Installing XP SP3 Fails With Registry Permission Error

When installing Microsoft XP SP3 many users have reported errors due to permission problems in the Windows registry which then causes the service pack to fail.

Windows Registry permission problems are often caused by anti-virus software, or connecting / disconnecting from different domains(network environment) Or even Malware, Spyware and virus

There are a range of error messages that have been reported but almost all make mention of permission , authentication, and registry. You can usually obtain a full copy of the error message from your computer log (manage computer >  System Log)

Error messages include:

• Service Pack 3 setup error. Access is denied.
• Service Pack 3 setup error. Service Pack installation did not complete
• DoRegistryUpdates failed
• Various permission errors

There is a simple fix for this problem. Detailed below

Option 1 (automatic)

1. Download and Install the SubinACL tool from microsoft.
2. Download and run the attached file – reset.cmd (attached to the bottom of this article)

The reset tool may take some time to process your registry – so leave it running

When complete the tool will exit

At this point you should be good to go – to reattempt XPSP3 install.

Note: Run these tools as administrator.