Member Avatar for pete25

Could I get help as trying to download Windows XP service pack 2o replace service pack 1 but it gets so far and then I get the message access denied. I done what Microsoft support states to do but I can not find the registry key that I need to enable

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by nizzy1115

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: the “Access denied” failure while getting SP2 is usually a permissions/service or install-method issue rather than a missing SP2 file. asked for the Microsoft article (that will help pinpoint any registry key MS wants changed), and rightly pointed out an offline/CD route — if the web installer refuses to run there are other fixes to try first.

Try these troubleshooting steps in order (back up the registry and create a restore point before making changes):

  • Confirm you are signed in with a local Administrator account (not a limited user).
  • Use the full offline SP2 package (standalone download) and run it locally instead of the web installer. Disable third-party AV/antispyware and firewall while installing.
  • Clear the Windows Update cache: stop BITS and Automatic Updates, rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, then restart the services. For example:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
rename "%windir%\SoftwareDistribution" SoftwareDistribution.old
net start bits
net start wuauserv
  • Check folder permissions for %windir%\Temp, %temp% and %windir%\SoftwareDistribution. Administrators and SYSTEM should have Full Control. Fix via Explorer if needed.
  • Run system checks: sfc /scannow from an elevated command prompt (XP CD may be required).
  • Try a clean boot (msconfig: disable non-Microsoft services/startup) and then run the installer to rule out third-party interference.

If the installer still reports “Access denied,” collect the exact error text/code, then check C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log and Event Viewer (System/Application) for failure codes. Post the Microsoft KB number or the exact error lines here so the registry key MS mentions can be located precisely.

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Member Avatar for Inky

Can you post a link to the Microsoft Article or support document that you're referring to? If we know what registry setting you're talking about, maybe we can help you find it.

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

Microsoft is really nice and they offer to send you a cd that contains service pack 2 on it (for free) so you dont have to sit and wait for the download. Here is the link http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx
Its also a nice tool to have if you reinstall windows from scratch a lot.

However, i think it is saying that it can not verify that you have a valid windows xp install. Correct? If this is the case, just go in internet explorer to the tools menu-> internet options-> advanced tab-> and click the button that says restore to defaults. That should do the trick.

Hope this helps :)

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