SP3 Install Failed "Cannot find the specified path"

[J-Man]

I have been unable to successfully install Windows XP Service Pack 3; after
downloading and beginning the installation process, I continually get the
error message, "Windows cannot find the specified path." Since I have no
idea what path it's looking for, I have no way to figure out how to resolve
the problem. Any ideas?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Are you attempting to install SP3 manually or via Windows Update?

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.

• US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3

 

[J-Man]

Thank you for your response. I was attempting to use Windows Update (as
directed by Windows Live OneCare.) I had already done everything that was
suggested (i.e., closing down all programs, rebooting, etc.) but none of that
resolved the problem. However I WAS finally able to successfully install it
tonight by doing something that I also had to do when I encountered a similar
error message when attempting to update to Adobe Reader 8 a few months ago.
What I ended up doing in both cases was switching to a different (dummy) user
account and then doing the installation while logged in as that user.

I wonder why this continues to happen, and how I can resolve it in case it
comes up again in the future?

 

[Unknown]

Many times this problem is corrected by deleting all users in control
panel--users and then creating new users.