Common problems preventing updates to XP SP 3 and Vista SP 1

I have experiencied both a failed XP Professional Service Pack 3 installation
on my desktop system and a failed Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1 installation
on my laptop. (And both failed because of Registry errors.) HMMMMMM! This
begs the question: What is the same between these two machines? What program
corrupted my registry on both systems??????

My common programs for both machines include:

Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium
Microsoft Office Professional 2007
Logitech wireless mouse (and associated software)
Canon Digital Camera and associated software

I have since successfully installed the service pack updates on both
systems...but the methods to do so were very different. And both required A
LOT OF TIME. (Total...this has taken nearly FIVE FULL DAYS TO CORRECT.) Can
you imagine a busines trying to do this????

When I tried to install Service Pack 3 on my XP system I kept getting an
"Access Denied" error towards the end of the installation processes.
Fortunately, I own Dell computers and the User Groups came to my rescure! A
discussion group forum poster suggested that for my XP system, I use
“Dial-A-Fix�—
wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Dial-a-fix#Mirrors.2Fdownload_locations.2C_and_articles (copy and paste this into your browser)

scroll down until you see Dial-a-fix v0.60.0.24 (2006-10-27)
and click to download the file…then run things…click on the tool icon and
repair permissions, etc. (See:
http://www.dellcommunity.com/support...cending&page=4 )

I downloaded and ran this program and then tried the XP Service Pack 3
again. This time instead of “access denied�…, IT INSTALLED LIKE A CHARM

Unfortunately, there dosen't seem to be a registry repair program available
for Vista yet. So I had to resort to a complete repair installation of the
operating system (get ready if you have this problem, because the repair
option takes about 3 hours to complete...and I have a fast computer!). The
good news is that Service Pack 1 installed fine after I "upgraded"/repaired
my system on my Vista computer.

Because both of my computers experienced problems upgrading, I suspect
software that I installed on both as the culprit. You can agree or disagree
with me…but I strive to keep my computers up-to-date and free of any
malware…problems, etc. In the past, I have never had a problem installing a
service pack from Microsoft/Windows…so it’s curious why I endured a
hellacious experience for both my XP Professional Service Pack 3 installation
on my desktop system and my Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1 installation on my
laptop.

The common software on these machines is Adobe Creative Suite 3. I truly
suspect something in the installation of this software corrupted my registry.
As I look back, I have noted that I could never install another Windows Mail
Junk Mail Filter update on my Vista machine after I installed this package.
And, on both systems I've had Adobe updates fail to install (for reasons
unknown)...Go Figure! I've never had a Windows update fail on my XP system,
so I can’t date any failures here until the Service Pack “Permission Denied�
failure.

Anyway…I want you to know that I finally have both of my home systems
running properly with all updates installed. If anyone at Microsoft wants to
follow up on other Adobe Creative Suite 3 users who may have experienced
similar problems….feel free to do so.

If Adobe isn’t the culprit…then other identical software on my two machines
includes:

Microsoft Office Professional 2007
iTunes ver. 7.6.2.9 (and several earlier versions of this software dating
back to April, 2007 when I purchased my laptop.)


plus, all of the software from a new Canon digital camera and I have a
Logitech wireless mouse connect to each machine.

I appreciate the free help Microsoft is providing customers. (I haven’t
heard anything about my Vista problems yet…., however.) If my personal
experience can help you pinpoint the reason why some computer systems fail to
upgrade…I’m happy to help!

Nancy Bildsten

Windows XP Professional on a Dell XPS Gen. 3 desktop system—Intel Pentium 4,
3.4 GHz. Processor, 3GB RAM
Vista Ultimate Precision Laptop, Intel Core Two Duo T7600, 2.33 GHz
Processor, 4GB RAM

For the benefit of others reading this thread:

> When I tried to install Service Pack 3 on my XP system I kept getting an
> "Access Denied" error towards the end of the installation processes.

