When I download service pack 3, it is not optional.

I get a message that's me, "Unable to read or write to the database" tellin when I download service pack 3

This should give you a clue, although only written for SP2 to SP3 would also apply
http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/915169

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Stop the Cryptographic Service:

    1. Click Start, click run, type services.msc in the Open box, and then click OK.
    2. In the Services dialog box, click Cryptographic Services, and then click Properties.
    3. In the cryptographic services properties dialog box, click the general tab, and then click stop.

    The Status of the Service option change stopped.

  2. Remove the Windows Update.log files:
    1. Click Start, click my computer, and then double-click the hard drive where Windows XP is installed. For example, double-click the C drive.
    2. Click the Folders box, click the Windows folder, and then click the System32 folder.

      Note If you receive the following message appears, click show the contents of this folder:

      These files are hidden.
      This folder contains files that keeps your system works correctly.
      You should not change its content.
    3. Click the CatRoot2 folder.
    4. Delete Edb xxxxx .log file.

      Note In this step, xxxxx is a placeholder that can be any combination of letters and numbers, numbers or letters.

    5. Click Start, click my computer, and then double-click the hard drive where Windows XP is installed. For example, double-click the C drive.
    6. Click the Folders box, click the Windows folder, and then click the Security folder.
    7. Delete Edb xxxxx .log file.

      Note In this step, xxxxx is a placeholder that can be any combination of letters and numbers, numbers or letters.

  3. Start the Cryptographic Service:
    1. Click Start, click run, type services.msc in the Open box, and then click OK.
    2. In the Services dialog box, click Cryptographic Services, and then click Properties.
    3. In the cryptographic services properties dialog box, click the general tab, and then click Start.

    The option of the service status changes to started.

Now try to update again. Restart if necessary.

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2010 - Update Services

Tags: Windows

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