Have you installed this:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2561285
Phil
From: Support issues for windows in UK HE & FE [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mike Collett
Sent: 30 October 2012 21:00
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Windows 7 hanging at "Applying Computer settings" and similar messages
Hi all
The Windows 7 computers in some our labs have started hanging on occasions with the message "Applying Computer settings" or “Please wait for Group Policy Settings”. We have found that booting into safe mode and the rebooting without even login in fixes the problem for a while. However, the issue soon returns. Has anyone experience a similar issue? If so how did you fix it.