XP SP3 No Access

[Yankee fan]

Hi --- Windows XP SP3 tried to install automatically today and it got half way through and I received SP3 access errors and then it removed itself and told me that windows XP was partially updated and may not run properly. I did a System Resore and went to the Windows update page and downloaded SP3 manually, but got exactly the same result

I have a DELL Dimension 4700, 3,4 GHZ, 2 GB RAM Windows XP SP2,

Any igeas on how to get it installed properly?

[Kov-Ice]

Rather than using Windows Update, I downloaded SP3 from the MS website to install it manually from a folder. You can find that download HERE, though you may want to wait for a second opinion before proceeding.

[Yankee fan]

I finally was able to try the suggestion and I got the same "Access is Denied" error. Is this an issue with XP Service Pack 3?

[glc]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

You have already tried method 1, right?

[Yankee fan]

GLC --- Yes, I have, and I found the same "link" that you have put in your response, but I am having difficulyties trying # 2 & #3 because I am not an expert at this by any means...
On #2, I have McAfee Total Security, and I can't find any way to "turn it off" for the period of time to install SP3! I used to have Norton, and there was always a way to "temporarily turn off the anti-virus", etc. But I can't find anything like that with the McAfee. I'm feeling pretty lame right now...

On #3, I downloaded the indicated program and then I opened NOTEPAD, pasted the text into the NOTEPAD window, name the file "Reset.cmd" , saved it to my desktop, and then double-clicked on it, just as it says, and all that happens is the window "opens" again showing me the text I just placed in it. Nothing "runs". I'm sure I am doing someting wrong --- saving it in the wrong place or naming it incorrectly. I even tried START --- RUN --- Reset.cmd, but I just get an error telling me it can't find "Reset.cmd...

[glc]

*Uninstall* McAfee.

When you save that notepad file, you have to choose Save As, change the drop box for Save As Type to "All Files", then put "reset.cmd" in quotes in the file name window. You saved it as reset.cmd.txt.

You have to install the file you downloaded first.

[Yankee fan]

GLC...I chose option # 3 because I didn't want to uninstall McAfee.

Once I understood how to save the Reset.cmd correctly (thanks to you!), all worked like a charm and SP3 installed with NO PROBLEMS AT ALL! The "Reset.cmd" does take a long time to run. Several times it looked like it was finished and I was tempted to close it, but I didn't. You just have to wait till the screen closes itself, and then you are fine.

You should keep these instructions around, as they are easy to follow (once you know how to save the Reset.cmd properly).

Thanks, again, to you and PCMech!

[glc]

I still think you should get rid of McAfee - it's a pain in the neck and not really that good anyway.