Error message when you try to install WinXP SP3: "Access is denied" or
“Service Pack installation did not complete�
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
[http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/re...n-windows-xp/]

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select Windows XP
| select Windows XP Service Pack 3

==============================

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 - Things to Know Before You Download:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../bb968859.aspx

Windows Vista Help: Learn how to install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1):
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/win...6f2021033.mspx

Unlimited installation and compatibility support for Vista SP1 is available
at no charge through 18 Mar-09:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx | select Windows Vista |
select Windows Vista Service Pack 1
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


samdogmom wrote:
> I have experiencied both a failed XP Professional Service Pack 3
> installation
> on my desktop system and a failed Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1
> installation
> on my laptop. (And both failed because of Registry errors.) HMMMMMM!
> This
> begs the question: What is the same between these two machines? What
> program
> corrupted my registry on both systems??????
>
> My common programs for both machines include:
>
> Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium
> Microsoft Office Professional 2007
> Logitech wireless mouse (and associated software)
> Canon Digital Camera and associated software
>
> I have since successfully installed the service pack updates on both
> systems...but the methods to do so were very different. And both required
> A
> LOT OF TIME. (Total...this has taken nearly FIVE FULL DAYS TO CORRECT.)
> Can
> you imagine a busines trying to do this????
>
> When I tried to install Service Pack 3 on my XP system I kept getting an
> "Access Denied" error towards the end of the installation processes.
> Fortunately, I own Dell computers and the User Groups came to my rescure!
> A
> discussion group forum poster suggested that for my XP system, I use
> “Dial-A-Fix�—
> wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Dial-a-fix#Mirrors.2Fdownload_locations.2C_and_articles
> (copy and paste this into your browser)
>
> scroll down until you see Dial-a-fix v0.60.0.24 (2006-10-27)
> and click to download the file…then run things…click on the tool icon and
> repair permissions, etc. (See:
> http://www.dellcommunity.com/support...cending&page=4
> )
>
> I downloaded and ran this program and then tried the XP Service Pack 3
> again. This time instead of “access denied�…, IT INSTALLED LIKE A CHARM
>
> Unfortunately, there dosen't seem to be a registry repair program
> available
> for Vista yet. So I had to resort to a complete repair installation of
> the
> operating system (get ready if you have this problem, because the repair
> option takes about 3 hours to complete...and I have a fast computer!).
> The
> good news is that Service Pack 1 installed fine after I
> "upgraded"/repaired
> my system on my Vista computer.
>
> Because both of my computers experienced problems upgrading, I suspect
> software that I installed on both as the culprit. You can agree or
> disagree
> with me…but I strive to keep my computers up-to-date and free of any
> malware…problems, etc. In the past, I have never had a problem installing
> a
> service pack from Microsoft/Windows…so it’s curious why I endured a
> hellacious experience for both my XP Professional Service Pack 3
> installation
> on my desktop system and my Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1 installation on
> my
> laptop.
>
> The common software on these machines is Adobe Creative Suite 3. I truly
> suspect something in the installation of this software corrupted my
> registry.
> As I look back, I have noted that I could never install another Windows
> Mail
> Junk Mail Filter update on my Vista machine after I installed this
> package.
> And, on both systems I've had Adobe updates fail to install (for reasons
> unknown)...Go Figure! I've never had a Windows update fail on my XP
> system,
> so I can’t date any failures here until the Service Pack “Permission
> Denied�
> failure.
>
> Anyway…I want you to know that I finally have both of my home systems
> running properly with all updates installed. If anyone at Microsoft wants
> to
> follow up on other Adobe Creative Suite 3 users who may have experienced
> similar problems….feel free to do so.
>
> If Adobe isn’t the culprit…then other identical software on my two
> machines
> includes:
>
> Microsoft Office Professional 2007
> iTunes ver. 7.6.2.9 (and several earlier versions of this software dating
> back to April, 2007 when I purchased my laptop.)
>
>
> plus, all of the software from a new Canon digital camera and I have a
> Logitech wireless mouse connect to each machine.
>
> I appreciate the free help Microsoft is providing customers. (I haven’t
> heard anything about my Vista problems yet…., however.) If my personal
> experience can help you pinpoint the reason why some computer systems fail
> to
> upgrade…I’m happy to help!
>
> Nancy Bildsten
>
> Windows XP Professional on a Dell XPS Gen. 3 desktop system—Intel Pentium
> 4,
> 3.4 GHz. Processor, 3GB RAM
> Vista Ultimate Precision Laptop, Intel Core Two Duo T7600, 2.33 GHz
> Processor, 4GB RAM

Thanks, PA BEAR! These links are important. I followed ALL of the advice in
the various articles you've posted BEFORE I resorted to my last ditch efforts
to get my two computers updated and running smoothly. (Thus the reason why
this whole process took DAYS!)

