XP SP3

-- I can not install the Win XP Pro SP 3 from downloaded file?. Get Error
Message - "The requested lookup key was not found in any active activation
context."

I also could not install from Win Update. Error Msg. was - 0x87FF36B7
Any ideas on how to correct?

Larry Ralph

Try Google for both the error message and the number.

" Larry Ralph" wrote in message
...


-- I can not install the Win XP Pro SP 3 from downloaded file?. Get Error
Message - "The requested lookup key was not found in any active activation
context."

I also could not install from Win Update. Error Msg. was - 0x87FF36B7
Any ideas on how to correct?

Larry Ralph

" Larry Ralph" wrote in message
...


-- I can not install the Win XP Pro SP 3 from downloaded file?. Get Error
Message - "The requested lookup key was not found in any active activation
context."

I also could not install from Win Update. Error Msg. was - 0x87FF36B7
Any ideas on how to correct?

Larry Ralph

Hi
Read this

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

chas2209

I have tried everything recommended and still no luck installing SP3 for
Win XP

--
Wishing you a Wonderful Christmas Season, and a Happy and Healthy New Year
from our little community of Indian Oaks, Florida!!
Best Regards, Larry Ralph


"chas2209" wrote in message
...

" Larry Ralph" wrote in message
...


-- I can not install the Win XP Pro SP 3 from downloaded file?. Get Error
Message - "The requested lookup key was not found in any active
activation context."

I also could not install from Win Update. Error Msg. was - 0x87FF36B7
Any ideas on how to correct?

Larry Ralph

Hi
Read this

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

chas2209

Please be specific. Which downloaded file are you referring to?

Have you seen the troubleshooting suggestions from this page:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

I always have success installing SP3 when I do the following:

1. Install it from the file he

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

2. Configure a Clean Boot before you install SP3:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

3. Make sure IE is at IE6 level.

More info:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...7-59110e4b8a3b

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377


Larry Ralph wrote:
I have tried everything recommended and still no luck installing SP3
for Win XP


"chas2209" wrote in message
...

" Larry Ralph" wrote in message
...


-- I can not install the Win XP Pro SP 3 from downloaded file?. Get
Error Message - "The requested lookup key was not found in any
active activation context."

I also could not install from Win Update. Error Msg. was -
0x87FF36B7 Any ideas on how to correct?

Larry Ralph

Hi
Read this

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

chas2209

I have tried to install the SP3 install file from download center of
Microsoft and the Windows Automatic Update file of SP3. Both were tried
several times doing all the recommended work a rounds! No luck!

Larry Ralph


--
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year from our little community of Indian
Oaks, Florida!!
Best Regards, Larry Ralph


"Daave" wrote in message
...
Please be specific. Which downloaded file are you referring to?

Have you seen the troubleshooting suggestions from this page:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

I always have success installing SP3 when I do the following:

1. Install it from the file he

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

2. Configure a Clean Boot before you install SP3:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

3. Make sure IE is at IE6 level.

More info:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...7-59110e4b8a3b

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377


Larry Ralph wrote:
I have tried everything recommended and still no luck installing SP3 for
Win XP


"chas2209" wrote in message
...

" Larry Ralph" wrote in message
...


-- I can not install the Win XP Pro SP 3 from downloaded file?. Get
Error Message - "The requested lookup key was not found in any
active activation context."

I also could not install from Win Update. Error Msg. was -
0x87FF36B7 Any ideas on how to correct?

Larry Ralph

Hi
Read this

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

chas2209

On Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:20:49 -0500
Larry Ralph articulated:

I have tried to install the SP3 install file from download center of
Microsoft and the Windows Automatic Update file of SP3. Both were
tried several times doing all the recommended work a rounds! No luck!

Sorry Larry, my crystal ball has taken a few days off for the holidays.
Perhaps you could be a bit more specific. Exactly what error message(s)
are you receiving? Could you also supply some system specific
specifications. Also, what "work a rounds" are you referring to?

--
Carmel |::::=======
|::::=======
|===========
|===========
|

snipped

Larry Ralph wrote:
I have tried to install the SP3 install file from download center
of Microsoft and the Windows Automatic Update file of SP3. Both
were tried several times doing all the recommended work a rounds! No luck!

