"Service Pack 3 Setup Error" error message when you try to install Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (813747)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
n/a:SOX030108700044Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install Windows 2000 Service Pack 3, you may receive the following error message:
Service pack 3 setup error. An error in updating your system has occurred

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the version of Windows Installer that is on your computer is outdated or is corrupted.

RESOLUTION

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To resolve this problem, disable the version of Windows Installer that is on your computer, and then install the 2.0 version of Windows Installer. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
  2. In the list of services, double-click Windows Installer.
  3. Under Startup Type, select Manual, and then click OK.
  4. Click Start, and then click Run.
  5. In the Open box, type regedit and then press ENTER.
  6. In Registry Editor, locate and delete the following subkey in the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSIServer

  7. Click Yes to confirm the deletion, and then restart your computer.
  8. Download and install the 2.0.2660.2 version of the Windows Installer. To do so, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

    http://download.microsoft.com/download/WindowsInstaller/Install/2.0/NT45/EN-US/InstMsiW.exe

  9. Install Windows 2000 Service Pack 3.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/21/2005
Keywords:kbdownload kbprb KB813747
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