SP3 install System Hang

[Utanka]

I am using Windows XP professional. As of now it has Service Pack 2 install. As my Automatic Updates are turned on, two days ago I received an update for Service Pack 3 which was asking me to install or not. I confirmed to install. So far it has been three times when the installation starts and freezes in between and every time I need to restore my windows image to recover the system.

Any idea what is the problem and how can I install service pack 3 on this system properly? Please help.

[Jacob.M]

Hello Utanka, it is not just like you received the SP3 update, confirmed to install and the installation will be completed. There are few things you need to do before installing the same. You can get the complete stuffs that you need to do in this Microsoft KB: "Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3"

[JUSTICE]

First of all you should never install Service Packs from Updates but instead download their ISO files from Microsoft Download Center, and then install them. Always remember to install Service Pack 3 in 'Clean Boot' mode. To know how to boot XP in clean boot mode, check this URL: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Also check How to optimize your chances of installing Windows XP SP3 successfully:
http://www.pagestart.com/windowsxpsp3p3pg8.html