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.
I have received a few mails mentioning a strange problem which occurs while installing SP3 in Windows XP. A few ppl 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. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
2. In right-side pane look for a String value “CurrentType“. Change its value to Checked and if its already set to Checked, then set it to Free and click on OK.
3. Exit registry editor and try to install SP3 again. Now it should install without any problem.
If you liked this article, you can share it with others using the following link:
You can also subscribe to our RSS feed to get regular updates:
Subscribe to RSS Feed
Or you can subscribe to our daily newsletter. Do not worry, You will receive only one e-mail per day and you can unsubscribe any time using the "Unsubscribe" link given in the mail:
Subscribe to Newsletter
Jeet said:
Thank you so much VG. I was facing the exact prob and your solution worked perfectly. You are a true genius.
Neo said:
I have seen many people in forums facing this problem. I’ll let them know about your solution. Thanks for it.
Kelly said:
Yep. It works. My special thnx to you VG
Minu said:
Mine was set to free and I changed it to checked and it worked.
You are gr88888 VG
Omi Azad said:
I found this problem on another forum. I went to install SP3 on my office computers and none of them installed successfully. I think this happened because of OEM versions.
Ramesh said:
Tone said:
I tried that…didn’t work. Same error came up. Would you happen to have any other solutions? Thanks in advance.
VG said:
^^ Then try the network installation package:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en
Charlie said:
I tried your solution and received the same error message. When I checked the registry after reboot the value was reset. It actually says Unicore Free. I did not change the Unicore just the free.
Lucas said:
# Charlie
Change the value od CurrentType and install the Service Pack, don’t restart you PC. Then it will work, good luck!
Lucas
son said:
Hi
my computer has: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\currentType = Multiprocessor Free;
I tried but not change and cannot upgrade sp3.
Help me please
Lucas said:
#son
Try to change it to Multiprocessor Checked and then install the SP!
Installing Sp3 wasn’t a succes. After the installation i restarted my PC and got into a loop, so I couldn’t login anymore. Glad I use Norton Ghost so I got a copy of all the programs and settings. But SP 3 is no succes on my PC. Had to install WinXP again and Norton Ghost to I could restore my PC again!
galen said:
changed it to Multiprocessor Checked, now working
SSABUK said:
Worked well. Thanks.
Aditya said:
hii.. i'm a noob.. can u sumwhat assist me by tellin me hw to change the registry value to "free" or "checked"..?
son said:
I changed registry from “currentType = Multiprocessor Free” to “currentType = Multiprocessor Checked” but after restarting PC, and i run regedit then value show: “currentType = Multiprocessor Free”.
I cannot change this key’s value.
Help me
Nejc said:
THANK you it worked fine
MartianDon said:
I changed registry from “CurrentType = Uniprocessor Free” to “CurrentType = Uniprocessor Checked” but after restarting PC, and I run regedit then value show: “CurrentType = Uniprocessor Free”. I cannot change this key’s value … either. It's on a home wifi network. Would the Network option work here? Or is that for server situations? HELP??? Help!!
patrick said:
Worked well. Thanks.:smile:
Spammer said:
Thanks. worked gr8.
Ernie said:
Aditya: First you click on start –> run. Type in Regedit. In regedit you go to the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion On the right side you find currenttype –> doubleclick and change the value
Hope this helped