Service Pack 3 Installation Problems

After finally downloading the Service Pack 3 update, I now find myself unable
to install it. While scanning my computer, and copying files prior to the
actual installation, I always end up getting an error message saying that a
specific file is not where it's supposed to be. It's always a different
file. In addition, and I believe this is the main problem, along with the
error message, I am always knocked out of having Administrator priviledges.
My computer also acts strangely at this point, with me being unable to open
certain apps. In addition, when I shut down, instead of seeing the normal
blue shut down window with the icons, I get the old style gray drop down
menu. This has also happened after I've shut down my anti-virus program. I
am running XP Home edition, and am also the only user registered on this
computer. I am at wits end, because I have been trying to get this done for
several days now, and have been stuck on the install problem for the entire
day.

PA
Thu Aug 21 21:47:53 PDT 2008

Post the complete (verbatim) error message(s).

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

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.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.

â?¢ US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

â?¢ CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131

â?¢ UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131

â?¢ AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131

â?¢ Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
--
~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/

G1811 wrote:
> After finally downloading the Service Pack 3 update, I now find myself
> unable to install it. While scanning my computer, and copying files prior
> to the actual installation, I always end up getting an error message
> saying
> that a specific file is not where it's supposed to be. It's always a
> different file. In addition, and I believe this is the main problem,
> along
> with the error message, I am always knocked out of having Administrator
> priviledges. My computer also acts strangely at this point, with me being
> unable to open certain apps. In addition, when I shut down, instead of
> seeing the normal blue shut down window with the icons, I get the old
> style
> gray drop down menu. This has also happened after I've shut down my
> anti-virus program. I am running XP Home edition, and am also the only
> user registered on this computer. I am at wits end, because I have been
> trying to get this done for several days now, and have been stuck on the
> install problem for the entire day.

G1811
Thu Aug 21 23:06:04 PDT 2008

Verbatim:

After starting the Intallation Wizard, and getting past "Performing
Inventory," but still in the middle of "Checking Product Key":

A window titled "Copy Error" pops up, containing the text:

"Setup cannot copy the file XXXXX.XXX

Ensure the location specified below is correct, or change it and insert
'Windows XP Service Pack 3 Source Files' in the drive you specify

Copy files from:

(beneath this is a drop box listing a drive address)"

I intentionally XXed out the file, because, as I stated in my original
message, the files have been different each time.

In addition, following this, as I cancelled out of the application, and
tried to retrieve the failure report, I received a window that started
"Please change your Internet Explorer security settings." It went on to ask
me to "enable userdata persistence for Internet Explorer." I already
checked, and userdate persistence is set to enable in my Internet Explorer.
This is connected to my original message where I somehow no longer have
Administrator privledges at that point. Just for giggles, I also tried to
open several apps on my desktop, with no response. Once again, I am the only
user registered to this computer, and I had to be registered in order to
attempt the install.

I should tell you, that in order to get the above information, I had to try
to update again, which not only required me to wait for the intial error, but
also screwed up my computer with the Administrator issue. I then attempted
to shut down my computer, because that's the only way I could get back on the
message board at that point. After initiating shutdown, I got the old gray
box shut down window, instead of the proper blue "Turn off computer" window.
I then attempted to shut down, and instead of getting the normal blue screen
shut down, I got a black screen with gray box. The gray box eventually went
away, and the computer stayed on. Usually, the computer eventually shuts
down from here, but on occasions such as these, it doesn't. At that point, I
then had to do the "old stand by," of hitting the power switch in the back of
my computer. That is one thing I neglected to mention in my original
message. Every now and then, my computer just quits after I lose
Administrator rights and attempt to shut down, and I have to just cut the
power.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Post the complete (verbatim) error message(s).
>
> =================================
>
> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.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.
>
> â?¢ US:
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131
>
> â?¢ CA:
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131
>
> â?¢ UK:
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131
>
> â?¢ AU:
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131
>
> â?¢ Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
> Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
> --
> ~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/
>
> G1811 wrote:
> > After finally downloading the Service Pack 3 update, I now find myself
> > unable to install it. While scanning my computer, and copying files prior
> > to the actual installation, I always end up getting an error message
> > saying
> > that a specific file is not where it's supposed to be. It's always a
> > different file. In addition, and I believe this is the main problem,
> > along
> > with the error message, I am always knocked out of having Administrator
> > priviledges. My computer also acts strangely at this point, with me being
> > unable to open certain apps. In addition, when I shut down, instead of
> > seeing the normal blue shut down window with the icons, I get the old
> > style
> > gray drop down menu. This has also happened after I've shut down my
> > anti-virus program. I am running XP Home edition, and am also the only
> > user registered on this computer. I am at wits end, because I have been
> > trying to get this done for several days now, and have been stuck on the
> > install problem for the entire day.
>
>