However, I don't want anyone to try something drastic...especially, if a
simplier fix will work! So I, too, recommend that you try to follow the
"first things first" advice in the articles posted by PA Bear....but if your
problems aren't solved....then try the methods that worked for me.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> For the benefit of others reading this thread:
>
> > When I tried to install Service Pack 3 on my XP system I kept getting an
> > "Access Denied" error towards the end of the installation processes.
>
> Error message when you try to install WinXP SP3: "Access is denied" or
> “Service Pack installation did not complete�
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
> [http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/re...n-windows-xp/]
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>
> Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada:
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select Windows XP
> | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
>
> ==============================
>
> Windows Vista Service Pack 1 - Things to Know Before You Download:
> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../bb968859.aspx
>
> Windows Vista Help: Learn how to install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1):
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/win...6f2021033.mspx
>
> Unlimited installation and compatibility support for Vista SP1 is available
> at no charge through 18 Mar-09:
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx | select Windows Vista |
> select Windows Vista Service Pack 1
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
>
> samdogmom wrote:
> > I have experiencied both a failed XP Professional Service Pack 3
> > installation
> > on my desktop system and a failed Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1
> > installation
> > on my laptop. (And both failed because of Registry errors.) HMMMMMM!
> > This
> > begs the question: What is the same between these two machines? What
> > program
> > corrupted my registry on both systems??????
> >
> > My common programs for both machines include:
> >
> > Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium
> > Microsoft Office Professional 2007
> > Logitech wireless mouse (and associated software)
> > Canon Digital Camera and associated software
> >
> > I have since successfully installed the service pack updates on both
> > systems...but the methods to do so were very different. And both required
> > A
> > LOT OF TIME. (Total...this has taken nearly FIVE FULL DAYS TO CORRECT.)
> > Can
> > you imagine a busines trying to do this????
> >
> > When I tried to install Service Pack 3 on my XP system I kept getting an
> > "Access Denied" error towards the end of the installation processes.
> > Fortunately, I own Dell computers and the User Groups came to my rescure!
> > A
> > discussion group forum poster suggested that for my XP system, I use
> > “Dial-A-Fix�—
> > wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Dial-a-fix#Mirrors.2Fdownload_locations.2C_and_articles
> > (copy and paste this into your browser)
> >
> > scroll down until you see Dial-a-fix v0.60.0.24 (2006-10-27)
> > and click to download the file…then run things…click on the tool icon and
> > repair permissions, etc. (See:
> > http://www.dellcommunity.com/support...cending&page=4
> > )
> >
> > I downloaded and ran this program and then tried the XP Service Pack 3
> > again. This time instead of “access denied�…, IT INSTALLED LIKE A CHARM
> >
> > Unfortunately, there dosen't seem to be a registry repair program
> > available
> > for Vista yet. So I had to resort to a complete repair installation of
> > the
> > operating system (get ready if you have this problem, because the repair
> > option takes about 3 hours to complete...and I have a fast computer!).
> > The
> > good news is that Service Pack 1 installed fine after I
> > "upgraded"/repaired
> > my system on my Vista computer.
> >
> > Because both of my computers experienced problems upgrading, I suspect
> > software that I installed on both as the culprit. You can agree or
> > disagree
> > with me…but I strive to keep my computers up-to-date and free of any
> > malware…problems, etc. In the past, I have never had a problem installing
> > a
> > service pack from Microsoft/Windows…so it’s curious why I endured a
> > hellacious experience for both my XP Professional Service Pack 3
> > installation
> > on my desktop system and my Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1 installation on
> > my
> > laptop.
> >
> > The common software on these machines is Adobe Creative Suite 3. I truly
> > suspect something in the installation of this software corrupted my
> > registry.
> > As I look back, I have noted that I could never install another Windows
> > Mail
> > Junk Mail Filter update on my Vista machine after I installed this
> > package.
> > And, on both systems I've had Adobe updates fail to install (for reasons
> > unknown)...Go Figure! I've never had a Windows update fail on my XP
> > system,
> > so I can’t date any failures here until the Service Pack “Permission
> > Denied�
> > failure.
> >
> > Anyway…I want you to know that I finally have both of my home systems
> > running properly with all updates installed. If anyone at Microsoft wants
> > to
> > follow up on other Adobe Creative Suite 3 users who may have experienced
> > similar problems….feel free to do so.
> >
> > If Adobe isn’t the culprit…then other identical software on my two
> > machines
> > includes:
> >
> > Microsoft Office Professional 2007
> > iTunes ver. 7.6.2.9 (and several earlier versions of this software dating
> > back to April, 2007 when I purchased my laptop.)
> >
> >
> > plus, all of the software from a new Canon digital camera and I have a
> > Logitech wireless mouse connect to each machine.
> >
> > I appreciate the free help Microsoft is providing customers. (I haven’t
> > heard anything about my Vista problems yet…., however.) If my personal
> > experience can help you pinpoint the reason why some computer systems fail
> > to
> > upgrade…I’m happy to help!
> >
> > Nancy Bildsten
> >
> > Windows XP Professional on a Dell XPS Gen. 3 desktop system—Intel Pentium
> > 4,
> > 3.4 GHz. Processor, 3GB RAM
> > Vista Ultimate Precision Laptop, Intel Core Two Duo T7600, 2.33 GHz
> > Processor, 4GB RAM
>
>

