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



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.

Complete list of AskVG articles



This article was posted in Troubleshooting, Windows XP.


Share |


Related Articles

Popular Articles



79 Comments

  • 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

  • #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!

  • changed it to Multiprocessor Checked, now working

  • Worked well. Thanks.

  • hii.. i'm a noob.. can u sumwhat assist me by tellin me hw to change the registry value to "free" or "checked"..?

  • 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

  • THANK you it worked fine :mrgreen:

  • 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!!

  • Worked well. Thanks.:smile:

  • Thanks. worked gr8.

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.