"This Service Pack requires the machine to be on AC Power before setup starts" error message when you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (883609)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), you may receive the following error message:
This Service Pack requires the machine to be on AC Power before setup starts.

CAUSE

This error message may occur if you try to install the service pack while your computer is running on battery power. The Windows XP SP2 Setup program requires that your computer use AC power. If the battery power runs out during the update, the update cannot be completed.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, connect your computer to an AC power source such as an electrical outlet. For more information about the power requirements for your computer, contact the computer manufacturer.

MORE INFORMATION

The installation of the service pack stops at this point because the actual program that is responsible for starting the service pack installation has just started. Before this point, the cabinet extraction occurs automatically and is not under the control of the service pack installer program (update.exe). One of the first things the installer program does is to make sure that the power to the laptop will remain on throughout the whole installation. The installer program enforces this requirement by refusing to start the installation until it detects that AC power is connected to the portable computer.

For more information about the changes to functionality in Windows XP Service Pack 2, see the following document:

Changes to Functionality in Windows XP Service Pack 2

To view this document, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2chngs.mspx

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/2/2004
Keywords:kbUpgrade kbsetup kbinfo kberrmsg kbtshoot KB883609 kbAudEndUser
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