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.

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 in Troubleshooting, Windows XP.

Subscribe to RSS Feed | Email Newsletter | More Articles

Related Articles

Popular Articles



80 Comments

  • when i did all those steps, my internet gone:S help please!

  • wank you very crutch, T T T for tremendous!

  • Same issue as eskobra, after running the .bat file the internet does not work although it says its connected, any suggestions?

  • I did everythimg as stated PJ in safe mode and it still gave me access denied any ideas?

  • When I ran the .bat file is only flashed the DOS screen momentarily and seemed to have finishe. Should it not run for quite a while?

    I tried reinstalling SP3 - same problem "Access Denied".

    It seems like there is something wrong at the batch file level...

    Seems like a good fix - if I can get it to work!

  • Thanks man, this fixed it!

  • After finally installing SP3 my internet is gone.

  • Any fix for this SP3 Setup error?
    Service Pack 3 Setup could not backup registry key
    HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Feature Control\FEATURE_IMAGING_USE_ART
    to file C:\WINDOWS\$NtServicePackUninstall$\reg00161. 5:Access is denied.
    Abort Retry Ignore

  • VG

    ^^ Open regedit and goto:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_IMAGING_USE_ART

    Now right-click on "FEATURE_IMAGING_USE_ART" key and select "Permissions...". Select your account and assign "Full Control" to it. Apply it and now your problem should be solved.

  • subinacl.msi start that install it then run the bat file u made kk? :P

Add a Comment

NOTE: If you can't see your comment, please be patient. It'll appear as soon as we approve it.


Create an avatar that will appear with your comment.