Windows XP SP3 installation issues? Let's go through a process and see what
happens (should get your machine cleaned up and patched - but you have to
follow it exactly - even if you *know* you have done parts before - do them
as listed.)

First - please verify the exact edition, version and architecture of
Windows XP you have:

Press and hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and then press the
"Pause/Break" key. Let go of both. This is equivalent in Windows XP to
having right-clicked on the "My Computer" icon and chosen "Properties"
from the menu that appears. When the new window appears - ensure you are
under the "General" tab. Is there *anything* in there to indicate you
have a 64-bit version of Windows XP, like the words, "Windows XP
Professional x64 Edition Version"?

If there is, let everyone here know this and stop the quest - as you have no
SP3 for your operating system.

If there is not, let everyone here know this and continue the quest.

Next we will get the edition and version information...

Start button -- RUN
(no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
-- type in:
winver
-- Click OK.

The picture at the top of the window that opens will give you the general
(Operating System name and edition) while the line starting with the word
"version" will give you the rest of the story. Post _both_ in response
to this message verbatim. No paraphrasing - instead - ensure
character-for-character copying.

Next question has to do with what type of computer you own and what type
of processor it has. It's pretty straight forward: Is it an HP branded
computer and does it have an AMD processor installed?

If the answer to BOTH of those is YES, then you need to prevent a known
issue with that combination using the following instructions:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com:80/ewfrf/w...tem=pv-60484-2

If the answer to EITHER of those is NO, then you are generally safe in
continuing on. But either way - answer back here so everyone can know
what you are doing/what you have step-by-excruciating-step.

What version of Internet Explorer are you currently using? Easy to find
out. Open Internet Explorer and while that is in-focus, press and hold
the "ALT" key on your keyboard. With the "ALT" key still pressed, press
(just once, no holding) the "H" key. Now, with the "ALT" key still
pressed, press (just once, no holding) the "A" key. That will bring up
the "About Internet Explorer" window. It will give you the exact version
you are using - repeat what you see there in response to this message.

Let's look at your copy/license of Windows XP now - validate it if you
will. Visit the following web site in Internet Explorer:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/diag/
and locate/click on the "Start Diagnostics" blue button on the left side
of the web page. Does everything pass? If not - what are the diagnostic
steps they have you go through?

Next, download/run:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

You will be prompted to either Run or Save the tool. Choose to Run the
tool and follow the on-screen prompts. You will receive an Internet
Explorer-Security Warning dialog box for the Windows Genuine Advantage
Diagnostic Tool; you must choose to Run this tool when prompted.

Once you are presented with the Diagnostics tool choose Continue to run
the diagnostic report. If the RESOLVE button is available after running
the diagnostics, please click RESOLVE to allow the diagnostic tool to
attempt a repair.

1. After running the MGA Diagnostic tool, click on the Windows tab and
then click on Copy.
2. Please return to this post and paste the results here for additional
review.

Now that we have some base information, let's cleanup and get ready to
install Windows XP SP3 onto your Windows XP system.

Reboot so you start with a fresh machine. For everything here you will
need to logon as an user with administrative (installation) priviledges.

Fix your file/registry permissions...

Ignore the title and follow the sub-section under
"Advanced Troubleshooting" titled,
"Method 1: Reset the registry and the file permissions"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
*will take time
** Ignore the last step (6) - you'll install SP3 shortly, but not now.

You will likely see errors pass by if you watching, even count up. No
worries *at this time*.

*After* that is done, continue on to the next part where you clean off
some excess (unnecessary) files. It only removes those you definitely
do not need, if you follow the directions *as given* and do not deviate.
So reboot (for each of these steps, it is just best to reboot right
before - but I will continue to point that out) and logon as an user with
administrative priviledges.

Download/install the "Windows Installer CleanUp Utility":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

After installing, do the following:

Start button -- RUN
(no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
-- type in:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Installer Clean Up\msizap.exe" g!
-- Click OK.
(The quotation marks and percentage signs and spacing should be exact.)

It will flash by *quick*, don't expect much out of this step to get
excited about. But the cleaner your machine is to start with, the
better your luck will be later (not really luck - more like preparedness,
but that's not as fun to think about, eh?)

