windows 7 update stuck

See the previous solutions mentioned to the right of this post under "Related Topics".

You may have to force a reboot by turning the power off.

Try the updates again but temporarily disable any running Anti Virus and other security programs.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929135

How to repair the operating system and how to restore the operating system configuration to an earlier point in time in Windows Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212/#appliesto

If you can't get out of any update loop, try booting to Safe Mode to apply the suggested solutions.

Advanced startup options (including safe mode)
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Advanced-startup-options-including-safe-mode

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929135

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.  Try it first by not checking either box (Read-only mode) to see if it flags any hard drive or file problems.  If it does, start by ticking both boxes, in any further rerun.