[W2k3] SP2 installation fails *SOLVED*

[BigDaddy]

Yesterday I was preparing the server for installation of SP2. First I cleaned the unnecesary junk and then I created a backup of the root partition with Acronis TI.

Today I started installing SP2 thru Microsoft Update. But after SP2 gets downloaded the installation errors out. Here are some of the logs:

Windows Server 2003	Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (32-bit x86)

21. marec 2007	Microsoft Update 
Windows Server 2003	Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (32-bit x86)

21. marec 2007	Microsoft Update

Event Type:	Error
Event Source:	NtServicePack
Event Category:	None
Event ID:	4374
Date:		21.3.2007
Time:		14:34:52
User:		SERVER\tom
Computer:	SERVER
Description:
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installation failed, leaving Windows Server 2003 partially updated. Service Pack 2 installation did not complete.

Event Type:	Error
Event Source:	Windows Update Agent
Event Category:	Installation 
Event ID:	20
Date:		21.3.2007
Time:		14:37:25
User:		N/A
Computer:	SERVER
Description:
Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x8007f070: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (32-bit x86).

Edited March 31, 2007 by BigDaddy

[cluberti]

The only suggestion I can proffer right now would be to download the full package from the microsoft site and attempt to install in safe mode. I've only seen this once before (on a W2K3 box attempting to install SP1), and it ended up being antivirus corrupting the installation right after download. It worked in safe mode without disabling or uninstalling A/V, which I always try first before removal .

[BigDaddy]

thx 4 your advice. I wonder how come I didn't thought about it. Will try it when I get home.

[BigDaddy]

Tried it in safe mode with the SP2 file DL but I still get the same error after about 70% progress.

[BigDaddy]

Ran the SP2 installation again with the switch "/log:c:\sp2-install.log"

And I attach it in the hope a solution will be found:

ps1. I've read the SP2 needs to regress some hotfixes prior to it being installed. Since I have removed from the harddisk all of the post SP1 UNINSTALL HOTFIXES could this be the problem?

ps2. U just have to extract it and underneath hides the real file.

sp2_install.rar

Edited March 31, 2007 by BigDaddy

[BigDaddy]

Upon further examination of the above attached file I figured I have to install the Windows NET Framework since by that time the SP2 installation terminated. So went to WU and installed the Windows NET 2.0 Framework and afterwards SP2 installed without probs.

[fdv]

... proving the value (to others) of returning to post a follow-up.

Thanks for this, I was having the same exact error, also 70% then fail.

Much appreciated.

[BigDaddy]

FDV

M$ should probably post this workaround. Anyway to suggest it to them?