When I tried to setup sp2 from download I got access denied and then it went through uninstall. So I ordered the CD and have the same problems. Why is Access Denied and how can I correct this problem. Any advice please.

"This is one of the protection featurs. Go and buy a legal copy of Win XP and you will be good to go." ... rofl MSKB: "You receive an "Access is denied" error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 2" "CAUSE These issues may occur when permissions for one or more registry keys are restricted in a way that prevents the update of those registry keys. A failure to update a registry key may cause the Setup program to fail." http://support.microsoft.com/kb/873148 Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

Same thing happened to me the other day, just follow the directions at the ms link supplied by mattie. Do the svcpack.log & the setupapi.log and it will pinpoint the registry key that is denying access, and they tell you exactly what value to change it to. You'll be good to go.

"This is one of the protection featurs. Go and buy a legal copy of Win XP and you will be good to go." That is the usual cause. If Microsoft has the Product Key you are using in lists on their site that list keys known to be fraudulantly used, SP2 will uninstall itself before it fully installs. If you are SURE your Product Key is legitimate, you could try the suggestions in the knowledge base article. If SP2 still won't install, there is a small possibility your Product Key is legitmate , but someone has since used that key fraudulantly and Microsoft now has that key in their "no-go" lists on their web site. In that case, you can get a hold of Microsoft, and if you have sufficient proof for them that your copy is legitimate, they will assign you a new Product Key.