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failure installing XP service pack "security problem"

Hi, I have a client with a computer that won't take Service pack 2. The computer is XP with Service pack 1 on it, its a member of a workgroup, its pro, I don't think it's ever been a member of a domain and all firewalls are off. When the Service pack tries to install, it give a message like

"you don't have the correct security, you must be logged on as administrator to upgrade windows"

We are logged on as administrator and I even claimed ownership of the c:\windows\ and under folders under security.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks a ton.

TheTechGuysNYC

1) Make sure you are logged onto the computer and not a domain.

2) If the above is done, and it still does not work, try installing in Safe Mode under the admin account.

3) Worst case scenario: Backup and Reinstall windows...

David Johnson, CD

download the full xp sp2 (network install) and then try updating it that way while not connected to the network.

SlickTech

ASKER

Thanks, I did try safe mode, no go, It's a workgroup member, so local is all I have, I was running the full deal, I didn't even know they had a slimed down install. Thanks guys, I really don't want to wipe this one out, the apps on this are not exactly replaceable.

qz8dsw

I'd start leaning towards a repair install from an SP2 slipstreamed XP CD if the full network install suggested above does not work.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

David Johnson, CD

if you're going to go the slipstreamed install (overinstall) use the ryanvm packs as well to have the latest and greatest updates already installed vice having to wait a few hours to get them installed.

qz8dsw

http://smithii.com/slipstream_xpsp2 is also good although it can be fiddly depending on your browser configuration.
(A big as batch file for doing all the slip streaming for you)

Thanks ve30fa, I'd not heard of the ryanvm packs. Another useful tool.

qz8dsw

Oh, and SlickTech,
If the apps are irreplaceable/restorable and not on a full backup on this machine FIRST thing I'd do before going much futher is to FIND a way to image/full system backup the drive.

Terry

qz8dsw

"/restorable" */NOT restoreable*

Mohammed Hamada

Check this forum below, It points to some security editing in the group policy.

http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?t=14786

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Mohammed Hamada

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JohnBPrice

I have always seen it as registry keys set by the user, not administrator, where the administrator doesn't have permission. Importing a .reg file will cause this. There is a way to do the install with verbose logging so you can see where the security problem is.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=873148

SlickTech

ASKER

Thanks guys, I'll try that today

SlickTech

ASKER

thanks dude, that did it.

failure installing XP service pack &quot;security problem&quot;

failure installing XP service pack "security problem"