Yeah - you will get tired of rebooting - but let's soldier on and reboot
again and logon as an user with administrative priviledges.

This time (and this is one of the more time-consuming steps) you will be
running (one at a time with reboots in-between each) three different
anti-spyware/anti-malware applications to ensure you come up clean.

Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
(freeware version):

SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
(freeware version):

MalwareBytes
http://www.malwarebytes.com/

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download and run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx

You may find nothing, you may find only cookies, you may think it is a
waste of time - but if you do all this and report back here with what you
do/don't find as you are doing all of it - you are adding more pieces to
the puzzle and the entire picture just may become clearer and your
problem resolved.

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download/Install the latest Windows Installer (for your OS):
( Windows XP 32-bit : WindowsXP-KB942288-v3-x86.exe )
http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/d...displaylang=en

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download the latest version of the Windows Update agent from here (x86):
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237
.... and save it to the root of your C:\ drive. After saving it to the
root of the C:\ drive, do the following:

Close all Internet Explorer windows and other applications.

Start button -- RUN and type in:
%SystemDrive%\windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe /WUFORCE
-- Click OK.

(If asked, select "Run.) -- Click on NEXT -- Select "I agree" and click on
NEXT -- When it finishes installing, click on "Finish"...

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Visit this web page:

How do I reset Windows Update components?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

.... and click on the "Microsoft Fix it" icon. When asked, select "RUN",
both times. Check the "I agree" box and click on "Next". Check the box
for "Run aggressive options (not recommended)" and click "Next". Let
it finish up and follow the prompts until it is done. Close/exit and
reboot when it is.

Now for SP3...

Download the full SP3 installation file.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for
IT Professionals and Developers (works just as well for you.)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-1E1555D4F3D4

You are just saving it right now - not running it yet. There will be no
file size deviation - it is 316.4MB.

You should now perform a full CHKDSK on your system drive (C...

How to scan your disks for errors
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
* will take time and a reboot

You should now perform a full Defragment on your system drive (C...

How to Defragment your hard drives
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
* will take time

Reboot right before you try to install SP3.

Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically disconnect -
pull the network cable or disable the router/modem.)

Uninstall any and all third-party firewall applications (ZoneAlarm, etc)
and utilize the built-in WIndows Firewall only.

Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are about to
install SP3. Usually right-click on the icon in the taskbar gives you
a choice to do so.

Install SP3 by running the downloaded executable.

Reboot when requested to do so.

Logon and let the machine 'settle' for about 10 minutes.

Reboot.

Give it 5 minutes after logon to 'settle' - reboot.

After that - there will be more updates.

Log on as an user with administrative rights and open Internet Explorer
and visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and select to do a
CUSTOM scan...

Every time you are about to click on something while at these web pages -
first press and hold down the CTRL key while you click on it. You can
release the CTRL key after clicking each time.

Once the scan is done, select just _ONE_ of the high priority updates
(deselect any others) and install it.

Reboot again.

If it did work - try the web page again - selecting no more than 3-5 at a
time. Rebooting as needed.

The Optional Software updates are generally safe - although I recommend
against the "Windows Search" one and any of the "Office Live" ones or
"Windows Live" ones for now. I would completely avoid the
Optional Hardware updates. Also - I do not see any urgent need to
install Internet Explorer 8 at this time.

Seriously - do all that. This is like antibiotics - don't skip a single
step, don't quit because you think things will be okay now - go through
until the end, until you have done everything given in the order given. If
you have a problem with a step come ask and let someone here get you
through that step. If you don't understand how to do a step, come back
and ask here about that step and let someone walk you through it.

Then - when done - let everyone here know if it worked for you - or if
you have more issues.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

1. My winver is = Version 5.1 (build 2600.xpsp_sp2_qfe.090804-1435 Service
Pack 2). Physical Memory available to Windows: 3,011,692 KB.

2. I have a HP Intel® Pentium Duel CPU E2220 @ 2.40GHz. 2.40 GHz , 2.87
Ram. Physical Address Extension.

3. My Internet Explorer Ver is 8.06001.18702. But I did uninstalled Ver. 8
and went back to Ver 6 when following directions to install SP3.