Robert
Fri Aug 22 07:25:18 PDT 2008

"G1811" <G1811@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F089E2B6-AFC7-4196-A08A-8CF6C9CF1D7B@microsoft.com...
> Verbatim:
...
> "Setup cannot copy the file XXXXX.XXX


Oh, really?...


---

PA
Fri Aug 22 09:54:06 PDT 2008

Open a free support incident.
--
~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/

G1811 wrote:
> Verbatim:
>
> After starting the Intallation Wizard, and getting past "Performing
> Inventory," but still in the middle of "Checking Product Key":
>
> A window titled "Copy Error" pops up, containing the text:
>
> "Setup cannot copy the file XXXXX.XXX
>
> Ensure the location specified below is correct, or change it and insert
> 'Windows XP Service Pack 3 Source Files' in the drive you specify
>
> Copy files from:
>
> (beneath this is a drop box listing a drive address)"
>
> I intentionally XXed out the file, because, as I stated in my original
> message, the files have been different each time.
>
> In addition, following this, as I cancelled out of the application, and
> tried to retrieve the failure report, I received a window that started
> "Please change your Internet Explorer security settings." It went on to
> ask
> me to "enable userdata persistence for Internet Explorer." I already
> checked, and userdate persistence is set to enable in my Internet
> Explorer.
> This is connected to my original message where I somehow no longer have
> Administrator privledges at that point. Just for giggles, I also tried to
> open several apps on my desktop, with no response. Once again, I am the
> only user registered to this computer, and I had to be registered in order
> to attempt the install.
>
> I should tell you, that in order to get the above information, I had to
> try
> to update again, which not only required me to wait for the intial error,
> but also screwed up my computer with the Administrator issue. I then
> attempted to shut down my computer, because that's the only way I could
> get
> back on the message board at that point. After initiating shutdown, I got
> the old gray box shut down window, instead of the proper blue "Turn off
> computer" window. I then attempted to shut down, and instead of getting
> the
> normal blue screen shut down, I got a black screen with gray box. The
> gray
> box eventually went away, and the computer stayed on. Usually, the
> computer eventually shuts down from here, but on occasions such as these,
> it doesn't. At that point, I then had to do the "old stand by," of
> hitting
> the power switch in the back of my computer. That is one thing I
> neglected
> to mention in my original message. Every now and then, my computer just
> quits after I lose Administrator rights and attempt to shut down, and I
> have to just cut the power.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> Post the complete (verbatim) error message(s).
>>
>> =================================
>>
>> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
>>
>> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
>> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.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.
>>
>> â?¢ US:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131
>>
>> â?¢ CA:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131
>>
>> â?¢ UK:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131
>>
>> â?¢ AU:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131
>>
>> â?¢ Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 |
>> select
>> Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> --
>> ~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/
>>
>> G1811 wrote:
>>> After finally downloading the Service Pack 3 update, I now find myself
>>> unable to install it. While scanning my computer, and copying files
>>> prior
>>> to the actual installation, I always end up getting an error message
>>> saying
>>> that a specific file is not where it's supposed to be. It's always a
>>> different file. In addition, and I believe this is the main problem,
>>> along
>>> with the error message, I am always knocked out of having Administrator
>>> priviledges. My computer also acts strangely at this point, with me
>>> being
>>> unable to open certain apps. In addition, when I shut down, instead of
>>> seeing the normal blue shut down window with the icons, I get the old
>>> style
>>> gray drop down menu. This has also happened after I've shut down my
>>> anti-virus program. I am running XP Home edition, and am also the only
>>> user registered on this computer. I am at wits end, because I have been
>>> trying to get this done for several days now, and have been stuck on the
>>> install problem for the entire day.

