Install a Windows Service Pack That Refuses to Install

I like the fact that Microsoft regularly updates Windows with bug fixes, security improvements, and like. What I don't corresponding is when the OS refuses to instal its own updates, which is what happened to reader Debby:

"I recently had to wipe out my Windows XP and reinstall IT. Later reinstalling XP, the data processor always has an update for Service Pile 3 that bequeath not load. How can I fix this?"

Well, Debby, you skint pattern #2 of how to ask for technical school supporte–"Partake in evidential details"–so I'll have to do some guesswork present. You didn't mention an wrongdoing message, but I'm presumptuous that "will not lade" substance you're seeing something equal "Service Pack 3 setup error. Service Pack initiation did not downright."

There are a couple in all likelihood causes for this problem and a couple easy fixes. All of them are documented in Microsoft's plump for page for this particular write out. Rather than reading through them, however, I recommend scrolling descending a bit until you find the Microsoft Fix-information technology–an automated utility that promises to tweak the Registry entries that are the likely root of the job. If that doesn't do the trick, then interpret the support page many closely for some other solutions (including downloading and installing SP3 manually).

Overgorge like this can be really preventative. Stern't Microsoft serve something Eastern Samoa simple as update its ain operating system? Of course, given that an overzealous third-political party security utility plausibly caused the problem in the first place, I'll pierced them a little slack.

That said, issues like this are among the many reasons I think XP users should make the prompt to Windows 7, which in my receive causes way fewer headaches.

Contributive Editor Rick Broida writes about byplay and consumer technology. Invite help oneself with your PC hassles at hasslefree@pcworld.com, or try the trove of helpful folks in the PC World Community Forums.