My issue:
ISSUE #3: when running Setup.exe for Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 you may experience the error:
Setup is unable to proceed due to the following error(s):
A system restart from a previous installation or update is pending. Restart your computer and run setup to continue.
For the list of pre-requisites needed to install the product please refer to:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=106209
Correct the issue(s) listed above and re-run setup.
Check the value of the following Registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\UpdateExeVolatile – if the value of the UpdateExeVolatile Registry key is anything other than 0 you will see this message.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations – if the PendingFileRenameOperations Registry key has any value you will see this message.
To remove an orphaned UpdateExeVolatile registry key value
1.Open a registry editor, such as Regedit.exe or Regedt32.exe.
2.Navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\
3.In the right navigation pane, double-click the UpdateExeVolatile key.
4.Configure the key with a value of 0
5.Close Registry Editor.
To delete the orphaned PendingFileRenameOperations registry key
1.Open a registry editor, such as Regedit.exe or Regedt32.exe.
2.Navigate to HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\
3.In the right navigation pane, right-click the PendingFileRenameOperations key and select Delete.
4.Close Registry Editor.
*UPDATE* 3/29/2011
“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOptions”
can ALSO be a culprit..