Hi I've read your post with interest as I'm also having difficulties with
Vista, specifically since I downloaded and installed the junkmail filter!! I
don't have the adobe software installed, so it seems to me that there may
have been a problem with that junkmail download. I may try and uninstall it
later, and see if it makes any difference. I'll have another close look at
your methods, and try those also - I've just invested my last three days in
trying to solve this problem.


"samdogmom" wrote:

> Thanks, PA BEAR! These links are important. I followed ALL of the advice in
> the various articles you've posted BEFORE I resorted to my last ditch efforts
> to get my two computers updated and running smoothly. (Thus the reason why
> this whole process took DAYS!)
>
> However, I don't want anyone to try something drastic...especially, if a
> simplier fix will work! So I, too, recommend that you try to follow the
> "first things first" advice in the articles posted by PA Bear....but if your
> problems aren't solved....then try the methods that worked for me.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
> > For the benefit of others reading this thread:
> >
> > > When I tried to install Service Pack 3 on my XP system I kept getting an
> > > "Access Denied" error towards the end of the installation processes.
> >
> > Error message when you try to install WinXP SP3: "Access is denied" or
> > “Service Pack installation did not complete�
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
> > [http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/re...n-windows-xp/]
> >
> > WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> > http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
> >
> > Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
> >
> > Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> > Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
> > e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada:
> > http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select Windows XP
> > | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
> >
> > ==============================
> >
> > Windows Vista Service Pack 1 - Things to Know Before You Download:
> > http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../bb968859.aspx
> >
> > Windows Vista Help: Learn how to install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1):
> > http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/win...6f2021033.mspx
> >
> > Unlimited installation and compatibility support for Vista SP1 is available
> > at no charge through 18 Mar-09:
> > http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx | select Windows Vista |
> > select Windows Vista Service Pack 1
> > --
> > ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> > MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> > AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> > DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
> >
> >
> > samdogmom wrote:
> > > I have experiencied both a failed XP Professional Service Pack 3
> > > installation
> > > on my desktop system and a failed Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1
> > > installation
> > > on my laptop. (And both failed because of Registry errors.) HMMMMMM!
> > > This
> > > begs the question: What is the same between these two machines? What
> > > program
> > > corrupted my registry on both systems??????
> > >
> > > My common programs for both machines include:
> > >
> > > Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium
> > > Microsoft Office Professional 2007
> > > Logitech wireless mouse (and associated software)
> > > Canon Digital Camera and associated software
> > >
> > > I have since successfully installed the service pack updates on both
> > > systems...but the methods to do so were very different. And both required
> > > A
> > > LOT OF TIME. (Total...this has taken nearly FIVE FULL DAYS TO CORRECT.)
> > > Can
> > > you imagine a busines trying to do this????
> > >
> > > When I tried to install Service Pack 3 on my XP system I kept getting an
> > > "Access Denied" error towards the end of the installation processes.
> > > Fortunately, I own Dell computers and the User Groups came to my rescure!
> > > A
> > > discussion group forum poster suggested that for my XP system, I use
> > > “Dial-A-Fix�—
> > > wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Dial-a-fix#Mirrors.2Fdownload_locations.2C_and_articles
> > > (copy and paste this into your browser)
> > >
> > > scroll down until you see Dial-a-fix v0.60.0.24 (2006-10-27)
> > > and click to download the file…then run things…click on the tool icon and
> > > repair permissions, etc. (See:
> > > http://www.dellcommunity.com/support...cending&page=4
> > > )
> > >
> > > I downloaded and ran this program and then tried the XP Service Pack 3
> > > again. This time instead of “access denied�…, IT INSTALLED LIKE A CHARM
> > >
> > > Unfortunately, there dosen't seem to be a registry repair program
> > > available
> > > for Vista yet. So I had to resort to a complete repair installation of
> > > the
> > > operating system (get ready if you have this problem, because the repair
> > > option takes about 3 hours to complete...and I have a fast computer!).
> > > The
> > > good news is that Service Pack 1 installed fine after I
> > > "upgraded"/repaired
> > > my system on my Vista computer.
> > >
> > > Because both of my computers experienced problems upgrading, I suspect
> > > software that I installed on both as the culprit. You can agree or
> > > disagree
> > > with me…but I strive to keep my computers up-to-date and free of any
> > > malware…problems, etc. In the past, I have never had a problem installing
> > > a
> > > service pack from Microsoft/Windows…so it’s curious why I endured a
> > > hellacious experience for both my XP Professional Service Pack 3
> > > installation
> > > on my desktop system and my Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1 installation on
> > > my
> > > laptop.
> > >
> > > The common software on these machines is Adobe Creative Suite 3. I truly
> > > suspect something in the installation of this software corrupted my
> > > registry.
> > > As I look back, I have noted that I could never install another Windows
> > > Mail
> > > Junk Mail Filter update on my Vista machine after I installed this
> > > package.
> > > And, on both systems I've had Adobe updates fail to install (for reasons
> > > unknown)...Go Figure! I've never had a Windows update fail on my XP
> > > system,
> > > so I can’t date any failures here until the Service Pack “Permission
> > > Denied�
> > > failure.
> > >
> > > Anyway…I want you to know that I finally have both of my home systems
> > > running properly with all updates installed. If anyone at Microsoft wants
> > > to
> > > follow up on other Adobe Creative Suite 3 users who may have experienced
> > > similar problems….feel free to do so.
> > >
> > > If Adobe isn’t the culprit…then other identical software on my two
> > > machines
> > > includes:
> > >
> > > Microsoft Office Professional 2007
> > > iTunes ver. 7.6.2.9 (and several earlier versions of this software dating
> > > back to April, 2007 when I purchased my laptop.)
> > >
> > >
> > > plus, all of the software from a new Canon digital camera and I have a
> > > Logitech wireless mouse connect to each machine.
> > >
> > > I appreciate the free help Microsoft is providing customers. (I haven’t
> > > heard anything about my Vista problems yet…., however.) If my personal
> > > experience can help you pinpoint the reason why some computer systems fail
> > > to
> > > upgrade…I’m happy to help!
> > >
> > > Nancy Bildsten
> > >
> > > Windows XP Professional on a Dell XPS Gen. 3 desktop system—Intel Pentium
> > > 4,
> > > 3.4 GHz. Processor, 3GB RAM
> > > Vista Ultimate Precision Laptop, Intel Core Two Duo T7600, 2.33 GHz
> > > Processor, 4GB RAM
> >
> >

