XP SP2 update installation error

[web4fun]

Attempting to run XP SP2 update and encounter an error noting "unable to read or write to the database" and the installation fails.

This error occurs from both Windows Update and a manual installation attempt.

We have NAV turned off on the problem PCs and have run Virus Scan with up-to-date definitions.

Please advise.

 

[bcastner]

The error message is coming from a failure of System Restore.

Turn off System Restore (to clear existing restore points);

Reinstall System Restore:

1. Click Start->Run->Type "C:\windows\inf" (without the quotes)

2. Look for a file named: "SR.INF" and RIGHT click on it

3. Choose "Install".

Follow the prompts, Reboot and System Restore should be ready to use. Re-enable System Restore and try the Service Pack 2 installation again.

 

[web4fun]

bcastner,
Tried re-installing system restore but then it prompted me for all kinds of files from the XP CD such as sr.sys, etc. and the files were on the local C:drive and some could NOT be copied. Any suggestions. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[bcastner]

Try Safe Mode.
Try a different CD, or clean the one you have.

 

[linney]

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates (no problem if you substitute them with SP2) but your files and programs will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

To check why SP2 failed, open the Svcpack.log file. By default, this file is located in the C:\Windows folder,and see what that tells you.

 

[web4fun]

Linney
Tried repairing to no avail...now upon attempting to retrieve and install non-SP2 updates from MS, it fails also. Thanks for the suggetion though. Not sure if we should just re-image the base XP OS and then try.

 

[linney]

When trouble strikes with SP2 it is sometimes only overcome by what you suggest. SP2 requires a faultless, untweaked and almost pristine version of Windows to update successfully.

I remember the same sort of issues with SP1 where tweaks and utilities (such as Antispy) caused similar install problems.

There is also a report now that using the SP2 removal uninstaller also removes SP1 with it, which might make some re-installing of Windows Updates fail if they are saved updates and not fresh ones downloaded from the site.

SP2 Office Problems
thread779-907383

 

[firewolfrl]

hey I have the same issues
you might want to look at my thread for some of the info I posted...though I have not fixed the issue yet
hey see ya on the next post

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=908928

thread779-908928