Frozen laptop on 'boot after updates'

Update bombed at 98%. Msg displayed ..."Failure configuring Windows Update
Reverting Changes
Do not turn off your computer"
It has been going round and round for days.
I tried turning off the laptop but it just 'boots' back to the same message.
What can I do...?????
Cheers - Arlo

Hi Arlo,
Welcome to the forums, you could try refresh, reset or a Repair Install.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/26095-repair-install-windows-8-a.html

Thanks for that - my problem however is that I cannot get to any other screens ....even if I 'hard' shut the laptop off and restart.
I need to be able to interrupt the boot so that I can at least do a safe boot

Try disconnecting mains, remove the battery, press power button for 20-30 secs , install the battery, connect the mains and boot.

Thanks for that ....I will give it a try
Cheers - kim

Thank you, thank you ....worked beautifully! !!
Cheers - kim

You are welcome