ARCHIVED: When attempting to install Symantec Endpoint Protection, why does my computer tell me to reboot after I've already rebooted?

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Warning:

This contains instructions for editing the registry. If you make any error while editing the registry, you can potentially cause Windows to fail or be unable to boot, requiring you to reinstall Windows. Edit the registry at your own risk. Always back up the registry before making any changes. If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, do not attempt these instructions. Instead, seek the help of a computing support provider.

If you try to install Symantec Endpoint Protection on a computer with Windows 7 or Windows Vista (Home Premium or Ultimate) installed, you may receive a message saying:

"Pending system changes that require a reboot have been detected."

After clicking OK, however, the installation typically will stop, nor will rebooting the computer resolve the problem.

This behavior may occur because of a Windows registry value that is set to the following:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\PendingFileRenameOperations

To delete this value, follow the instructions in the Symantec knowledge base, and then try installing Symantec Endpoint Protection again. Do not restart your computer before retrying the installation.