SP2 install fails at inventory stage

[Guest]

I've got two machines that fail at the Performing Inventory stage of the
install with the following error:

Update.exe - Application Error
The instruction at "0x77f58dc5" referenced memory at "0x03cd5504". The
memory could not be "read"

The machines have different motherboards, processors etc so I think it must
be software based. Any ideas? I've tried safemode and clean boot with the
same errors. Thanks

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Follow the Service Pack Installation Checklist:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

If it still fails:
If possible temporarily swap to a spare hard drive.
Perform a Clean Install of Windows XP then install SP-2.
You may want to slipstream Windows XP and SP-2:
http://www.msfn.org/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=49
If this works, perhaps there is software or hardware in common on both
computers causing the problem.