Windows XP SP3 installation error

Many times I come across issues in installing XP SP3 on PCs and laptops. Here are the two articles covering most of erros with the corrective actions:

http://www.reviewsaurus.com/tips-tricks/windows-xp-sp3-service-pack-3-install-problems/

and

http://news.softpedia.com/news/9-Critical-Errors-that-Will-Prevent-the-Installation-of-XP-SP3-RTM-Build-5512-85266.shtml


Apart from above scenarios, I have noticed that "automatic Updates" and
"Security Center " services should be running at the time of installation of the service pack.

I hope this helps.