UNSOLVED
Cannot install Windows XP SP3
Hi
I have been having lots of trouble installing Windows XP SP3 and have just about given up on the technical support from Microsoft. I've had several phone conversations where they've got me to do different things and they've used remote assist to do a few things too. So I think I've followed several of the 'Next Steps' in the instructions for when you have problems installing the program. The latest thing I've done today (on their instructions) was to use my original Dell Operating System disk to do a Repair. So I did that and tried installing SP3 again but still got the Access Denied error message and had to go through that software uninstall wizard thing yet again! So now I've only got Windows XP SP1 (instead of SP2 which I at least had before) and really don't know where to go from here. I am not very tech savvy. I've tried disabling and even uninstalling my CA Anti virus and Firewall on some of the occasions too.
Any help would be great as I don't feel too confident going back to the Microsoft Tech help (although they were very nice).
Susy
TheRealFireblad
4 Apprentice
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4639 Posts
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Posted November 27th, 2008 14:00
Susynew,
There's quite a bit of information on problems with SP3 installations, and workarounds, found here: http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19013803.aspx
You didn't mention the model of your Dell computer. That would be helpful, since there may be problems associated with a specific model's hardware when installing SP3.
You can create a Windows XP SP3 reinstallation CD for your system by slipstreaming SP3 onto a copy of your XP SP1 CD. The process isn't all that difficult as described here: http://lifehacker.com/386526/slipstream-service-pack-3-into-your-windows-xp-installation-cd
Hope this info helps.
Tony
JMICHAEL
1721 Posts
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Posted November 26th, 2008 07:00
That may be your only hope to go back to Microsoft since they offer free support for SP3. I had the same error on a computer also trying to install it. However, after being on the phone for around 1-2 hours they were able to fix it. I was told the registry was corrupted or changed by Anti-Virus programs which did not allow SP3 to install. They were also on my computer by remote and downloaded a couple of programs to repair the registry and set it back to its default settings. They also downloaded and installed the full file version of SP3 which was over 400MB if I recall instead of the smaller upgrade file. Again, Microsoft may be your only hope as I'm sure each situation is probably different.