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SP3 Installation Problems

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by alistair, 2008/10/28.

  1. 2008/10/28
    alistair

    alistair Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I have a Toshiba Tecra S2 running XP SP2. I have tried three times to install the XP SP3 update but when it gets a little over 50%, the installation stops and a dialog box comes up saying "Access Denied OK ". Clicking OK starts the procedure to uninstall SP3.

    Can anyone suggest what may be causing this problem and how I can complete the SP3 installation? I have disabled my anti-virus software before each installation attempt.

    Thanks.

    Alistair
     
    alistair,
    #1
  2. 2008/10/28
    Ranger SVO

    Ranger SVO Inactive

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    Ranger SVO,
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  4. 2008/10/29
    alistair

    alistair Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks Ranger. Tried that but didn't work. Followed the steps given under advanced troubleshooting at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377 and it told me that some registry updates had failed. When I ran the batch program referred to in the above thread, I noticed that at one stage, there was reference in the text at the top to changes to something called Policy Secret\SAI (preceded by HKey etc that disappeared before I could write it down) having failed. I don't know if that was the registry update failure referred to.

    I don't know what to do next.

    Also, each time I try to install SP3, I lose some disk space. About 6GB of hard drive has gone since I started this process yesterday, and more disappears each time I try. I don't know how to get it back. Any suggestions?

    Alistair
     
    alistair,
    #3
  5. 2008/10/29
    alistair

    alistair Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I now have another problem. When the SP3 installation failed and was removed, a dialog box gave the message that Windows may not now work properly. That was correct - I have lost the wireless adapter. In Network Connections, the wireless LAN that has been there and in use until yesterday has disappeared. When I tried to reinstall the wireless adapter (Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG) driver, it said there was no physical adapter installed. Then I found that Device Manager will not run - I just get an empty window that is headed Device Manager but is otherwise completely blank.

    The SP3 update process is turning into a disaster - can anyone help?

    Thanks.

    Alistair
     
    alistair,
    #4
  6. 2008/10/29
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    If you have System Restore enabled I would give that a shot.
     
    PeteC,
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  7. 2008/10/29
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi alistair. Try the following steps below:

    1. Download and run ATF Cleaner from here, http://www.majorgeeks.com/ATF_Cleaner_d4949.html. Run the program and click select all, then click the empty selected button to clear all the temporary files on your computer.

    2. Since the Microsoft KB article didn't fix your Windows XP SP3 Access Denied message try this method. Download and run dial a fix from here, http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4899.html. Run the program. When it opens click the policies button. It will scan for any restrictive policies. Remove them if it finds any. Next in dial a fix's main window click the button that looks like a hammer to launch dial a fix's advanced tools. Scroll down and select the option to repair permissions. Once its selected hit Go and let dial a fix run. After the process is completed then close dial a fix.

    3. Open My Computer and navigate to the following directory, C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download. Delete all the contents of the folder but do not delete the download folder itself. Next, close the my computer window and empty your recycle bin.

    4. Download the stand-alone version of Service Pack 3 from here, http://softwarepatch.com/windows/windows-xp-service-pack-3.html. Save the download to your desktop but do not run it yet.

    5. Once the SP3 installation file is saved to your desktop then reboot your computer.

    6. After your computer has rebooted shut down all backround programs that are running next to your system clock in the lower right hand corner of your screen.

    7. After thats all finished try to install Service Pack 3. :)
     
    Evan Omo,
    #6
  8. 2008/10/30
    alistair

    alistair Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Many thanks Evan. I followed your instructions exactly and it all went perfectly. Not only did I install SP3 but I got back the missing functions and gained 4GB of disk space! I'm very grateful.

    I presume I can run ATF cleaner from time to time to get rid of stray files without danger.

    Alistair
     
    alistair,
    #7
  9. 2008/10/30
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Great. I am glad you got SP3 installed successfully. You can run ATF Cleaner whenever you want. I run it to get rid of all the junk files on my computer and its very useful. Its always nice to hear a happy ending. :)
     
    Evan Omo,
    #8

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