Bionca wrote:
> i've tried many many times to install service pack 2. at first i was
> doing it through automatic updates from my desktop to install and
> everytime in the middle of the installation i get an error saying
> "access is denied" so i called dell tech support, they weren't much
> help. i called microsoft support, the guy had me try in safe mode, i
> got an error saying "Service pack 2 setup could not backup registry
> key
> HKCR\DxDiag.DxDiagProvider to file
> C:\WINDOWS\$NtServicePackUninstall$\reg00177. 5: access is denied" so
> then he made me put in the windows xp cd, check for errors (i think)
> found a error in the volume, repaired that, tried again in safe mode,
> got the same error as last time, rebooted, tried to get onto my
> regular
> desktop and all my icons were blank so i restored back to a previous
> date and thats it. I was told to call back tomorrow if it didn't work
> but i'm seeing if i can get any help online.

The reason for this is clear. The user who is trying to install SP2 has
not proper rights for the registry. That must be changed.

- First find a file called setupapi.log. It should be in C:\Windows.
- Open it and find all the entries stating "Access denied" and a
registry key value.
- Start Registry editor. (If you haven't done that before, ask for help
from somebody who has) First, of course, make a backup of the registry.
-Then find each and every key mentioned in the logfile
- Right click on the registry key. In your case you mentioned
HKCR\DxDiag.DxDiagProvider, so find
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DxDiag.DxDiagProvider and right click on it. Select
"Permissions". Now you should see the reason for "access denied". Set
proper permissions for the user who is trying to install the SP2.
Administrator should always have full access. (I assume you are trying
to install the SP2 as admin? At least you should...If you didn't that's
why it failed)

After you've done that, SP2 installation should be a success.

--
J.K.