After seeing all of your other instruction ( Many that I have already tried)
I am thinking is it worth installing SP3 to go through all this again? What
Makes SP3 that important to install??

Regards Larry

--

"Shenan Stanley" wrote in message
...
snipped

Larry Ralph wrote:
I have tried to install the SP3 install file from download center
of Microsoft and the Windows Automatic Update file of SP3. Both
were tried several times doing all the recommended work a rounds! No
luck!

Windows XP SP3 installation issues? Let's go through a process and see
what happens (should get your machine cleaned up and patched - but you
have to follow it exactly - even if you *know* you have done parts
before - do them as listed.)

First - please verify the exact edition, version and architecture of
Windows XP you have:

Press and hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and then press the
"Pause/Break" key. Let go of both. This is equivalent in Windows XP to
having right-clicked on the "My Computer" icon and chosen "Properties"
from the menu that appears. When the new window appears - ensure you are
under the "General" tab. Is there *anything* in there to indicate you
have a 64-bit version of Windows XP, like the words, "Windows XP
Professional x64 Edition Version"?

If there is, let everyone here know this and stop the quest - as you have
no
SP3 for your operating system.

If there is not, let everyone here know this and continue the quest.

Next we will get the edition and version information...

Start button -- RUN
(no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
-- type in:
winver
-- Click OK.

The picture at the top of the window that opens will give you the general
(Operating System name and edition) while the line starting with the word
"version" will give you the rest of the story. Post _both_ in response
to this message verbatim. No paraphrasing - instead - ensure
character-for-character copying.

Next question has to do with what type of computer you own and what type
of processor it has. It's pretty straight forward: Is it an HP branded
computer and does it have an AMD processor installed?

If the answer to BOTH of those is YES, then you need to prevent a known
issue with that combination using the following instructions:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com:80/ewfrf/w...tem=pv-60484-2

If the answer to EITHER of those is NO, then you are generally safe in
continuing on. But either way - answer back here so everyone can know
what you are doing/what you have step-by-excruciating-step.

What version of Internet Explorer are you currently using? Easy to find
out. Open Internet Explorer and while that is in-focus, press and hold
the "ALT" key on your keyboard. With the "ALT" key still pressed, press
(just once, no holding) the "H" key. Now, with the "ALT" key still
pressed, press (just once, no holding) the "A" key. That will bring up
the "About Internet Explorer" window. It will give you the exact version
you are using - repeat what you see there in response to this message.

Let's look at your copy/license of Windows XP now - validate it if you
will. Visit the following web site in Internet Explorer:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/diag/
and locate/click on the "Start Diagnostics" blue button on the left side
of the web page. Does everything pass? If not - what are the diagnostic
steps they have you go through?

Next, download/run:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

You will be prompted to either Run or Save the tool. Choose to Run the
tool and follow the on-screen prompts. You will receive an Internet
Explorer-Security Warning dialog box for the Windows Genuine Advantage
Diagnostic Tool; you must choose to Run this tool when prompted.

Once you are presented with the Diagnostics tool choose Continue to run
the diagnostic report. If the RESOLVE button is available after running
the diagnostics, please click RESOLVE to allow the diagnostic tool to
attempt a repair.

1. After running the MGA Diagnostic tool, click on the Windows tab and
then click on Copy.
2. Please return to this post and paste the results here for additional
review.

Now that we have some base information, let's cleanup and get ready to
install Windows XP SP3 onto your Windows XP system.

Reboot so you start with a fresh machine. For everything here you will
need to logon as an user with administrative (installation) priviledges.

Fix your file/registry permissions...

Ignore the title and follow the sub-section under
"Advanced Troubleshooting" titled,
"Method 1: Reset the registry and the file permissions"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
*will take time
** Ignore the last step (6) - you'll install SP3 shortly, but not now.

You will likely see errors pass by if you watching, even count up. No
worries *at this time*.

*After* that is done, continue on to the next part where you clean off
some excess (unnecessary) files. It only removes those you definitely
do not need, if you follow the directions *as given* and do not deviate.
So reboot (for each of these steps, it is just best to reboot right
before - but I will continue to point that out) and logon as an user with
administrative priviledges.

