Can't install Windows XP SP3 or UPDATES on my T43p - SOLVED!

[mystiky]

I currently have a T43p (2668 model) and on numerous occasions I have tried to install Windows XP SP3 from an EXE file that I downloaded directly from Microsoft. It gets about 50% done and then I get an 'Unable to Acess" pop-up box, the process is aborted and it automatically un-installs whatever it had already done so up to the same point.

ALSO:

I have not been able to run Windows Updates for over 6 months.

I get an [Error 0X80070002]

if I try to do a Customer or Express install.

Otherwise, I have no issues with my machine.

Anyone have ideas?

[Neil]

Not really my idea, but Microsoft give this info regarding your error message:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310794

[RealBlackStuff]

I suggest you first extract the contents of XP SP3 to your hard disk.
Open a command line window (Start, Run, type cmd + ENTER in Windows XP; in Vista, just open the Start Menu and type cmd in Start Menu Search).
Then do these:
cd \ [ENTER]
md SP3 [ENTER]
Copy the Windows XP SP3 standalone installer (typically windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe in the US) to C:\SP3.
Then, using the following commands exactly, navigate to C:\SP3 and extract the files (Note that the text [ENTER] means hit the ENTER key):
cd \ [ENTER]
cd SP3 [ENTER]
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe -x:c:\SP3 [ENTER]
NOTE: NO space between the switch -x:c:\SP3 !!!!
Once that is finished, go to C:\SP3\i386\update and double-click on update.exe.
This will install Windows XP SP3. If you want IE7 or IE8, you need to run Windows Update later!
When finished, reboot the laptop. Delete the SP3 directory.

[mpcook]

Another thing to check is to make sure you have the most up to date BIOS installed first. I don't know why, but I had problems installing SP3 on a machine that had an earlier BIOS. It took just dumb luck, but when I updated the BIOS, never had a problem again. OTOH, not being able to run updates could be a reflection of Windows thinking it's not a legitimate licensed copy. There's an app on their website that you can run to verify your license.

Mike

[mystiky]

I suggest you first extract the contents of XP SP3 to your hard disk.
Open a command line window (Start, Run, type cmd + ENTER in Windows XP; in Vista, just open the Start Menu and type cmd in Start Menu Search).
Copy the Windows XP SP3 standalone installer (typically windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe in the US) to C:\SP3.
Then, using the following commands exactly, navigate to C:\SP3 and extract the files (Note that the text [ENTER] means hit the ENTER key):

cd \ [ENTER]
cd SP3 [ENTER]
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe -x:c:\SP3 [ENTER]
NOTE: NO space between the switch -x:c:\SP3 !!!!
Once that is finished, go to C:\SP3\i386\update and double-click on update.exe.
This will install Windows XP SP3. If you want IE7 or IE8, you need to run Windows Update later!
When finished, reboot the laptop. Delete the SP3 directory.

Well, it looked good for a minute there but...when it gets to the Updating the Registry keys, about 10 second later I get a "Access is Denied" box and no options except to hit OK. And then it begins to un-install itself.

I have checked that I am running the latest BIOS and other drivers.

So frustrating! Any other ideas? Maybe running the update in SAFE mode?

[mystiky]

Not really my idea, but Microsoft give this info regarding your error message:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310794

Hi Neil,

I did manage to fix the Windows Update issue. Thanks. But I am still unable to run the Windows XP SP3 update (see above).

So strange, but I guess my IBD was affected by the DELL issue on the "Windows Update" front?

[RealBlackStuff]

I forgot to tell/show you how to make the \SP3 directory. (see changes above).
Hope that was it...

[mystiky]

I forgot to tell/show you how to make the \SP3 directory. (see changes above).
Hope that was it...

The SP3 directory worked with the original way. It does extract with NO problems, and most of the install runs just fine until again, it starts writing the registry and then it just errors-out.

[stevenvh]

Well, something is obviously borked and window$ installer is freaked over it. Or you could have a corrupt download.
I suggest saving all personal stuff to DVD or USB drive and doing a thorough format of your system drive.

GL

[mystiky]

Well, something is obviously borked and window$ installer is freaked over it. Or you could have a corrupt download.
I suggest saving all personal stuff to DVD or USB drive and doing a thorough format of your system drive.

GL

I downloaded it as an EXE and also had Windows Update (after it was fixed uo) re-download and it tried to install the update.

Can someone tell me if I can try it in SAFE mode?

[RealBlackStuff]

I don't see why not.
Set a restore point, just in case.

[mystiky]

Just finally tried it in "Safe" mode, and same deal.... Uuuurrrgggh!

[mystiky]

Eurreeeka!

I found this:

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

I un-installed my anti-virus program, and still no go. I re-installed it back in.

Then I went and tried the "Reset the registry and the file permissions", upon completion of that, the Windows XP SP3 installed like a charm. So for those who may have the issue, PLEASE backup your registry and try this:

1) Start Notepad.
2) Copy and then paste the following text into Notepad.
cd /d "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Resource Kits\Tools"
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE /grant=administrators=f /grant=system=f
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_CURRENT_USER /grant=administrators=f /grant=system=f
subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT /grant=administrators=f /grant=system=f
subinacl /subdirectories %SystemDrive% /grant=administrators=f /grant=system=f
subinacl /subdirectories %windir%\*.* /grant=administrators=f /grant=system=f
secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\repair\secsetup.inf /db secsetup.sdb /verbose

3) Save this Notepad file as Reset.cmd.
4) Double-click the Reset.cmd file to run the script. Note This script file may take a long time to run. You must run this script as an administrator.
5) Install Windows XP SP3.