I am currently testing system center essentials 2010. I uploaded the service pack by selecting New Update and uploading the network install of Service Pack 3 for XP 32bit. I approved one machine for the update. SCE has yet to install anything. Under update deployment status there are two errors...one for windows installer 3.1 and another for Update for Windows XP (KB898461). For both is says "The Update or package is applicable and downloaded on the client computer, but not yet installed" My guess is that both of those updates are needed prior to the service pack. If so, why doesnt SCE just install it? And more importantly, what is the correct method for deploying service packs on the fly with SCE?