[jon485]

I'm trying to install Service pack 3 for XP but it fails with the 'Access Denied' error. This happens with both Windows Update or by downloading the service pack instal file. When I tried the fix here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377 using subinacl and the batch file, it gets about 5 minutes into the registry updating process (or whatever it is) but then I get a blue screen error and the computer restarts. I've tried it more than once and the same thing happens. I really need Service Pack 3 installed. What do I do?

Other info:
All other updates from windows update are installed (the only one in the list is the service pack)
Disabled virus scanners etc and startup entries

[flavallee]

Originally Posted by jon485

All other updates from windows update are installed (the only one in the list is the service pack)

All other updates from Windows Update are NOT installed. If your computer has been using Windows XP SP2 all this time, it hasn't been receiving monthly updates since July 2010.

The SP3 upgrade was released in May 2008. Why have you waited so long to try to install it?

Besides the fact that XP is very outdated and lacking security enhancements and fixes with SP2, some programs won't install or update unless SP3 has been installed.

---------------------------------------------------------

[jon485]

Obviously I mean all the other updates up to SP3 have been installed and SP3 is the only option that comes up when I choose the 'Express updates' option.
The reason I'm trying to update SP3 now is because it's an old computer that hasn't been used in a while.

[DoubleHelix]

You can't install post-SP3 updates without SP3 installed. That means the computer is way out of date. Generally, Windows systems that haven't been updated in years need to be reinstalled due to malware and other system corruption. Assuming you're logged in with an administrator account, there's clearly some other permissions issue with system files and folders which can definitely be caused by corruption and/or malware.

I would suggest a full reinstall followed immediately by running Windows Update first applying SP3 and then the 100+ post SP3 updates.

[jon485]

No, there isn't any malware or at least a selection of several tools has failed to detect any. Also ran checkdisk which comes up clean. Can you be more specific in what you mean by 'other system corruption'? Unfortunately re-installing Windows isn't an option here, if it was I wouldn't have bothered posting this thread. Neither is 'buy another computer'.

By the way, I've just tried installing the service pack in safe mode and the same thing happened.

[flavallee]

Do the following so we can get a better picture of that computer and if any obvious issues(besides not having SP3) need to be addressed.

----------------------------------------------------------

Go here and click the green "Download latest version" link to download and save HiJackThis 2.0.4.

After it's been downloaded and saved, close all open windows first, then double-click the saved file to install it.

Allow it to install in its default location - C:\Program Files.

After it's been installed, start it and allow its main window to load.

Uncheck "Do not show this window when I start HiJackThis".

Click "Do a system scan and save a log file".

When the scan is finished in 30 - 60 seconds, a log file will appear.

Save that log file.

Return here to your thread, then copy-and-paste the entire log file here.

----------------------------------------------------------

Start HiJackThis.

Click on the "Open The Misc Tools Section" button.

Click on the "Open Uninstall Manager" button.

Click on the "Save List" button.

Save the "uninstall_list.txt" file somewhere.

It'll then open in Notepad.

Return here to your thread, then copy-and-paste the entire file here.

----------------------------------------------------------

What's the brand name, model name, and model number of that computer?

----------------------------------------------------------

[jon485]

As requested

Originally Posted by flavallee

Go here and click the green "Download latest version" link to download and save HiJackThis 2.0.4.

After it's been downloaded and saved, close all open windows first, then double-click the saved file to install it.

Allow it to install in its default location - C:\Program Files.

After it's been installed, start it and allow its main window to load.

Uncheck "Do not show this window when I start HiJackThis".

Click "Do a system scan and save a log file".

When the scan is finished in 30 - 60 seconds, a log file will appear.

Save that log file.

Return here to your thread, then copy-and-paste the entire log file here.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 00:09:04, on 26/03/2012
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HiJackThis\HiJackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\plugin-container.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskmgr.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://uk.red.clientapps.yahoo.com/c...o/bt_side.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://uk.red.clientapps.yahoo.com/c...rch.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = 127.0.0.1;*.local
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: GetRight IE Download Helper - {31FF080D-12A3-439A-A2EF-4BA95A3148E8} - C:\Program Files\GetRight\xx2gr.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NVMixerTray] "C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NVMixerTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UserFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -u
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-1214440339-1425521274-839522115-1008\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe (User '?')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-1214440339-1425521274-839522115-1008\..\RunOnce: [NeroHomeFirstStart] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Nero\Lib\NMFirstStart.exe" (User '?')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: NvMixerTray.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NvMixerTray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with GetRight - C:\Program Files\GetRight\GRdownload.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Open with GetRight Browser - C:\Program Files\GetRight\GRbrowse.htm
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1327265353265
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1327265330796
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol v.0 (experimental) (rpcapd) - CACE Technologies - C:\Program Files\WinPcap\rpcapd.exe

--
End of file - 5141 bytes

Originally Posted by flavallee

Start HiJackThis.

Click on the "Open The Misc Tools Section" button.

Click on the "Open Uninstall Manager" button.

Click on the "Save List" button.

Save the "uninstall_list.txt" file somewhere.

It'll then open in Notepad.