ehm1217
Sat Aug 23 07:30:28 PDT 2008

On Aug 21, 9:24=A0pm, G1811 <G1...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> After finally downloading the Service Pack 3 update, I now find myself un=
able
> to install it. =A0While scanning my computer, and copying files prior to =
the
> actual installation, I always end up getting an error message saying that=
a
> specific file is not where it's supposed to be. =A0It's always a differen=
t
> file. =A0In addition, and I believe this is the main problem, along with =
the
> error message, I am always knocked out of having Administrator priviledge=
s. =A0
> My computer also acts strangely at this point, with me being unable to op=
en
> certain apps. =A0In addition, when I shut down, instead of seeing the nor=
mal
> blue shut down window with the icons, I get the old style gray drop down
> menu. =A0This has also happened after I've shut down my anti-virus progra=
m. =A0I
> am running XP Home edition, and am also the only user registered on this
> computer. =A0I am at wits end, because I have been trying to get this don=
e for
> several days now, and have been stuck on the install problem for the enti=
re
> day.

I'm having the same problem. What a screw up.
After booting my Toshiba laptop this morning to get some work done I
get a balloon noting that updates are ready for install. So I click do
it... and only then am I told its Service Pack 3 for XP.
One hour later I get the error message and notice of the need to
uninstall the update. So I click do it.
Now, nearly another hour later, it's still working to delete the files
it couldn't finish installing.
Thanks Microsoft. Mac couldn't have produced an ad better than this.

PA
Sat Aug 23 15:19:45 PDT 2008

Don't blame MS for how you've messed up your computer, please. Millions
have installed WinXP SP3 without any problems.

ehm1217 wrote:
<snip>
> I'm having the same problem. What a screw up.
> After booting my Toshiba laptop this morning to get some work done I
> get a balloon noting that updates are ready for install. So I click do
> it... and only then am I told its Service Pack 3 for XP.
> One hour later I get the error message and notice of the need to
> uninstall the update. So I click do it.
> Now, nearly another hour later, it's still working to delete the files
> it couldn't finish installing.
> Thanks Microsoft. Mac couldn't have produced an ad better than this.

ehm1217
Sat Aug 23 18:02:37 PDT 2008

On Aug 23, 6:19=A0pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Don't blame MS for how you've messed up your computer, please. =A0Million=
s
> have installed WinXP SP3 without any problems.
>
> ehm1217 wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
>
>
> > I'm having the same problem. What a screw up.
> > After booting my Toshiba laptop this morning to get some work done I
> > get a balloon noting that updates are ready for install. So I click do
> > it... and only then am I told its Service Pack 3 for XP.
> > One hour later I get the error message and notice of the need to
> > uninstall the update. So I click do it.
> > Now, nearly another hour later, it's still working to delete the files
> > it couldn't finish installing.
> > Thanks Microsoft. Mac couldn't have produced an ad better than this.- H=
ide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

How do you mess up an automatic download and update?????

PA
Sun Aug 24 11:17:36 PDT 2008

ehm1217 wrote:
> On Aug 23, 6:19 pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Don't blame MS for how you've messed up your computer, please. Millions
>> have installed WinXP SP3 without any problems.
>>
>> ehm1217 wrote:
>> <snip>
>>> I'm having the same problem. What a screw up.
>>> After booting my Toshiba laptop this morning to get some work done I
>>> get a balloon noting that updates are ready for install. So I click do
>>> it... and only then am I told its Service Pack 3 for XP.
>>> One hour later I get the error message and notice of the need to
>>> uninstall the update. So I click do it.
>>> Now, nearly another hour later, it's still working to delete the files
>>> it couldn't finish installing.
>>> Thanks Microsoft. Mac couldn't have produced an ad better than this.-
>
> How do you mess up an automatic download and update?????

