[Fix] Windows XP SP3 Setup Error: Cannot Update a Checked (Debug) System with a Free (Retail) Version of Service Pack 3
Microsoft has finally released Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) to public and it’s available via Automatic Updates, Windows Updates and Downloads Center.
We have posted about it at following link:
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) RTM Released, Download Links Inside
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I have received a few mails mentioning a strange problem which occurs while installing SP3 in Windows XP. A few people told me that whenever they try to install SP3 in Windows XP, Windows shows following error message:
Service Pack 3 Setup cannot update a checked (debug) system with a free (retail) version of Service Pack 3, or vice versa.
The reason behind this problem is that the update package installs retail bits on retail builds and checked bits on checked builds. But you can spoof Windows updates in order to install retail bits on checked builds and vice versa.
If you are also facing the same problem, then follow these simple steps and your problem should be solved:
1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. It’ll open Registry Editor. Now go to following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
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2. In right-side pane look for a String “CurrentType“. Double-click on it and change its value to Checked as shown in following screenshot:
If the value is already set to Checked, then change it to Free and click on OK.
3. Exit registry editor and again try to install SP3. Now it should install without any problem.
Seems to work as SP3 is now installing as I type this
Thanks a lot
That is fantastic. Worked like a charm. It’s not often when you find a answer to a conflict with M$ products and get an actual answer that really works. Thank you so much!~
awesome thanks alot updating a dentist office computer and was getting this errro
thank you very much FYI..its help me to update my old laptop..
thank youuuuuuuuuuuu شكراااااااااااااااااا جداااااااااا
ITS DOESN’T WORK SO DONT APPLT THIS FORMULA PLEASE. IF YOU ALL DO THIS THEN GO TO SAFE MOOD AND RECOVERY IT BACK.
I have the same problem as Kyr, above, but I wonder how he managed to revert to SP2 when Windows wouldn’t start. I can’t do anything, even in Safe Mode: the computer just restarts endlessly.
Great help,instructions are awesome! it worked.Thank you so much.
“Checked” worked for me. “Free” did not work. Original was “Uniprocessor Free”. Thanks!
Thanks for the fix
Hi
Changed from Uniprocessor Free to Checked and the Service Pack is running as I type this! Kudos!
Changing Current Type to “Checked” and it run smooth. I felt like a computer wizard!
Thanks, man!
WORKED GREAT.
Late to (return to) the XP:SP3 party, but sincerely appreciate you posting the time and frustration-saving fix. Cheers.
It Worked.
Changed from Multiprocessor Free to Checked.
Thank you very much!!!!
Yeah served to be working and inst installing fine. Then after restart, endless boot. This is not a fix.
I have some error after installing sp3 package and reboot and then this message showing:
a monitor program has been found running in your system please unload it from memory and restart.
And color quality fixed @ 4bit !!! And resolution fixed @ 800×600
My windows is xp media center edition 2005 sp2 with update rullup2
If anyone fixed this please help me too.
Found solution , filehippo have the debug service pack 3 and i found original version @ :
catalog.update.microsoft.com
Fantastic. This worked really well.
It worked very well..
those having problems with this please remember to install the pack immediately after the registry edit otherwise it won’t work if you restart the system .
thanks
thank u u are so good i like u 😊🖐️
Worked like a Charm.
you saved my time and my computer , good bless you ^_^
Good Day to You,
Wallaweyy, berjaya!
Changed from Uniprocessor Free to Checked
Thanks! You saved the day
I was about to give up getting SP3 to install.
Found your site and the fix worked like a charm.
Thanks for your help!
It works when I type checked. Thanks to you guys.
If you are still having trouble with installing SP-3
Look for …
“WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe”
This version worked for me, with no changes
I used a mirror/archive/ftp – site
Changed from Uniprocessor Free to Checked
Thanks!
thnxx bro it works !! who dont trust u can trust brothers just change it to Free or Checked