Windows SBS 2003 SP2 Install Error: Service Pack 2 Setup Error. Access is denied.

An application I recently installed required SP1 so I finally got around to upgrading our PowerEdge 1800 to SP1 of Windows Small Business Server 2003. A long and complex install wasn't helped by the fact that the instructions on the MS KBase were inaccurate. I finally found a doc with the proper procedure called Downloading and Installing Windows Small Business Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (if anyone is interested, you can find it here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/e/0/f/e0fee8ce-768d-41c0-8871-9bc48e0b3fc3/ToDownLoadFilesandReadInstructions.htm)

 

I got the app installed on the server .. but our backup hasn't worked properly since!!! I figured I may as well install SP 2 ... however, I receive this error message about 70% of the way through the install: Service Pack 2 Setup Error. Access is denied. When I clicked on OK, the message Service Pack 2 installation did not complete. Select OK to undo the changes that have been made. After the uninstall, I rebooted.

 

I found a doc on the MS KBase You receive an error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1: "Access is denied" ( http://support.microsoft.com/kb/873148). When I tried the first step, the verbose logging that is supposed to be enabled does not happen. So I am unable to find the registry key with the problem!

 

Any ideas on how to fix this?

 

Thanks very much,

 

John