That's not what's messed up.

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.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.

. US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

. CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131

. UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131

. AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131

. Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
--
~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/

ehm1217
Sun Aug 24 18:32:46 PDT 2008

On Aug 24, 2:17=A0pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
> ehm1217 wrote:
> > On Aug 23, 6:19 pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> Don't blame MS for how you've messed up your computer, please. Million=
s
> >> have installed WinXP SP3 without any problems.
>
> >> ehm1217 wrote:
> >> <snip>
> >>> I'm having the same problem. What a screw up.
> >>> After booting my Toshiba laptop this morning to get some work done I
> >>> get a balloon noting that updates are ready for install. So I click d=
o
> >>> it... and only then am I told its Service Pack 3 for XP.
> >>> One hour later I get the error message and notice of the need to
> >>> uninstall the update. So I click do it.
> >>> Now, nearly another hour later, it's still working to delete the file=
s
> >>> it couldn't finish installing.
> >>> Thanks Microsoft. Mac couldn't have produced an ad better than this.-
>
> > How do you mess up an automatic download and update?????
>
> That's not what's messed up.
>
> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3http://suppo=
rt.microsoft.com/kb/950718
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installationhttp://ms=
mvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp...
>
> Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3http://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.
>
> . US:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=3Den-us&prid=3D1127=
3&gpr...
>
> . CA:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=3Den-ca&prid=3D1127=
3&gpr...
>
> . UK:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=3Den-gb&prid=3D1127=
3&gpr...
>
> . AU:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=3Den-au&prid=3D1127=
3&gpr...
>
> . Other:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=3D1173| selec=
t
> Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Adminhttp://aumha.net
> DTS-Lhttp://dts-l.net/- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Here's what's messed up:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/9-Critical-Errors-that-Will-Prevent-the-Inst=
allation-of-XP-SP3-RTM-Build-5512-85266.shtml

Harry
Sun Aug 24 20:44:34 PDT 2008

ehm1217 wrote:

> Here's what's messed up:
> http://news.softpedia.com/news/9-Critical-Errors-that-Will-Prevent-the-Installation-of-XP-SP3-RTM-Build-5512-85266.shtml

None of these represent a fault in service pack 3.

1. is caused by OEMs pre-installing Windows improperly.
2. is caused by attempting to install SP3 either (a) while on battery power; (b)
while an incompatible optional system component is installed; or (c) on the
wrong operating system.
3. is caused by third-party software that improperly restricts access to
registry keys.
4. and 5. are caused by insufficient free disk space.
6. is caused by a fault in the old version of Boot Camp.
7. is caused by trying to install the service pack while you're installing
another update.
8. is caused by either (a) unsupported modifications to the system or (b)
registry corruption.
9. is caused by either (a) installing other updates between downloading and
installing SP3 or (b) deleting a system folder after SP3 downloaded but before
it was installed.

Harry.

PA
Sun Aug 24 23:05:49 PDT 2008

ehm1217 wrote:
> On Aug 24, 2:17 pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> ehm1217 wrote:
>>> On Aug 23, 6:19 pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> Don't blame MS for how you've messed up your computer, please. Millions
>>>> have installed WinXP SP3 without any problems.
>>
>>>> ehm1217 wrote:
>>>> <snip>
>>>>> I'm having the same problem. What a screw up.
>>>>> After booting my Toshiba laptop this morning to get some work done I
>>>>> get a balloon noting that updates are ready for install. So I click do
>>>>> it... and only then am I told its Service Pack 3 for XP.
>>>>> One hour later I get the error message and notice of the need to
>>>>> uninstall the update. So I click do it.
>>>>> Now, nearly another hour later, it's still working to delete the files
>>>>> it couldn't finish installing.
>>>>> Thanks Microsoft. Mac couldn't have produced an ad better than this.-
>>
>>> How do you mess up an automatic download and update?????
>>
>> That's not what's messed up.
>>
>> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP
>> SP3http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
>>
>> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful
>> installationhttp://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp...
>>
>> Steps to take before you install WinXP
>> SP3http://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.
<snip>
> Here's what's messed up:
> http://news.softpedia.com/news/9-Critical-Errors-that-Will-Prevent-the-Installation-of-XP-SP3-RTM-Build-5512-85266.shtml

