XP - SP3 Partial Install "Access is Denied"

[Shinma]

... Shinma--Would it be too OT to ask what your avatar is?)

The avatar is Larva, a Shinma. Character is from a manga series, Vampire Princess Miyu, from the 1980's.

[foxy]

Of course, should have known. Looked to me like a vertebra under a magnifying glass. Different generations.

now I'm going to look up Manga.

[Koot]

Service Pack install issues are often caused by malware or malware leftovers. Some malware will take ownership of files and registry keys under a different, hidden, admin user account.

It's hard to say what caused the problem that prevented me from completing the SP3 install.

[Koot]

jdc2000 has a good point. But I suggest the OP runs the Reset tool I attached and then see if SP3 will install. If it still won't then I would lean towards possible malware being on the system. Of course a scan with proper program and an analysis by experts on this forum would not be a bad idea.

Yes, I ran the Reset Tool...and have done a lot of other things (that mostly M$ suggested).

Now, with all the fiddling around I've done, I"m no longer registered for Windows Update and cannot re-register. All my previous updates, hotfixes, etc. are gone in the WU. I still have them in Add/Remove however. Now I install SP3...or get updates.

Another thing. For some reason I can no longer open a browser window by clicking on a link (only a link in an email) "until" I have previously opened a browser window. Only then will the link open another browser window. Strange.

[foxy]

Did you check for malware over at TechSupportGuy? If not, I would run SAS and MBAM now.