SP2 will not complete install

I get the following error box after several minutes:

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Service Pack 2 Setup Error

Service Pack 2 installation did not complete.

Select OK to undo the changes that have been made.
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Because of this I am unable to update IE and several other apps.

 

SP 2 is more of an operating system overhaul than an update. As such, the system needs some preparation before starting the installation.

It must be absolutely, 100% free of malware...both spyware and viruses. Run scans with at least two good spyware removal tools and let them remove all they find.

Four good free ones are Ewido, Microsoft Windows Defender, Spybot and Ad-Aware.

Even if you've run a virus scan with an up-to-date antivirus program, it won't hurt to run another. Free online scans are available at Bit Defender, Panda.

Once you're sure the system's clean, temporarily disable any and all antispyware and antivirus programs you may have running in the background. They can interefere with SP2 and may be the source of the problem you're having.

 

Also check the Anti Virus/Boot Sector Protection option in CMOS setup should be 'Disabled'.

 

I do have AV running and did try more than one.

Before running SP2 the last time I ran an app called EndItAll that closes most of the running programs. Same problem.

 

Have you tried the installation with the AV temporarily disabled?

 

I tried with EVERYTHING not working even once in SafeMode

I will be putting all the SP2 problems on hold until I am forced to (1) re-install XP and SP2 or (2) install Vista whenever it is shown to be OK.

 

Have you tried copying the SP2 into a folder in hdd & running setup from there ?