That's neither a Windows nor an SP3 problem.

G1811
Mon Aug 25 22:56:00 PDT 2008

What is the point of your reply?

It's not that I question what you mean in your response, it's that I
literally question what is the point of you replying in this manner? Is it
an immature attempt at showing your intellectual "superiority?" If that's
the case, then I would direct you to the remainder of my reply, in which I
explicitly state the reasons why I XXed out what I did. Furthemore, I would
give you a lesson in customer service. In addition to expecting service
(which I have yet to receive, no thanks to your "response"), a customer
should be expected to give all available information. In showing that the
file name is not relevant, I did exactly that.

I'd also point out that, if you intend to send someone comments of a
grammatical nature, you might make sure that you properly type it. An
ellipse is properly typed as dot-dash-dot-dash-dot. In other words, your
response should read: "Oh, really. . ."

So endeth the lesson. Gee, I guess learning really is fun. In the future,
I'd ask that any other responses in this thread be even minimally helpful,
and not in the intellectually and ethical immaturity as this one was made.
I'd also ask that Robert Aldwinckle not respond to my threads, since he has
proven himself both totally unhelpful, and also out of his depth.

"Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:

> "G1811" <G1811@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:F089E2B6-AFC7-4196-A08A-8CF6C9CF1D7B@microsoft.com...
> > Verbatim:
> ....
> > "Setup cannot copy the file XXXXX.XXX
>
>
> Oh, really?...
>
>
> ---
>
>
>

G1811
Mon Aug 25 23:07:02 PDT 2008

Okay, I think that this thread has gotten pretty far from field, considering
I am the one who started it. I have done as requested, and attempted to send
a support incident report. However, I had major problems with IE freezing
and trying to shutdown with an error report while doing this. Although I
think I was finally successful, I still got an error report at the end (I
simply left the error report on until the background window finished
uploading). Following this, I received a cookie-cutter E-mail response to
contact Microsoft directly via telephone, E-mail, or chat for assistance.
Despite this seeming like two steps back (I already attempted to get third
party help in this very thread without much help) I attempted to do contact
Microsoft support through the link on the right of the support page, only to
be directed to the same incident support program that I had problems with in
the first place. I should note that I had already clicked on the link
supplied in the original E-mail, only to find that the link was broken. I
also clicked on the link to contact the original customer support
representative's supervisor, only to find this link broken as well.

I ask that everyone take a time-out from their "Microsoft does or doesn't
suck" conversation to attempt to actually help me, the original poster.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> ehm1217 wrote:
> > On Aug 24, 2:17 pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> ehm1217 wrote:
> >>> On Aug 23, 6:19 pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>> Don't blame MS for how you've messed up your computer, please. Millions
> >>>> have installed WinXP SP3 without any problems.
> >>
> >>>> ehm1217 wrote:
> >>>> <snip>
> >>>>> I'm having the same problem. What a screw up.
> >>>>> After booting my Toshiba laptop this morning to get some work done I
> >>>>> get a balloon noting that updates are ready for install. So I click do
> >>>>> it... and only then am I told its Service Pack 3 for XP.
> >>>>> One hour later I get the error message and notice of the need to
> >>>>> uninstall the update. So I click do it.
> >>>>> Now, nearly another hour later, it's still working to delete the files
> >>>>> it couldn't finish installing.
> >>>>> Thanks Microsoft. Mac couldn't have produced an ad better than this.-
> >>
> >>> How do you mess up an automatic download and update?????
> >>
> >> That's not what's messed up.
> >>
> >> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP
> >> SP3http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
> >>
> >> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful
> >> installationhttp://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp...
> >>
> >> Steps to take before you install WinXP
> >> SP3http://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.
> <snip>
> > Here's what's messed up:
> > http://news.softpedia.com/news/9-Critical-Errors-that-Will-Prevent-the-Installation-of-XP-SP3-RTM-Build-5512-85266.shtml
>
> That's neither a Windows nor an SP3 problem.
>
>

