Access is Denied when installing Service Pack 3

Access is Denied when installing Service Pack 3

The following errors are due to restrictions in one or more registry keys in a way that it prevents the Service Packs from updating the registry keys. Administrator accounts cannot alter if the registry key is restricted from some programs that change the SACL or the System Access Control Lists. For example, if the service packs are running under an Administrator account and cannot have access on restricted registry keys. If Windows Service Packs cannot update those keys because it is restricted by some programs, the update for the service packs will fail. For troubleshooting the problem, follow the steps below.

*Solutions are for intermediate to advanced users only.

* You must be logged-on as the computer Administrator. Or if the computer is part of a network or used for work, You might need to ask for the Administrator for help.

Step 1

Start your computer then go to Microsoft Download Center to download and install Windows XP Service Pack 3.

If the program you are running has a locked file, you may need to restart your system to try to unlock it. Then try to download and install the service pack.

If you are downloading SP3 with Windows Update and it always failed, you can download it from the Microsoft Download Center. After you download it, try to install it.

In order to download the Service Pack 3, you have to check the status of your computer if:

1. Windows XP Service Pack 3 can only be applied with a 32-bit operating system.
2. You have Windows XP Service Pack 1 or 2 pre-installed before installing the Service Pack 3.

If the above solution helps you fix the issue, you are finished. Otherwise proceed to Step 2.

Step 2

Restart your computer then turn off all the Antivirus or anti spyware running.

Warning! This next step may harm your computer as it will become vulnerable to different malicious threats. Use this at your own risk. Do not download or open any site that is malicious while your Antivirus is closed.

1. Restart your computer.
2. After restarting, disable any Antivirus programs running on your computer. Right-click the program on your notification area, and then click to close or disable the application.
3. After disabling the application, install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
4. After the installation of SP3, restart the Antivirus program again.

If the above resolution does not resolve your problem, contact your provider to continue with advanced troubleshooting.