[Fix] Windows XP SP3 Setup Error: Cannot Update a Checked (Debug) System with a Free (Retail) Version of Service Pack 3

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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 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. Now 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.

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows XP.

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mazenrbn

It works. My special thnx to you
john

Gud day VG.. i followed everything u said and it installed smoothly and seems correct but after i restart my PC and when i log in it hangs... help me pls.. (by the way.. i've used the restore point to restore my PC and it work just fine but i want to upgrade my windows pro sp2 to sp3.. tnx..GBu
VG

^^ It might be possible due to some hardware driver problem. Make sure all drivers are updated.
Jay

Perfect, worked great!
master_xiong

genius... thanks for this.. it helped a lot...
Prakash

Hi Folks,

I went to the path "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" as mentioned above, but there is no value as CURRENT TYPE in right-side pane. Infact, no value is available there.

So, could any expert help me that how to overcome the problem "Service pack 3 setup cannot update a checked (debug) system with a free (retail) version of service pack 3, or vice versa."

Thanks in advance.

SPR
Volga

Hi Folks,

I got the "current type" in right side pane of the current version and i changed the same as CHECKED and tried to install SP3 again, but still the problem persists.

So, could any expert help me in this issue?

Thanks in advance
SPR
Dave E

Well the advice above allowed me to install SP3 however when the PC restarted it stuck during the booting up process quite early on. the only way i could then sort the problem out was by doing a System Restore in Safe Mode.

Any suggestions?
Thon

Thanks, it works perfect! :)
Hossein

It worked 4 me.
Thank u veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery much