Software Update Froze - No Desktop, No Toolbar

[John Doe 57]

PROBLEM:
I installed the most recent Java and Security Updates for Mac OS 10.5.8 today. While it was going, I left to go take a shower and when I returned 20 minutes later, the computer had gone to sleep on the blue screen with a spinning wheel.

I waited a few more minutes but nothing happened. I restarted the computer but it failed to get to my desktop and told me that Spotlight had quit unexpectedly. I restated again and it got to my desktop but there were no icons or a toolbar and again it told me that Spotlight had quit unexpectedly. I restarted a third time but it failed to get to the desktop.

I tried Safe Boot, but again, no desktop.

QUESTION:
Should I do an Archive and Install or are there other less drastic maneuvers I could peruse in this situation? Thanks.

17" MacBook Pro 2008
2.6GHz, 4GB

 

[JediMeister]

You can try running Disk Utility, but startup issues usually end up with reinstalling the OS or restoring from the Time Machine backup from just before the problem arises.

 

[John Doe 57]

I ran Disk Utility and it found the hard drive to be normal. I reinstalled the OS and now its fine. That was annoying.