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 people 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.
OR
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.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows XP.
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Geekintraining
Glad I read through all the comments here. Thank you Rmgalley for the uninstall SpySweeper tip. It was definitely the culprit in my case as well.
Soon as I read the comment it made sense since I was able to do a successful SP3 install on my laptop (which did not have spysweeper on it) but not on my desktop computer.
Once Spysweeper was uninstalled on my desktop computer the SP3 installation was successful.
Thanks again for the very helpful information.
Richard
Worked like a charm. Easy instructions. Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Beeeeegeee
Worked like a charm you rock!
appy
Got rid of spysweeper, worked a treat!
Found you on Google after frustrations with M/soft workrounds.
Simple and easy when you know how!!!
Many thanks for being there.
Manny
Shame on Microsoft. Why in the blazes don't they give you at least a hint as to WHY is Access denied. In the thousands of error messages that are documented, it wouldn't be too much trouble to add a few more so we could take corrective action instead of trial and error. I have so fat tried three times to install SP3 on XP Media Center Edition without any success. I even ran that silly SUBACLI .cmd file that took all night and it still failed at the next attempt. I am seriously considering LINUX, for sure.
anthony
After trying several solutions without luck, this one worked!!!! And it was the easiest fix of all of them. Thank You
George
Followed the direction and got SP3 installed but now my internet download speed is way slow. Anyone have this problem and have a solution?
Malcolm
Finally able to install SP3. Great, thanks. Did take a long time.
As mentioned earlier, did not get “Run as administrator” with SP3.bat but just double clicked. Guess as already an administrator.
Thanks again.
eskobra
when i did all those steps, my internet gone:S help please!
Mr F
wank you very crutch, T T T for tremendous!