Harry
Tue Aug 26 13:46:31 PDT 2008

G1811 wrote:

> If that's
> the case, then I would direct you to the remainder of my reply, in which I
> explicitly state the reasons why I XXed out what I did.

Long experience has shown us that censored error messages tend to be unhelpful.
This may be one of the exceptions where it doesn't matter, but a verbatim
message would have avoided any confusion.

> Furthemore, I would give you a lesson in customer service.

That would make more sense if you were our customer.

> An ellipse is properly typed as dot-dash-dot-dash-dot.

Only on a typewriter, not on a computer.

Harry.

Harry
Tue Aug 26 13:49:41 PDT 2008

G1811 wrote:

> Okay, I think that this thread has gotten pretty far from field, considering
> I am the one who started it.

Thread drift - it happens.

> However, I had major problems with IE freezing
> and trying to shutdown with an error report while doing this.

Seems as if you have fairly significant problems on this computer. Might be
malware, perhaps even a hardware problem ... but personally (i.e., if this was
my computer) at this point I'd try reinstalling the operating system.

However, it might be worth your while to talk to Microsoft Support first. Since
you aren't able to use the internet options, I'd suggest a phone call. Support
for installing service pack 3 is currently free of charge.

Harry.

G1811
Sun Sep 28 23:36:02 PDT 2008

> Long experience has shown us that censored error messages tend to be
unhelpful.
> This may be one of the exceptions where it doesn't matter, but a verbatim
> message would have avoided any confusion.

So basically, based on your "long experience," you completely ignored my
question, which was reasonable in the censorship, and actually explained the
reasoning behind it, because you know both myself and my computer better than
I do?
>
> That would make more sense if you were our customer.
>

I'm sorry, I assumed that, based on his special "blue Microsoft Expert" tag,
that he had some responsibility to those seeking help. Instead, let's assume
that he has some responsibility to being an actual productive human being.

> Only on a typewriter, not on a computer.

I already responded to this one once, but why the hell not. . .You're
correct in this statement, if you're ignoring proper written English, and the
fact that proper written English does not change depending on the medium in
which it is written. The medium does not affect the rule. If that were the
case, then stupid abbreviations and nonsensical keystrokes that are meant to
symbolize facial expressions would be the norm. Wait a minute, never mind.

XOXO, ;) ;) ;)

Harry
Mon Sep 29 01:21:20 PDT 2008

G1811 wrote:

> I'm sorry, I assumed that, based on his special "blue Microsoft Expert" tag,
> that he had some responsibility to those seeking help.

MVPs are volunteers.

> I already responded to this one once, but why the hell not. . .You're
> correct in this statement, if you're ignoring proper written English, and the
> fact that proper written English does not change depending on the medium in
> which it is written. The medium does not affect the rule.

This isn't really a grammatical rule, though, it's a typographical one, which
obviously *is* affected by the medium. In typewriting (or at least typewriting
as I was taught) you actually use a half-space. Obviously this isn't possible
on a computer, and all the advice I've ever seen says that no space is
preferable to a full space.

Compare these:

I don't drink. . .wine.

I don't drink ... wine.

In my eyes, at least, the second format is both more aesthetic and easier to
read, which are after all the twin purposes of typography.

Incidentally, have you actually managed to get SP3 successfully installed yet?
Were Microsoft able to help? (If you still need assistance, I'd recommend
starting a new thread describing the symptoms again, as this one is now over a
month old and has become, shall we say, a bit messy.)

Harry.