Download/install the "Windows Installer CleanUp Utility":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

After installing, do the following:

Start button -- RUN
(no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
-- type in:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Installer Clean Up\msizap.exe" g!
-- Click OK.
(The quotation marks and percentage signs and spacing should be exact.)

It will flash by *quick*, don't expect much out of this step to get
excited about. But the cleaner your machine is to start with, the
better your luck will be later (not really luck - more like preparedness,
but that's not as fun to think about, eh?)

Yeah - you will get tired of rebooting - but let's soldier on and reboot
again and logon as an user with administrative priviledges.

This time (and this is one of the more time-consuming steps) you will be
running (one at a time with reboots in-between each) three different
anti-spyware/anti-malware applications to ensure you come up clean.

Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
(freeware version):

SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
(freeware version):

MalwareBytes
http://www.malwarebytes.com/

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download and run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx

You may find nothing, you may find only cookies, you may think it is a
waste of time - but if you do all this and report back here with what you
do/don't find as you are doing all of it - you are adding more pieces to
the puzzle and the entire picture just may become clearer and your
problem resolved.

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download/Install the latest Windows Installer (for your OS):
( Windows XP 32-bit : WindowsXP-KB942288-v3-x86.exe )
http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/d...displaylang=en

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download the latest version of the Windows Update agent from here (x86):
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237
... and save it to the root of your C:\ drive. After saving it to the
root of the C:\ drive, do the following:

Close all Internet Explorer windows and other applications.

Start button -- RUN and type in:
%SystemDrive%\windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe /WUFORCE
-- Click OK.

(If asked, select "Run.) -- Click on NEXT -- Select "I agree" and click
on
NEXT -- When it finishes installing, click on "Finish"...

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Visit this web page:

How do I reset Windows Update components?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

... and click on the "Microsoft Fix it" icon. When asked, select "RUN",
both times. Check the "I agree" box and click on "Next". Check the box
for "Run aggressive options (not recommended)" and click "Next". Let
it finish up and follow the prompts until it is done. Close/exit and
reboot when it is.

Now for SP3...

Download the full SP3 installation file.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for
IT Professionals and Developers (works just as well for you.)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-1E1555D4F3D4

You are just saving it right now - not running it yet. There will be no
file size deviation - it is 316.4MB.

You should now perform a full CHKDSK on your system drive (C...

How to scan your disks for errors
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
* will take time and a reboot

You should now perform a full Defragment on your system drive (C...

How to Defragment your hard drives
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
* will take time

Reboot right before you try to install SP3.

Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically disconnect -
pull the network cable or disable the router/modem.)

Uninstall any and all third-party firewall applications (ZoneAlarm, etc)
and utilize the built-in WIndows Firewall only.

Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are about to
install SP3. Usually right-click on the icon in the taskbar gives you
a choice to do so.

Install SP3 by running the downloaded executable.

Reboot when requested to do so.

Logon and let the machine 'settle' for about 10 minutes.

Reboot.

Give it 5 minutes after logon to 'settle' - reboot.

After that - there will be more updates.

Log on as an user with administrative rights and open Internet Explorer
and visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and select to do a
CUSTOM scan...

Every time you are about to click on something while at these web pages -
first press and hold down the CTRL key while you click on it. You can
release the CTRL key after clicking each time.

Once the scan is done, select just _ONE_ of the high priority updates
(deselect any others) and install it.

Reboot again.

If it did work - try the web page again - selecting no more than 3-5 at a
time. Rebooting as needed.

The Optional Software updates are generally safe - although I recommend
against the "Windows Search" one and any of the "Office Live" ones or
"Windows Live" ones for now. I would completely avoid the
Optional Hardware updates. Also - I do not see any urgent need to
install Internet Explorer 8 at this time.

Seriously - do all that. This is like antibiotics - don't skip a single
step, don't quit because you think things will be okay now - go through
until the end, until you have done everything given in the order given.
If
you have a problem with a step come ask and let someone here get you
through that step. If you don't understand how to do a step, come back
and ask here about that step and let someone walk you through it.