Return here to your thread, then copy-and-paste the entire file here.

µTorrent
7-Zip 4.42
Add or Remove Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium
Adobe Anchor Service CS3
Adobe Asset Services CS3
Adobe Bridge CS3
Adobe Bridge Start Meeting
Adobe BridgeTalk Plugin CS3
Adobe Camera Raw 4.0
Adobe CMaps
Adobe Color - Photoshop Specific
Adobe Color Common Settings
Adobe Color EU Recommended Settings
Adobe Color JA Extra Settings
Adobe Color NA Extra Settings
Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium
Adobe Default Language CS3
Adobe Device Central CS3
Adobe ExtendScript Toolkit 2
Adobe Extension Manager CS3
Adobe Flash Player 11 Plugin
Adobe Flash Player ActiveX
Adobe Fonts All
Adobe Help Viewer CS3
Adobe Illustrator CS3
Adobe InDesign CS3 Icon Handler
Adobe Linguistics CS3
Adobe MotionPicture Color Files
Adobe PDF Library Files
Adobe Photoshop 7.0
Adobe Setup
Adobe SING CS3
Adobe Stock Photos CS3
Adobe Type Support
Adobe Update Manager CS3
Adobe Version Cue CS3 Client
Adobe WAS CS3
Adobe WinSoft Linguistics Plugin
Adobe XMP Panels CS3
AHV content for Acrobat and Flash
Apple Application Support
Apple Mobile Device Support
Apple Software Update
ASIO4ALL
Bonjour
Burn4Free CD and DVD
Creative Mass Storage Drivers
Dawn of War - Dark Crusade
Day of Defeat
DC++ 0.699
DivX Content Uploader
DivX Web Player
Doom 3
DupeRAZOR 3.3
Duplicate File Finder 1.1.0.3
DVDx
Fraps (remove only)
GetRight
GoldWave v5.12
Google Earth
GTA San Andreas
Hardware Doctor
HiJackThis
Hotfix for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB953595)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB952287)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB961118)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB981793)
ID3-TagIT 3
iTunes
Java(TM) 6 Update 29
Logitech MouseWare 9.79.1
MechWarrior Vengeance
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft Document Explorer 2005
Microsoft Document Explorer 2005
Microsoft Office Access MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Access Setup Metadata MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007
Microsoft Office Excel MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Groove MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Groove Setup Metadata MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office InfoPath MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office OneNote MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Outlook MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office PowerPoint MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003
Microsoft Office Proof (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Proof (French) 2007
Microsoft Office Proof (Spanish) 2007
Microsoft Office Proofing (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Publisher MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Shared MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Shared Setup Metadata MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Word MUI (English) 2007
mIRC
Mozilla Firefox 11.0 (x86 en-GB)
MSN
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB936181)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB973688)
MSXML 6 Service Pack 2 (KB973686)
MyPhoneExplorer
neroxml
NVIDIA Drivers
OpenAL
Opera 9.26
PDF Settings
Quake III Arena
Quake III Arena Point Release 1.32
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB952069)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB954155)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB973540)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB978695)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2229593)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB890046)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB893066)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB893756)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896358)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896422)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896423)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896424)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896428)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896688)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB899587)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB899589)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB899591)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB900725)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB901017)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB901214)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB902400)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB904706)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB905414)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB905749)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB908519)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB911562)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB911927)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB913580)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB914388)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB914389)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB917344)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB918118)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB918439)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB919007)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920213)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920670)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920683)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920685)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB922819)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923191)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923414)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923561)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923689)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923980)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924270)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924496)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924667)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB925902)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB926255)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB926436)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB927779)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB927802)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB928255)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB928843)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB930178)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB931261)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB931784)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB932168)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB933729)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB935839)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB935840)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB936021)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB937894)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB938127)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB938829)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941568)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941569)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941644)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB943055)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB943460)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB943485)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB944338-v2)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB944653)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB946026)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB946648)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950762)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950974)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376-v2)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB952004)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB952954)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB955069)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956572)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956802)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956803)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956844)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB958470)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB958644)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB958869)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB959426)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB960225)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB960803)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB960859)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB961501)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB969059)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB970238)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB971032)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB971468)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB971657)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB971961)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB972270)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB973507)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB973869)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB973904)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB974112)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB974318)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB974392)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB974571)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB975025)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB975467)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB975560)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB975561)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB975562)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB975713)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB977816)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB977914)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB978037)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB978338)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB978542)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB978601)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB978706)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB979309)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB979482)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB979559)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB979683)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB980195)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB980218)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB980232)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB981350)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB982381)
Sony Vegas Pro 8.0
Steam(TM)
System Requirements Lab
Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB963707)
Update for Windows XP (KB894391)
Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
Update for Windows XP (KB900485)
Update for Windows XP (KB908531)
Update for Windows XP (KB910437)
Update for Windows XP (KB911280)
Update for Windows XP (KB916595)
Update for Windows XP (KB920872)
Update for Windows XP (KB922582)
Update for Windows XP (KB925720)
Update for Windows XP (KB927891)
Update for Windows XP (KB930916)
Update for Windows XP (KB938828)
Update for Windows XP (KB942763)
Update for Windows XP (KB942840)
Update for Windows XP (KB955759)
Update for Windows XP (KB967715)
Update for Windows XP (KB968389)
Update for Windows XP (KB973687)
Update for Windows XP (KB973815)
VideoLAN VLC media player 0.8.6d
Winamp
Windows Defender
Windows Genuine Advantage v1.3.0254.0
Windows Imaging Component
Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)
Windows Installer Clean Up
Windows Media Format Runtime
Windows Media Player 10
Windows Resource Kit Tools - SubInAcl.exe
Windows XP Hotfix - KB873339
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885250
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885835
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885836
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885884
Windows XP Hotfix - KB886185
Windows XP Hotfix - KB887472
Windows XP Hotfix - KB887742
Windows XP Hotfix - KB888113
Windows XP Hotfix - KB888302
Windows XP Hotfix - KB890859
Windows XP Hotfix - KB891781
WinRAR archiver
WM Recorder 11.0
Xvid 1.1.3 final uninstall

