XP SP2 failing install/update

**jakkwb** · September 6th, 2006, 12:03 AM

I'm back Margaret:

Dell Dimension. Trying to update to XP SP2. Keep getting the following error message:

Service Pack 2 setup error:

The system cannot find the path specified.

When you OK it, I get this message:

Service pack 2 installation did not complete.

It then undo's everything.

It does this in normal mode and safe mode.

Any suggestions?

A

**Sneakers** · September 6th, 2006, 02:49 AM

jakkwb,
Where are you running the SP2 update from (burned CD; net share; original MS SP2 update CD)?
There are some stages before SP2 starts updating, after which stage does it fail (extracting the files from the SP2 cab; setup wizard; actual update)?

**MobilePCPhysician** · September 6th, 2006, 05:40 AM

Turn off, disable any anti-virus programs before running the update.

**street1** · September 6th, 2006, 06:13 AM

I'm back Margaret:

Brings back memories. Thank You.

http://susie1114.com/ItsMeagain.html

**jakkwb** · September 6th, 2006, 09:29 AM

I have tried it every way: from MS SP2 CD (original), from Windows update, and from complete download.

I have no anti-virus running on it during installation.

It fails during the actual update. It runs for quite a while before it dies.

Where is the SP2 installation log?

**procir154** · September 6th, 2006, 10:29 AM

I had same type problems when trying to upgrade to SP2 as well. Actually mine was failing with an "Access Denied Error". Not sure if it applies to your problem but I found this on Microsoft's website. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/873148

They have you check a couple logfiles associated with the update procedure, then enable verbose logging to give more detail when you attempt the update again. It was a long process but I was finally successfull in updating to SP2.

Hope it helps

Greg

**jakkwb** · September 6th, 2006, 11:26 AM

Thanks for the link, but I can find no "doregistryupdates failed" line in my svcpack.log

**Guts3d** · September 6th, 2006, 11:46 AM

I am sure you knew this, but if it is a laptop it has to be plugged in to A/C power or it will fail loading SP2.

**jakkwb** · September 6th, 2006, 01:43 PM

I did not know that. This is, however, a desktop.

"I can still bite you to death!" Holy Grail

**slgrieb** · September 6th, 2006, 04:28 PM

I think the most common cause of a failed SP2 installation is malware on the computer. I'd be sure the machine is clean before you install SP2. Is this the first installation of SP2, or are you re-installing after a repair installation of Windows or some such?

**jakkwb** · September 6th, 2006, 05:04 PM

The system would not boot when brought in. I first ran chkdsk, which found and repaired some errors. Then I had to run a repair install of Windows to get any kind of bootup.

Yah, I did (what I thought) was a good cleaning. LOTS of spyware/adware removed, and some viruses to boot. I have run tons of stuff on this, but of course I'm open for suggestions, since it still does not work perfectly.

Thanks for the help,

A

**slgrieb** · September 6th, 2006, 05:32 PM

You might try: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885626/en-us Start with the download of critical updates listed under Method 2, then re-install SP2. If you can get to the re-boot phase of the installation after this, and it still hangs, go back to Method 1 instructions.

**futuretech** · September 8th, 2006, 09:12 AM

Why not slipstream SP2 into XP create the cd and then run repair install so that it repairs the windows installation and puts SP2 on at the same time.
I have an Amd computer (older Duron 800) that bsod's every time i install a service pack but if i repair install with a SP2 version works everytime).

http://winsupersite.com/showcase/win...slipstream.asp

**jakkwb** · September 20th, 2006, 01:49 PM

Ok, I may try that in a bit. Here is what is happening now when I try the repair install with a Dell XP Home SP2 cd:

The signature for Windows xp home edition upgrade is invalid. The error code is # 800b0100. No signature was present in the subject.

I am NOT using an upgrade CD. Where did that come from?

So, here is my next question. What if I go ahead and do the full install of Windows over itself (an overlay install), without formatting? I know the data will stay, but will the start menu, user profiles,etc.... stick around?

Thanks everyone for the input,

A