Then - when done - let everyone here know if it worked for you - or if
you have more issues.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

As sugested in an earlier Recommendation from Daave tree of replies to my
original email, see above,
The following was used as a guide to try the SP3 install!!

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

I always have success installing SP3 when I do the following:

1. Install it from the file he

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

2. Configure a Clean Boot before you install SP3:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

3. Make sure IE is at IE6 level.

More info:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...7-59110e4b8a3b

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

Best Regards, Larry Ralph




I have tried to install the SP3 install file from download center of
Microsoft and the Windows Automatic Update file of SP3. Both were
tried several times doing all the recommended work a rounds! No luck!

Sorry Larry, my crystal ball has taken a few days off for the holidays.
Perhaps you could be a bit more specific. Exactly what error message(s)
are you receiving? Could you also supply some system specific
specifications. Also, what "work a rounds" are you referring to?

--
Carmel |::::=======
|::::=======
|===========
|===========
|

snipped
entire conversation - archived indefinitely
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...047bbf7cd7659/
/entire conversation - archived indefinitely



Larry Ralph wrote:
1. My winver is = Version 5.1 (build 2600.xpsp_sp2_qfe.090804-1435
Service Pack 2). Physical Memory available to Windows: 3,011,692
KB.
2. I have a HP Intel® Pentium Duel CPU E2220 @ 2.40GHz. 2.40 GHz
, 2.87 Ram. Physical Address Extension.

3. My Internet Explorer Ver is 8.06001.18702. But I did
uninstalled Ver. 8 and went back to Ver 6 when following directions
to install SP3.
After seeing all of your other instruction ( Many that I have
already tried) I am thinking is it worth installing SP3 to go
through all this again? What Makes SP3 that important to install??

In the end - it is up to you. People still run Windows 98 as of today.

Soon enough you will be unable to get any updates for your Windows
XP system unless you have Windows XP SP3. If you have Windows XP
SP3 - you should be able to receive updates from Microsoft until April 2014.

The steps I have given may look long - but they are less than a few hours
work - especially if you have done some of them before. (Not that you
should skip anything or go out of order - but because you say you have
done some of them before - the second time should be faster as it will
have to change/do less.)

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

The article clearly states that the list of fixes it shows were added to SP3
only. If you want to know what was included in SP2 or SP1a - they have
links in the article. ("The following fix list includes only the updates
that were added in Windows XP SP3.")

So - out of those 1174 additional fixes (yes - there are 1174 listed in SP3
alone) - how many do you have installed Post-SP2? I had about 100-120 on
a good day before SP3 was released. ;-)

While right now you can still download the patches from Microsoft if you
have
not upgraded to SP3 - that will soon end. Combine that with the hardware
and software manufacturers who have already started cutting their product
support off at Windows XP SP3 or later operating systems and you are
building
yourself a nice wall preventing yourself from using new hardware and new
software in a very short period of time (some cannot get over your wall
now.)
That is something you should weigh in on when making your final decision.

You'll likely live a long and happy life without them. Your computer
might stay running perfectly for many decades to come without SP3. You may
never change OSes, you may never upgrade applications and you may be
perfectly safe behind a router with your same antivirus/antispyware running.

Make sure you keep really good backups - no matter what - but especially if
you decide you are okay with not fixing your machine (cleaning up whatever
obvious issue it has now) so SP3 can install properly.

You still left out some of the requested information, BTW.

What "Edition" is your Windows XP? That was the picture.
- Home Edition?
- Professional Edition?
- Tablet PC Edition?
- Media Center Edition?

What "architecture" is your Windows XP? Although that can quickly
but only partially be answered by the "Edition" question.

The reverting back to Internet Explorer 6 or 7 is only necessary before
installing SP3 if you ever want to revert that far back after installing
SP3.
Otherwise - you can have IE8 installed or IE7 installed while installing
SP3.

If it was me or someone I knew and/or cared about - I would be going
through the instructions I gave in order to remedy an obvious problem
with the system as Windows XP SP3 should install on a fully
functional/clean Windows XP system - and if it doesn't - something is
wrong with said system.

It's not me though. ;-)

I reiterate, however, if you do go through the list - don't skip a step
even if you *know* you have done it before.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html