Macbook stuck on grey screen during software update reboot
After I run my software updates, it tells me that I need to reboot to install them. However, it gets stuck on a grey "Software Update" screen. It will not allow me to force quit. I've even left the computer on overnight, still there. I have to do a hard shut down. Also, when I do boot it up and continue normal activity and attempt to do a normal shut down it takes me back to that grey Software Update screen. Even if I didn't try and run it for the day. Each time, hard shut down.
I took it to Geek Squad 2 weeks ago for this issue and a kernel error. They shipped it to Apple repair. They fixed the kernel error, but I cannot get this to update or remove the grey screen. I dread having to take it back in...but my warranty will expire next month. Any ideas? I am not getting the continuos spinning circle at that page or the Apple logo that I've read about.
Thanks!
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)