Need Expert Advice on Solving Vista SP1 Install Problem

HP Desktop, 32bit Vista OS running on an AMD64 processor has never been able to install Vista SP1. All updates prior to SP1 have been installed, but SP1 rolls back.

I've looked at a lot of sites suggesting solutions. I've shut down firewall, AV, running programs, tried the install via windows update and also standalone manual install. The install goes through the third stage, then rolls back at the very end.

Is it possible that there is a windows update that I have to remove before trying to install SP1? I vaguely remember some article like that before, but I can't find it now.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

Follow the steps listed here. You may have to uninstall your security software instead of just disabling it. There is also a system readiness tool you can download.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;947366

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821

 

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty sure that I've gone through these articles already. I also installed the system readiness tool and it didn't help the problem. I will try to uninstall the firewall & a/v and see if that helps.

I'll report later. Thanks again.

 

Hello,

I uninstalled the firewall and a/v. I had to stop and restart the background intelligence transfer service to install the service pack. It went as far as configuring stage 3 up to 100%. It still reported, service pack did not install, reverting changes.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I will keep investigating.

 

I've been trying many things over the pass few days, following all posts and articles, and I still can't get passed this issue. I've I've updated all drivers, I've deleted drivers, I've run system readiness tool which finds no problems, I've run sfc /scannow which finds no problems. I've even attempted to upgrade to win 7, but it requires sp1 how about that?

If there is anything that you can suggest, please - I'd appreciate it.

 

Download the following updates: Even if you have already installed them, try installing again. Create a restore point before you do this. I would also create a Vista Recovery CD if you do not a an install DVD.

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=18525

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=15287

http://www.tipandtrick.net/2008/mic...and-kb937287-prerequisite-via-windows-update/

You may also want to do an error check on the hard drive. Open Computer, right click on the hard drive and select Properties and then the tools tab. Then Click the Error-Checking button. Also do a Disk Defrag.

How much free space is left on the hard drive?

 

I will try your suggestions. Thanks!

Before I do let me give you some more information.

I did an error check on the drive and it showed no errors. There is 364 GB of free space on the HD. I am running from an account with administrator privileges but at times it tells me that I need administrative rights for some operations. So I have enabled the hidden administrator account and have tried some updates from there (with the same results).

In the CBS log file although there are no errors, there are several lines which state could not delete a file in the WinSXS/Temp/PendingDeletes folder.

I have chosen selective startup, disabling startup programs in case any running program is prohibiting SP1 from being installed.

I removed the Realtek audio driver because I found on google where the driver can cause trouble.

If any of these operations that I have performed should be changed before I attempt your suggestions please let me know. I'll wait a bit before I begin.

Thanks much

 

if you are still having trouble getting sp1 to install you should try slipstreaming sp1.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/151606-vista-sp1-slipstream-installation-dvd.html

 

Thanks for replying unimatrix001. Only problem is I don't have OEM OS DVD. I only have recovery DVDs.

 

I am glad you mentioned the Pending Deletes. If you have the following files in the WinSxS folder delete them before you try to install SP1

del C:\Windows\WinSxS\cleanup.xml

del C:\Windows\WinSxS\pending.xml

 

tgell,

pending.xml did not exist in the directory but cleanup.xml did so I deleted that. The updates that you listed, after I downloaded them and attempted to install them I got the message that the updates do not apply to my system. After attempting the sp install I got the same results. After the successful message, it attempted to configure steps 1-3 and at the end reported that the sp did not install reverting changes.

 

Other than check for drive errors and defrag, the only other idea is to type msconfig in the search box select the startup tab and disable all startup items. Select the services tab and make sure the box "Hide All Microsoft Services" is checked. Then post a screenshot. There may be some non-essential services that can also be disabled before the SP1 install.

I also read that one person reset their CMOS settings to default before the install. If you decide to do that, I would write down what setting you currently have.

How much free space is left on the drive? Did you make a Vista Recovery Cd as linked to in my other post. If you have an install DVD you do not need to do this.

 

tgell,

I tried selective start up a while ago and it yielded the same results. The hide all ms services tab will not remain selected. My selection for that checkbox doesn't stay checked.

I appreciate all of your help, but it appears that Vista will continue to be a problem. Even if I were to get past this issue for SP1 after all of this energy there's no guarantee that I won't have more issues with SP2. I have decided to move to a different OS.

tgell & unimatrix001, Thank you again for your help. I was able to learn a lot from your insight.