xp service pack 3 failed install hangs

I am running wins xp sp2 and had Microsoft review my system and they recommened a cd disk for installing sp3. I purchased the cd.
Yesterday3-23-09 i stopped all programs firewall virus etc at 1400 hours I inserted the disk with sp3 . The installation seem to HANG Up but I let it run all night and it has not installed. it appears to be hung up. I checked windows task manager and it indicates it is still running.

Any suggestions on how to proceed. I check the control panel add and remove and it is listed there. Is it possible to delete the program from here?

I do not want to shut down for fear of a blue screen or no boot. I am a novice so any suggestions would be appreciated ( other than a new install )
thank you in advance

 

You should be able to click on "Cancel ", the install should stop and everthing should go back to the way it was.

Please read this thread
http://www.windowsbbs.com/windows-xp/72978-sp3-up-your-chances-good-install.html

 

Windows XP > xp service pack 3 failed install hangs

I wish it was that easy there is no cancel stop or anything else on the installtion screen for sp3.

I am afraid to just shut down for it may not boot, and i dont want to see the blue screen of death

 

Then I would go back to task manager and "End Task ". This should not cause any problems with your computer.

 

I've had lots of problems installing sp2 and sp3 from a disk. Even when the disk installed correctly on one machine! So, restart your PC and the install the service pack from online. That always works for me.

 

Hi Itried a couple of months ago to install sp3 online and it hung up. Opened case with Microsoft and they got me back fixed registry etc. Iwas told my microsoft to buy the disk which i did and it also hung up.
i backed up some files and just **** it off it came on and said it would remove sp3 and then do a restart.
i did restart and i am up and running.

I will not attempt to reinstall sp3 i will leave my pc as it is

thank you for your assistance