XP - Error : The system cannot find the file specified.

Question

I was installing WinXP Service Pack 3 today and it was working fine until it came up to updating registry the one after the installation process, after that happens the install closes down and then displays an error saying "The system cannot find the file specified." I have tried closing all programs, then restarting and closing down every thing that is running when the Computer starts up and that also failed.

Answer 1

Hi,

1. Did you download the standalone package of service Pack 3 or are you using Windows update?
2. Are you able to boot to the desktop now?

Method 1.

Run the disk cleanup and disable the security software and t hen try installing the same and check.

Refer to t he article below for disk cleanup:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

Important Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Method 2.

if the issue still exists set the computer to clean start and the try installing the service pack.

How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Note: After the troubleshooting is over set the computer back to normal startup. Refer to the section "Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state" in the article above.

Hope this helps.

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Thanks and Regards:

Shekhar S - Microsoft Support. Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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Answer 2

Please answer all of the following diagnostic questions by number in your very next reply (no need to quote this post):

1. Why wasn't WinXP SP3 installed over two years ago? [1]

2a. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your subscription current?  What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?  What third-party firewall (if any)?

2b. Were ANY of these applications running in the background when you attempted to install SP3?

3. Has a(nother) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on this machine?
4. Did a Norton or McAfee free-trial come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)
5. Have you ever had occasion to do a Repair Install of WinXP for any reason?

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[1] Support for WinXP SP2 ended on 13 July 2010. Computers running WinXP SP2 "will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update" [i.e., updates released on & after 02 August 2010 so you're now over two months behind!] until SP3 has been installed.  Extended Support for WinXP SP3 will continue through 08 April 2014.

    • What does it mean if my version of Windows is no longer supported?

       http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/what-does-end-of-support-mean

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~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft