Question : Windows 7 - hangs @ "Please Wait" during boot

My primary workstation is running Windows 7.  Everything was working reasonably well until yesterday, when I performed a "shutdown and install updates."  Upon trying to boot back up, the system hangs at the "please wait" screen, never affording me the prompt to login.

I can boot to safe mode ok.

I have tried booting in diagnostics mode with no services or startup items - same problem.

I can boot into "directory services restore mode" (I don't even understand what this option means on a workstation but I tried it for giggles) which provides proper video resolution, and applications run, but I have no network access.

I have tried the "Startup Repair" diagnostics in "Repair Your Computer" which tell me that "Boot status indicates that the OS booted successfully."

I have tried sfc /scannow from the command prompt, which yields a "Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service."

I have tried a restore point to the date BEFORE the shutdown/update.  No change (why is restore point so rarely effective???)

I'm about ready to sped a few hours reloading my OS and many apps.

The real shame is that I had planned to make an image right after the reboot...too late.

Answer : Windows 7 - hangs @ "Please Wait" during boot

Even with NO services enabled (including Microsoft's) I do not get the logon prompt.  When I looked at the installed updates, it said there were none (keep in mind this is in DS Restore mode) which I know is wrong.

I've already reinstalled the OS and Office.  Now to reinstall the other 20 apps, copy my data & bookmarks back over, configure email, etc.

Obviously I will not be able to make continuing efforts to see if anything else resolves the issue, but perhaps this thread should remain for anyone else having this difficulty?