system's designer and look for news about update fixes to get the right version.

Contact an hp third party support professional if you run into any trouble with the repairs.