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General discussion

Windows Update - Error Code 5

Jun 22, 2010 12:16AM PDT

I have a laptop and a desktop with the same problem while trying to download an update for Service Pack 1. Both computers became corrupted and I had to restore the original operating system with the discs that were created by the owners. Both computers previous to the restore process had Service Pack 2 installed. Now when I try to install Service Pack 1 I get an error that says I may not have permission to access the files specified and the error code listed is the number 5. Has anyone else encountered this type of problem. I don't think it is specific to the units I am working on because it happened to two different machines. Thanks for any help I may receive...

Discussion is locked

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question
Jun 22, 2010 2:52AM PDT

Why are you trying to degrade the system from SP2 to SP1? Vista with SP2 is much better and more secure (includes all the patches and security updates from SP1 up and until SP2) ?
You can also research this error code http://support.microsoft.com/kb/125174

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Not a downgrade...actually a restore
Jun 22, 2010 3:50AM PDT

I was forced to install the restore cd (because computer was badly infected with trojans and viruses)and it was the original version of Vista before the service packs came out. Windows update is downloading all of the updates and when it tried to install the first service pack I get error code 5. If anyone has come across this error while trying to re-install Vista (starting over from the beginning before the service packs came out) please enlighten me as to the problem I am experiencing at this time. I have installed Vista on a couple dozen machines and this is the first time I have come across this error.

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Remembet that service packs are cumulative.
Jun 22, 2010 4:44AM PDT

There is no need to install SP1 prior to SP2. I've seen folk get stuck on SP1 when they could skip that and move right to SP2.
Bob

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Thanks Bob...
Jun 22, 2010 5:22AM PDT

I will try your suggestion before I try Brechan's suggestion...

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Updating new Vista O/S
Jun 22, 2010 4:57AM PDT

If the computer(s) were so badly infected; it could be that the viruses/ trojans are still present, I would use a program like Active Kill Disk http://www.killdisk.com/ or D-Ban http://www.dban.org/download to effectively erase the hard-drive before proceeding with the new install.

Once the O/S is installed use Windows Update to install all updates (including Service Pack 1 and 2).

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Thanks Brechan...
Jun 22, 2010 5:25AM PDT

I thought about what you suggested because it does not appear that the restore CD wiped the hard drive clean. I will give your suggestion a try after I try out Bob's idea...I'll keep you both posted as to my success or failure...