older computer will not update from SP1 to SP2+ or SP3

When attempting to manually update Windows on my older computer, it fails.

It starts to download SP2, but then stops.

Manual attempts at updating to either SP2 or SP3 fail,

Yes, automatic updates is turned on. Firewalls are turned off. No
routers or spyware junk blocking anything.


What else can I do?

Thanks,

G

See if there is anything relevant here:
Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver
http://winhlp.com/node/125

--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no warranties or
guarantees and doesn't give any rights.
Computer Maintenance: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco


"siriusbliss" <> wrote in message
news:...
> When attempting to manually update Windows on my older computer, it fails.
>
> It starts to download SP2, but then stops.
>
> Manual attempts at updating to either SP2 or SP3 fail,
>
> Yes, automatic updates is turned on. Firewalls are turned off. No
> routers or spyware junk blocking anything.
>
>
> What else can I do?
>
> Thanks,
>
> G

Try downloading the complete package from here and manually installing it...
Page title:
"Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers"
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en


"siriusbliss" <> wrote in message news:...
> When attempting to manually update Windows on my older computer, it fails.
>
> It starts to download SP2, but then stops.
>
> Manual attempts at updating to either SP2 or SP3 fail,
>
> Yes, automatic updates is turned on. Firewalls are turned off. No routers or spyware junk blocking anything.
>
>
> What else can I do?
>
> Thanks,
>
> G

Aside from the other posts, you must install SP2 before SP3. It doesn't seem
to like going from SP1 to SP3.

Error code? Search this newsgroup or the MS site for it.

Try clean booting. [Use MSConfig. Nothing in the "Run" section. No services
started other than from MS.]

Try http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377/en-us

Also MS provides free SP3 support for install issues.


"siriusbliss" wrote:

> When attempting to manually update Windows on my older computer, it fails.
>
> It starts to download SP2, but then stops.
>
> Manual attempts at updating to either SP2 or SP3 fail,
>
> Yes, automatic updates is turned on. Firewalls are turned off. No
> routers or spyware junk blocking anything.
>
>
> What else can I do?
>
> Thanks,
>
> G
>

Wrong. OP's running WinXP SP1.

Gis Bun wrote:
> Aside from the other posts, you must install SP2 before SP3. It doesn't
> seem
> to like going from SP1 to SP3...

HOW TO get WinXP SP1 fully patched:

1. Download & save the installer for WinXP SP3 to your desktop:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-1e1555d4f3d4

[Yes, you can skip WinXP SP2 altogether.]

2. Read & heed:
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

3. Logged in as Administrator, if necessary, double-click on the saved file
to install WinXP SP3. Follow all prompts; be patient, and reboot twice when
the install completes.

4. Do Resolution Method 2 here (trust me):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

5. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com | Install any required software
then click on CONTINUE | Select CUSTOM and scan | Install any critical
security updates offered. Again, follow all prompts.

[I do NOT recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update.]

6. Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled; cf.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

Addtional References:

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. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"

Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...r/default.mspx

Learn how to protect your PC by taking three simple steps
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...6-602954130D38
--
~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/

siriusbliss wrote:
> When attempting to manually update Windows on my older computer, it fails.
>
> It starts to download SP2, but then stops.
>
> Manual attempts at updating to either SP2 or SP3 fail,
>
> Yes, automatic updates is turned on. Firewalls are turned off. No
> routers or spyware junk blocking anything.
>
>
> What else can I do?
>
> Thanks,
>
> G

TaurArian wrote:
> See if there is anything relevant here:
> Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver
> http://winhlp.com/node/125
>

Thanks, I'm going to try to upload to at least SP2+ (not quite ready for
SP3 until I verify media hardware compatibility).

G