MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition SP3 Won't Install

[Jeff]

I was reading some of the other questions and one of the users mentioned an
issue with IE8. Could this possibly be blocking this install? If not then
is there another workaround for this? It's quite aggravating when 1 update
out of 10 won't install.

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

You receive error code 0x2b2f when using the Windows Update or Microsoft
Update web sites to install SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3 on a computer
with MSXML6 Service Pack 2 already installed:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=970674

You receive error code 0x6d9e when using the Windows Update or Microsoft
Update web sites to install SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=970675

[I would NOT attempt to install IE8 and SP3 concurrently IIWY.]

[Jeff]

Actually I got a different error code - 0x663. I know MSXML6 SP2 is not
installed. I don't think there is an issue with my installation directories
being compressed or encrypted. I have tried searching this particular error
code but don't seem to be able to find anything about it. Have you heard of
this one and is there a fix? Thanks.

I do see the MSXML 6.0 Parser (KB933579) - is that the same as the SP2 version?

[Shockvolt]

I have a similar issue with this update. I've successfully installed it repeatedly (I have multiple green instances in the update history) but it pops up ready to install over and over and over again.

• I've deleted the SoftwareDistribution subfolders and files
• I've downloaded the update and ran it locally
• I've ran Windows Defender and Spybot looking for malicious problems
• I've installed additional updates and rebooted many times
• I've ran the MSI cleanup utility which isn't very useful

Nothing works at all. And I shouldn't have to pay for support for this issue. If anyone has another option that I don't have listed here please let me know. I am currently unable to install anything that uses MSI because it shows a pending install. Thanks.

Let me add more details - this is on a Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition with service pack 2.

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

No (and if you can find "MSXML6 Service Pack 2" anywhere, I'll give you
$10).

Searching that group found only one 0x663:
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/for...-068696a50b09/

[Elektragoddess]

I've had the same problem with the Updater.
I've installed multiple instances of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express
Edition Service Pack 3 (KB955706) and yet am asked to update it immediately
afterwards. Been going for weeks now.

I can't find any solution on MS site and don't see why I should pay for help
with this either.

I've posted on the SQL forum and had multiple email correspondence but
no-one has yet given me an answer.

I'd like to know if I can safely uninstall without affecting any other
programs.

I found MSXML6 SP2 in add remove programs, but it errors when trying to
remove it. MS said uninstall it, then download & install SQL blah blah then
reinstall it. don't know what to do now.

[Erland Sommarskog]

I don't know what you did, but may be Aaron Bertrand's blog post can
be help to you