Can't install windows xp sp2

When I try to do it over windows update it just says "Failed!"
When I download it and try to install it says:
"The core system file (kernel) used to start this computer is not a Microsoft Windows file. The Service Pack will not be installed. For more information, see Knowledge Base article Q327101 at http://support.microsoft.com"
I went to the article it didn't help..
How do I fix this?

 

is there a reason youre trying to install SP 2?... you have read the threads telling all the horrible bugs and crashes its been causing right?

 

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2 Go here and check your computer against programs Microsoft has listed that may conflict with your computer .

 

Do you have a program installed that changes the Windows XP boot up screen. If so, uninstall it, reboot your system and try the SP2 install again. If you don't have a modified bootup screen, then try this, Select Start > Run > and type in "sfc/ scannow" without the quotation marks. Make sure to put a space between the forward slash and "scannow". Have your Windows XP cd handy as it may ask for it.
After the system file check is complete, restart your system and try the SP2 install again.

John