Member Avatar for WatermelonX

*I read the sticky*

I recently purchased a Zune, and inserted the CD and I was told that I need to have Windows SP2 in order to install the Zune software. So I go to the Microsoft Update site, and it says I need certain Windows components in order to install SP2. I proceed to install the components, but it keeps telling me that they were unable to install successfully, without telling me why.
Here is what happened, in order:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/kenshikw/11112.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/kenshikw/1113.jpg
^and it doesn't even show the updates I just attempted to download

Why won't my computer update the files? I'm not running on a pirated version of Windows XP or anything. Please help me, I really want to use my $250 Zune. =[

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Dani AI

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Short expert summary tied to the thread: is on XP with SP1 and the Update client is failing to install the prerequisites for SP2; suggested getting a CD, suggested a manual SP2 install, noted renaming SoftwareDistribution/catroot2, and flagged that some apps can hijack the .msp file type. Start by collecting the Windows Update client log (C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log) and note the exact error code — that code determines the next targeted fix. (support.microsoft.com)

Practical, ordered troubleshooting (make a full backup/restore point first). Run the System File Checker to repair core OS files: sfc /scannow. Next reset the Windows Update components (stop BITS/Windows Update/Cryptographic services, rename the update cache folders, reregister update DLLs and restart services) — Microsoft documents the supported sequence and provides a Fix‑It for this. The reset step is the standard, evidence‑based first-line fix for clients that repeatedly fail to download or install updates. (support.microsoft.com)

If updates still fail, check Windows Installer/.msp issues: third‑party software can grab the .msp association so patch files won’t run; run a patch directly with the Windows Installer (msiexec /p <fullpath.msp>) or restore the .msp association before reattempting SP installs. Also try re-registering the Installer engine (msiexec /unregister then msiexec /regserver) so MSI operations aren’t blocked by a broken registration. If these steps don’t clear the errors, capture the last lines of WindowsUpdate.log and any MSI logs and escalate to Microsoft support or a trusted forum helper; always back up data before registry or service‑ACL changes. (support.esri.com)

Recommended command-set (run elevated; one block at a time; reboot when asked):

sfc /scannow
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc

(See Microsoft KB for full reset steps and risks.) (support.microsoft.com)

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for dcc

Call M$ and ask them. You should be able to purchase a CD from M$ for a couple of bucks. Do you have SP1?

Member Avatar for fry

You need to download and install special update packages for you windows.

Dowload service pack 2 and install it, i think it will solve the problem:

Member Avatar for WatermelonX

That is exactly the problem; I CAN'T install Service Pack 2.

Yes, I do have SP1

Member Avatar for dcc

You shouldn't need any other updates to install the SP2, just call M$ and have them send you a CD from which to install it.

The message below came from Microsoft.

Customers without reliable Internet connections who wish to obtain Service Pack 2 on CD can order a free disc from the Microsoft Web site as Service Pack 2 is rolled out worldwide. Microsoft also is working with computer manufacturers to ensure they can make Windows XP-based PCs preloaded with Service Pack 2 available as soon as possible.

Member Avatar for MidiMagic

MS has been having network trouble.

Also, if you have Magix MIDI Studio software, it "steals" the file type of the .msp extension for its own use. That extension is intended for Microsoft updates.

Member Avatar for ihelp

You can always call microsoft for this becasue for Windows update issue we provide free support.
One more thing you can try before calling is to go start-run-serives.msc and stop the automatic updates service and than renname c:\windows\softwaredistribution to softwaredistributionold and c:\windows\system32\catroot2 to catroot2old -be careful rename only catroot2 and not catroot. After completion of this step restart your computer and try to do updates again.
If this fails click on the folowing link to install SP2 directly :

PM or e-mail me incase your problem is not reolved

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