Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) Setup Error: Access is denied.

As we all know Microsoft has released the final version of Windows XP SP3 to public and its available via Automatic Updates, Windows Updates and Downloads Center.

Earlier we posted about it at following link:

Windows XP SP3 RTM Available on Windows Update, Automatic Update and Download Center

You can download the SP3 from the above mentioned link.

A few ppl are facing a problem while installing SP3. Whenever they try to install it, Windows shows following error message:

Service Pack 3 setup error. Access is denied.

Service Pack 3 setup error. Service Pack installation did not complete.

If you are also facing the same problem, then follow these simple steps and your problem should be solved:

1. Download and install the Subinacl.exe file from here.

2. Open Notepad and paste following code:

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%\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose

3. Save the file with name "SP3.bat".

4. Now right-click on the file and select "Run as administrator". It might take some time to complete.

5. After completion, restart your system and now you should be able to install SP3.

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This article was posted in Troubleshooting, Windows XP.

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89 Comments

MJK DUBLIN

Thank you RMGALLEYI tried all the above with no success until I uninstalled SpysweeperI could then install SP3 without any hassle - thanks again
MJK DUBLIN

Thank you RMGALLEYI tried all the above with no success until I uninstalled SpysweeperI could then install SP3 without any hassle - thanks again
MJK DUBLIN

Thank you RMGALLEYI tried all the above with no success until I uninstalled SpysweeperI could then install SP3 without any hassle - thanks again: lol:
MJK DUBLIN

Thank you RMGALLEYI tried all the above with no success until I uninstalled SpysweeperI could then install SP3 without any hassle - thanks again: lol:
PJ

Hilarious fix Vishal. I can see what it does - attempts to hand the admins back global access to everything, which lets face it, they should have had in the first place.I salute your godlike greatness in thinking of this - while others are umming and ahing about which key might be stuck you have just rest them all! Here's hoping it works for me as the odd key stuck fast due to being use. Still - it's a fair idea win or lose and better than a 300MB download and fresh install, so thanks regardless.PJ
John Miller

The Fix worked Perfectly!!!
PJ

Update on my fix. It did not work immediately. Here is my winning combination for anyone with a PC still stuck!

(This is for REALLY stuck PC's only - try Vishal's fix alone first)

1. Download the 300MB "network install" version of the install from Microsoft so you can have multiple goes at a fix on stuck machines if necessary.
It is called: WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe

2. Put it on a hard drive or CD root directory (e.g. "D:\") for easy access.

3. Fully delete low level spy weepers such as Spybot or Spysweeper completely.

4. Set up Vishal's suggested batch file but do not run it

5. Take the machine off the network. If you are unsure how to do this just pull the wire out or flick the switch on the wirless connection either in software or by a physical button if your machine has one. (reason for step: you will be turning off your anti virus etc.)

6. Reboot the PC and press F8 during the black screen stage of the reboot sequence to access the startup mode menu, from which you should select "safe mode" (wou won't need networking).

7. Log in as the Administrator if at all possible or at least a user that is an admin if you cannot remember the actual Administrator password.

8. If your antivirus is still on when the machine logs in (which it shouldn't be in safe mode) turn it off.

9. Now run Vishal's script to unhook any stuck registry protection

10. Then run the program WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe

(You may have to wait for a lot of drive whirring first if you are running it from CD as the CD reader might try to search all 300MB for an index - just go and make a cup of tea. An alternative if you have the Run prompt enabled is to run the EXE from there to bypass any such attempt the computer may make at analysing or autoloading from the drive)

11. Hopefully at this point this "everything including the kitchen sink" approach will work for you, as it did for me after trying all other combinations of these fixes individually.

12. Reboot and reinstall your anti-spyware tool.

Recap: This works because you

- Logged in as admin
- AND unloaded all drivers locking the registry by using safe mode
- AND used Vishal's script to deprotect registry keys
- AND unloaded your AV and anti-spyware as others have suggested

Rather like Vishal's script it doesn't do to dwell on which specific element of the above was sucessful in each case. Just be thankfull if it is!
happyinmiami

It worked like a charm!:lol: I tried installing this service pack in its infancy before there was anything on google to fix the error. Once it was a rolled out for the public i tried again same difference. Now you did this fix a whalha!:grin: thats why im happy in miami. Thanks a million:mrgreen:
Elie

um i made the batch file with the code in it but i went to right click on it but the "run as administrator" option wasnt available to me i didnt see it on the list...
VG

^^ If the option is not there, then you must be logged in as Administrator. Just run the file.