Originally Posted by flavallee

What's the brand name, model name, and model number of that computer?

Where would it say this info?

[flavallee]

That computer has no full-time antivirus program nor any programs for dealing with malware, spyware, etc.. There's also evidence of pirated downloading. Between both, that computer is probably infected. You really need to do a clean reinstall of Windows XP and get a fresh start.

-----------------------------------------------------------

[jon485]

Originally Posted by flavallee

That computer has no full-time antivirus program nor any programs for dealing with malware, spyware, etc..

Actually, uninstalling the antivirus was one of the first things I tried to get the service pack working. Normally I use AVG.

Originally Posted by flavallee

There's also evidence of pirated downloading. Between both, that computer is probably infected. You really need to do a clean reinstall of Windows XP and get a fresh start.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Sorry to say, but now it just looks like you want an excuse to say "you deserved it, reinstall Windows" which unfortunately is bunk because there is no pirated software on my machine. If you don't know the solution to my original problem (installing SP3) that's fine.

[Mark1956]

The presence of uTorrent on your system would suggest you have been downloading pirated software, music or videos, etc, as that is what uTorrent is used for. Any use of a file sharing client is putting your system at risk and is one of the easiest ways to get your system infected. It is wrong to assume that your system is not infected just because you have run several Anti Virus scanners as many of them will not detect some of the most recent Rootkit infections which are designed not to be noticed or seen by Anti Virus software.

As you have tried the registry fix from the link in your first post and it failed this would suggest your registry is damaged. I would suggest you try a repair install which will reinstall XP without loosing all your software and data.

If you slipstream your XP disc with SP3 it will also update the system at the same time. If that goes wrong then you may have to submit to a clean install as your only way out.

To run a Repair Install on XP which has Internet Explorer 7 or 8 installed you will first need to revert Internet Explorer back to IE6 or IE will not function after the Repair.
Follow this guide: Revert Internet Explorer back to IE6

Now check what Service Pack is included on your Windows XP installation disc.
The repair install will revert the Service Pack level back to what is included on the CD, so unless it has SP3 included it will save a lot of time downloading and installing updates, after the repair, if you create a copy of the XP disc with SP3 integrated into it.
Follow this guide to create a slipstreamed copy of XP to include SP3.

SATA drivers need to be included if you have a SATA hard drive, if you don't, simply skip that part of the instructions and only add the Service Pack.
Slipstream XP with SP3 and SATA drivers

Make quite sure you have a record of the XP Product key. It can normally be found on a Product Key sticker on the case of the PC. You may require this after the Repair to re-validate XP.
Use this guide to find the Key: How to find your XP Product Key
Follow this guide to run the Repair Install: XP Repair Install

As a precaution, in the event of something going wrong, you should back up all your important data from the hard drive to an external drive or CD/DVD's. If any errors occur during the Repair it may be necessary to run a format and clean install , in which case all data and installed software will be lost.

[DoubleHelix]

Originally Posted by jon485

Actually, uninstalling the antivirus was one of the first things I tried to get the service pack working. Normally I use AVG.



Sorry to say, but now it just looks like you want an excuse to say "you deserved it, reinstall Windows" which unfortunately is bunk because there is no pirated software on my machine. If you don't know the solution to my original problem (installing SP3) that's fine.

I'm always a bit skeptical when I see $2,000 worth of software on someone's computer......along with a bittorrent client. And an old operating system that hasn't been updated in years.

[flavallee]

Originally Posted by DoubleHelix

I'm always a bit skeptical when I see $2,000 worth of software on someone's computer......along with a bittorrent client. And an old operating system that hasn't been updated in years.

Exactly what I was thinking.

I've requested a Moderator to review this thread.

---------------------------------------------------

[valis]

Well, let's start here, I reckon.

Please run the MGA Diagnostic Tool and post back the report it creates:

• Download MGADiag to your desktop.
• Double-click on MGADiag.exe to launch the program
• Click "Continue"
• Ensure that the "Windows" tab is selected (it should be by default).
• Click the "Copy" button to copy the MGA Diagnostic Report to the Windows clipboard.
• Paste the MGA Diagnostic Report back here in your next reply.