I tried installing SP1 through microsoft's windows update. I downloaded the file and it tried installing, but after the installation was done it just made an error sound then on microsoft's update webpage it said the installation has failed and to try the installation again but i tried numerous times. could this be because my serial number is not valid or something else????

please help

If you are using a commonly pirated number, then yes.

You should also close everything you have running, especially virus scanners. also try deleting everything from your temp directories, and net temp.

c:\documents and settings\username\local settings\temp\

Also remember...it needs to be installed seperately from other updates

The following link can probably tell you the possible cause for your problem. http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=5354

It will tell you if its the key.

if your using the intel application accelorator it will fail

any modified log in screens do it as well

FYI, I have the IAA installed on my Windows XP Professional system, and SP1 installed without a hitch.

I know a good fix, Install win2k with Sp3, better os , NO ACTIVATION. Oh and best of all, a decent GUI, Xp's sucks, i know u can turn it off, but its so gaudy and offensive from the first time you, see it! I dunno how the hell yo can stand sutch a cartoony os, that u can only constantly have to call MS for another key when u upgrade of move to another machine, BAH. :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

i tried everything you guys told me to do but it is still failing! except i am pretty sure i am using the intel application accelerator, how can i disable it????? i liked win2k but XP grows on you

i finally got to read what the error message said and looked up the Q???? thing in microsoft's knowledge base and figured out that i needed to unistall logonui boot randomizer to return my boot screen to its original. then i was able to install SP1. thanks for all your help guys!