I can not install SP3, tried twice. I get the “Access Denied Error”. I have been through these posts and the Microsoft site. I have turned off, as far as I can see, per the directions posted here, Avast. SP3 did not install, same error. I even tried the Microsoft fix to reset the registry permissions by copying their text to the “reset.cmd” file and running it. When I do that a message window pops up and says that the ON Access scanner is blocking writes to the registry. I thought at that time Avast is off, obviously not. Any suggestions?
Did you change avast Standard Shield settings? Specially the behavior blocker?
Strange, my SP3 was installed with avast updated and running ???
Access denied to where exactly ?
avast! doesn’t block but scans content and alerts to infection, which I assume it didn’t do.
What other security software do you have installed, firewall, anti-spyware, etc. ?
This sounds like the avast self-protection module reporting that it has blocked write access to avast’s registry settings by the SP3 update process.
This should not prevent the install of the SP3 update on your system. Like Tech my XP systems updated to SP3 without problems with avast active.
However, if you wish to be sure you can turn off the avast self protection feature while you install the SP3 update.
avast program settings > Troubleshooting > Check the “Disable avast self-defense module” box.
You will need to uncheck the same box after your SP3 update to restore avast to full protection.
Thanks to ALLENRF, the “Disable” tip worked.
To clarify the original statements.
The SP3 install would give an “ACCESS DENIED” error amd then would restore the original settings. By visiting Microsoft’s web site you will find out that access has been deinied to the registry. During the SP3 update the only message that appears is the “ACCESS DENIED”. The Microsoft web site suggests three possibilities, 1. checking for two programs that can’t be running (I didn’t have them), 2. turning off the antivirus, (that is what I was trying to do), 3. running a “reset.cmd” program that supposedly resets registry permissions. It is when I ran the “reset.cmd” that I recieved a DOS pop-up window that said “On Access scanner” had detected and blocked registry writes. ALLENRF’s “Disable” tip worked and the SP3 install completed.
I have unchecked that troubleshooting box and started the reset of the modules. Seems to be working fine.
Thanks again.