XP SP3 update issue

[benjy]

We've got an old laptop that we need to use for school next semester. Basically all I need is office 2007 and (safe) internet access. I've tried downloading antivirus software, and it tells me I need windows service pack 2 or later. Office 07 same issue...

So I attempt to update to service pack 3 and I get an error: "The system cannot find the specified file."

I've googled the issue to no avail. Any thoughts?

 

[Spork]

If I remember right you have to install SP2 before you put on SP3. I got the same thing when I rebuild my sister's computer.

 

[Rusted]

Are you using the microsoft online system?

http://update.microsoft.com/

 

[Spork]

Are you using the microsoft online system?

http://update.microsoft.com/

I tried that when I was rebuilding my sisters and without antivirus (required sp2) and without service packs it already had been attacked before it was even patched. I pulled in the 250+MB file and did it that way.

 

[bobmed]

When I installed XP on my dads computer I had the service packs downloaded and installed SP2 then SP3.
When I was there for a visit I checked Windows update and it installed SP3 so when I had installed it from a disk it must not have worked even though it didn't say it had a problem before.

 

[benjy]

If I remember right you have to install SP2 before you put on SP3. I got the same thing when I rebuild my sister's computer.

Same error message with SP2 :-\