Frst things first if not updated in a while install xp service pack 3:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

Says for IT professionals but works on one computer fine.

Office xp service pack 3, try installing this after xp service pack 3:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=85af7bfd-6f69-4289-8bd1-eb966bcdfb5e&DisplayLang=en

Also windows media player 11:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/results.aspx?pocId=&freetext=windows%20media%20player%2011&DisplayLang=en

Internet explorer 7 should be offered in windows update after xp service pack 3.

Also a black xp and media centre edition colours for xp home/professional/media centre are available here:

http://www.istartedsomething.com/20061029/royale-noir/

Let us know if it lets you install updates after the upgrade to xp service pack 3.

Thanks so much for your help. Almost there but the intall still failed. Here is what I did.

1. I followed the instructions to download and install the XP service pack 3. This installed just fine.

2. I tryed to install the Office xp service pack 3 client-enu.exe and that failed. I got the same error message to in insert the Microsoft word 2002 disk.

3. I then tried to install the Full Office xp service pack 3 and the same error message came up to insert the the Microsoft word 2002 disk.

Please help! Still stuck.

Thank you, Mariah-1

Does it still work?

Or would you not be better upgrading to office 2003 or 2007?

I mean is there any significant improvement on the office updates?

Another thing to consider although I'm not a big fan of it is open office.

It is very similar to office 2003 but it is free http://www.openoffice.org/

However its load time is dependant on java and takes longer to open up.

Its free to download so may be worth a try if you want.

My set up: Inspiron 6400 with office 2007.

Note office 2007 looks significantly different to other versions of office go here to have an online sample test: http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/products/HA101687261033.aspx

Although wouldn't buy it direct from microsoft they overcharge.

I still get the error message. The computer works fine but I keep getting that automatic update saying updates are available for your computer and it is the Service pack 3 update again. Do I need it or do you recommend I update to office 2003 or 2007 and if so, how would you recommend I do it.

Thanks so much Mariah-1

Thank you so much. I will just do that. I really do appreciate your help!!

Mariah-1

Office 2003 and 2007 are probabally better. I have office 2007 running on my inspiron 6400.

You need to purchase office 2003 or 2007 from somewhere, it depends what office programs you use and how often you use it whether its worth the upgrade.

Cheapest office 2007 professional I've found is http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Office-2007-Pro-Professional-Retail-Box-NEW_W0QQitemZ120267682015QQihZ002QQcategoryZ41853QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But office 2007 may give you problems with with formatting in files if all your files are office 2002 format.