Tag Archives: sp3

XP SP3: unable to read from or write to the database

Computer Aid Posted on by

While upgrading a PC from SP1 to SP3, I got the error message: “Service Pack 3 Setup Error” “Unable to read from or write to the database”

At first I thought the SP3 upgrade file had become corrupt. But no: I still got the problem after a re-copy.

After a lot of searching around, I eventually found: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=3265601&SiteID=17

From that site, I found I needed to download a script from: http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/org/hc-tools/files/cryptoxpfix/8-30-2004/readme.html

The fixdb.bat file was exactly what I was needed. After running fixdb, SP3 installed without a hitch.

An avi annoyance with XP SP3 !

Computer Aid Posted on by

I’ve just noticed something really annoying about XP SP3

It constantly wants to make Windows Media Player the default application for AVI files.

Since I use winpatrol to monitor for changes to default file associations, I just click on “NO, don’t allow the change”.

But a few minutes later, I’m asked again!

I’ve never seen WMP so keen to change default file associations.

To fix it, I go into WMP, and go to tools -> options -> file types -> and then untick avi (and anything else I don’t want (ie: most things).

New XP SP3 services

Computer Aid Posted on by

After having installed XP SP3 a few times now, I’ve noticed it adds a few new services.

Luckily they are all set to a manual startup, so they don’t seem to impact the system.

The new services are called:

  • Wired Autoconfig
  • Extensible Authentication Protocol Service
  • Health Key and Certificate Management Service
  • Network Access Protection Agent

Other than the new services, I’ve not noticed any problems installing SP3