"samdogmom" <> wrote in message
news:85DE34A4-66E1-43BC-99CC-...

<snip>

>> > When I tried to install Service Pack 3 on my XP system I kept getting
>> > an
>> > "Access Denied" error towards the end of the installation processes.
>> > Fortunately, I own Dell computers and the User Groups came to my
>> > rescure!
>> > A
>> > discussion group forum poster suggested that for my XP system, I use
>> > "Dial-A-Fix"-
>> > wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Dial-a-fix#Mirrors.2Fdownload_locations.2C_and_articles
>> > (copy and paste this into your browser)
>> >
>> > scroll down until you see Dial-a-fix v0.60.0.24 (2006-10-27)
>> > and click to download the file.then run things.click on the tool icon
>> > and
>> > repair permissions, etc. (See:
>> > http://www.dellcommunity.com/support...cending&page=4
>> > )
>> >
>> > I downloaded and ran this program and then tried the XP Service Pack 3
>> > again. This time instead of "access denied"., IT INSTALLED LIKE A
>> > CHARM

Hi Nancy!

Having been perplexed for some time that my XP Home PC couldn't update to
SP3 (in spite of following guidance from Mr Dyer!) I tried the 'fix' you
published here. To cut a long story short - SP3 is now installed!

Many, many, thanks for letting others know about Dial-a-fix. It worked like
a charm, just as you said! ))

Dave

PS Perhaps Robear will advise others at the AumHa site about
this................ Robear?!!!