I had Office 2003 and now have 2007. I've upgraded both without issue. I agree, it's something else. Is the installed copy of Office 2003 validated, with MS Genuine Advantage? If I run into problems with updating or upgrading, I always run PC Tools Registry Mechanic or Norton System Works Win Doctor to see if one on them will address the issue. Usually works for me. Not an expert - just a furious user! -----Original Message----- From: mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Pruscoe@xxxxxxx Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 4:31 PM To: mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [mso] Re: Cannot install service pack 2 or 3 on Office 2003 Really? I have Office 2003 SP3, and I have NEVER needed to use the CD to upgrade (I'm not sure even where it is right now). I don't think that is Dan's problem. I would be more inclined to blame read-only folders (possibly as a result of a prior virus attack). In a message dated 6/23/2009 3:04:57 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, mmucher@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: Lots of times, for some reason, SPs like to see the CD in the drive Sometimes it asks, sometimes it doesn't. Put the CD in and try again Mark -----Original Message----- From: mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dan Rudder Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:57 PM To: mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [mso] Cannot install service pack 2 or 3 on Office 2003 I am trying to update a clients laptop running XP Home SP3 with Office 2003 standard edition with SP1 installed. I tried to do update that Microsoft updates said were needed, they failed to install. I then downloaded the full version of Service Pack 3. It returned an error of "The update cannot be applied" , no other error message. I tried the same thing with Service Pack 2 and had the same results. Any suggestions? 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This group will not allow for posting of emails, but will allow you to join and share problem files, templates, etc.: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/MicrosoftOffice . This group is for FILE SHARING ONLY. If you are using Outlook and you see a lot of unnecessary code in your email messages, read these instructions that explain why and how to fix it: http://personal-computer-tutor.com/abc3/v28/greg28.htm ************************************************************* No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.359 / Virus Database: 270.12.89/2197 - Release Date: 06/23/09 05:54:00 ************************************************************* You are receiving this mail because you subscribed to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx or MicrosoftOffice@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To send mail to the group, simply address it to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx To Unsubscribe from this group, visit the group's homepage and use the dropdown menu at the top. This will allow you to unsubscribe your email address or change your email settings to digest or vacation (no mail). //www.freelists.org/webpage/mso To be able to share files with the group, you must join our Yahoo sister group. This group will not allow for posting of emails, but will allow you to join and share problem files, templates, etc.: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/MicrosoftOffice . This group is for FILE SHARING ONLY. If you are using Outlook and you see a lot of unnecessary code in your email messages, read these instructions that explain why and how to fix it: http://personal-computer-tutor.com/abc3/v28/greg28.htm *************************************************************