If you have access to Windows Update, can you set it so it will not download any updates until you allow.
You may need to uninstall some of the updates to remove the one or ones that are causing the problem.
I always set mine up so it asks, and always double check any optional updates.
If you need to uninstall updates, open Control Panel-Programs and Features. Click on View installed updates, then start uninstalling them.
If you could determine which one was hanging your system, it would be good.
Also in the Control Panel is an Troubleshooter. Open it and look under System and Security for the Windows Update troubleshooter.
If you have Win 7 Ultimate and allow the language updates, it can take a while. I hide those so they don't keep trying to update.