Even on the second attempt to install Service pack 3 Automatically the installation freezes up both times. Is there something i can do? or do I just refuse the update next time it is offered?2 people need an answerI do too

In large Upgrades, Microsoft may have made it to install a piece at a time to not intrude on sessions. TRY to shut down the computer rather than restart and this will begin an install process. You will see the warning on the blue screen to not dare turn off youre computer while the installation proceeds and will shut off automatically when installed. Other than that have you ever had any trouble with a previous Service Pack or perhaps retrieving Windows Defender updates or other microsoft services ? That could lean towards or indicate a piracy copy ? .... Microsoft Windows Update Latest bug fixes for Microsoft Windows, including fixes for some possible DoS attacks.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ Microsoft Help and Support Technical support for Microsoft products. http://support.microsoft.com/ You did originally activate ? Software Piracy Protection Home - Activating Softwarehttp://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation.mspx Check out:Software Piracy Protectionhttp://www.microsoft.com/piracy/default.mspxInformation on piracy as well as tips on how to protect yourself against it. Microsoft does now have, and is instituting to a greater degree, the validation of your Windows Operating System against a piracy bootleg copy - which will be denied Windows Updates. SEE: Genuine Microsoft Software http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspxOne of the many benefits of owning genuine Microsoft software is gaining access to Microsoft Support Services. Below are two ways to help you determine whether your version of Windows is genuine. ....any trouble with this ? MORE: WGA - Wikipedia (excerpt)On Windows Vista, WGA validation failure has a greater impact. In addition to persistent notification and the disabling of non-critical updates, WGA also disables Windows Aero, Windows Defender, and ReadyBoost. The user is given a grace period in which to then pass validation, after which most of the operating system is disabled and Windows reverts to reduced functionality mode, which will be removed in Service Pack 1 of Windows Vista.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Genuine_AdvantageGerald60606 Windows Live Spaces http://gerald60606.spaces.live.com/default.aspx

Information about Windows XP Service Pack 3For more information about how to obtain Windows XP Service Pack 3, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: ...http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929Hint... nickname SP3 = Service Pack 3Gerald60606 Windows Live Spaces http://gerald60606.spaces.live.com/default.aspx

Most likely the installation is broken up into three parts.... repeat the process with Windows Updates on Automatic.... Shut it Off and look for the blue screen with the dialouge "Do Not Shut Off..... Updates are Installing.... Will automatically shut the computer off when installed...." Rerun and shut down until it is entirely installed.Gerald60606 Windows Live Spaces http://gerald60606.spaces.live.com/default.aspx