This seems to occur when Windows Updates do not close out updates properly and when using Server Manager to automate the load of Exchange 2010 pre-reqs.
Microsoft Exchange Server setup cannot continue because a restart from a previous installation or update is pending.
The Exchange Server Analyzer reads the following registry key to determine whether a system restart is required after installation or removal of a software update such as a security update, critical update, or hotfix.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\UpdateExeVolatile
The Exchange Analyzer also checks the following registry key to determine whether a previous software update installation was not completed and the system must be restarted to finish the installation.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations
** Note: The above is most common - just delete the contents of the key and "retry" the Exchange 2010 Setup process.
The Exchange Analyzer displays an error message if one of the following conditions is true:.
-
The value of the UpdateExeVolatile registry key is anything other than 0.
- The PendingFileRenameOperations registry key has any value.
To delete the orphaned PendingFileRenameOperations registry key
- Open a registry editor, such as Regedit.exe or Regedt32.exe.
- Navigate to HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\
- In the right navigation pane, right-click the PendingFileRenameOperations key and select Delete.
- Close Registry Editor.
See original TECHNET Link for additional information:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc164360%28v=exchg.80%29.aspx