Cant backup registry key for KB956744

System is XP3. Install for this update fails trying to access
HKLM\Software\Classes\MsRDP.MsRDP.2\clsid
I can't view any of 6 such keys - I get ACCESS DENIED
MsRDP blank, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
I could ignore and continue???

I have exactly the same problem on my XP3. Ignoring the error doesn't help.
Is there anyone here who has a solution?

See the "How to obtain help" section of
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956744

MS was no help. All they did was use Easyassist to determine that, yes,
the fix would fail with an ACCESS DENIED.
So I did some registry searching, dug in and tried the install as ADMIN
in SAFE mode. Installs just fine.
In my search, I found 6 keys in HKCR and 6 keys in HKLM, all related to
MsRDP.MsRDP.x. Using a normal user ID, they cannot be viewed. ADMIN
in SAFE modeq can access them.

[Friggin' CSS, why do they bother if they're just going to throw up their
hands and say, "Yes, that's what happens"?? Tip: Should this happen again,
ask to have your case escalated to a Level 2 tech.]

Were you attempting to install KB956744 via Automatic Updates, via Windows
Update website, or manually? If either of the latter, we you logged-on as
the Administrator at the time?

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
What third-party firewall (if any)?

Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on this
machine (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought
it)?

Manually with normal user ID. I use Security Bulletin search thru
Technet to build a list of updates every 2nd Tues.

Never had Norton. I've seen what it can do with some clients.
Using McAfee since 2001.

What you haven't asked....
Self-built system in Jan 2004, at that time equal to any AlienWare (my
opinion).
Multiple disks and optical (very large case), lots of memory, superb
video with TV.
I run multiple OS'es using partition mgmt from Terabyte.
I have 2 other mild desktops - 10yr old Dell and 5yr old Compaq.

Thanks for your responses. Most MVPs seem to be reliable.

Posting your replies in-line is too confusing. Please avoid doing so.

Are you aware that Automatic Updates has settings other than Automatic? And
that one of them (i.e., Notify Only) allows you to control which updates are
downloaded, as well as which updates are installed and (usually) when
they're installed? Using this option, you could still download/install
updates manually (always after logging-on as Administrator) but you'd know
which ones were needed and when they were made available. See
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

One assumes you're not running the same McAfee app now as you were running
in 2001 and that you must have upgraded several times over the years.
McAfee (and Norton) applications are notorious for not upgrading (or
uninstalling) cleanly and this could have something to do with your present
problem.