updating to SP3

trying to install SP3. downloads, install runs (forever), verifies and
changes, gets to end: Access Denied. Tried this before with same result so
immediately after restart, tried again. I'm only laptop user, don't use
password sign in. Ideas?
--
pjr

A simple Google search of the error (which you failed to include, so I'm
guessing) would have found you this.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

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"pr" <pr@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4FD92DB8-2FA3-4023-B0F7-D40CC322D759@microsoft.com...
> trying to install SP3. downloads, install runs (forever), verifies and
> changes, gets to end: Access Denied. Tried this before with same result so
> immediately after restart, tried again. I'm only laptop user, don't use
> password sign in. Ideas?
> --
> pjr

First, make sure that your anti virus software isn't locking the registry
and preventing the installer from modifying the same.

Error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3: "Access is
denied" or "Service Pack installation did not complete"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

Also see:
How to reset security settings back to the defaults
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313222


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TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
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How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
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"pr" <pr@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4FD92DB8-2FA3-4023-B0F7-D40CC322D759@microsoft.com...
> trying to install SP3. downloads, install runs (forever), verifies and
> changes, gets to end: Access Denied. Tried this before with same result so
> immediately after restart, tried again. I'm only laptop user, don't use
> password sign in. Ideas?
> --
> pjr

David B. wrote:
> A simple Google search of the error (which you failed to include, so I'm
> guessing) would have found you this.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
>
FYI, I had the same problem on one of my computers. I used the procedure
under Advanced Troubleshooting in KB949377 because the simpler solutions
didn't work. I DID get SP3 to install, but could no longer burn CDs
after the update and also my file sharing settings were messed up. I
used System Restore to revert to a restore point made before I used the
procedure in KB949377 and things are now working again, but without SP3.

The procedure in KB949377 runs a lengthy script on the registry before
you install SP3. In retrospect, this is probably like using a shotgun to
kill a housefly. Be VERY careful to have a good backup first if you try
this, and then look very carefully after installing SP3 to make sure
there are no hidden problems. Good luck. (BTW, I had no problem
installing SP3 from Windows Update on 3 other machines.)

John
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"pr" wrote:

> trying to install SP3. downloads, install runs (forever), verifies and
> changes, gets to end: Access Denied. Tried this before with same result so
> immediately after restart, tried again. I'm only laptop user, don't use
> password sign in. Ideas?
> --
> pjr