Update.exe Cannot Start If the Spooler Service Is Disabled (270149)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP2
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP2
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP2
This article was previously published under Q270149

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to install Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 (SP1) on your computer or Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 (SP2) on your computer, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot install the Service Pack.
The Print Spooler service is not started.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the Print Spooler service is disabled.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows 2000. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

260910 How to Obtain the Latest Windows 2000 Service Pack

To work around this issue, start the Print Spooler service before you install the service pack. To do this:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Administrative Tools.
  2. Double-click Component Services, click to select Services (Local), right-click Print Spooler, and then click Properties.
  3. Click Start, and then click OK.

    NOTE: If the service startup type is set to "Manual" or "Automatic"(Stopped)the service pack will automatically start the service to install the service pack. If the service is set to "disabled" it cannot start it.
When you apply Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3), you are given the option to have SP3 Setup start the Print Spooler service so that the service pack can be installed. SP3 Setup disables the Print Spooler service after setup is complete.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in Windows 2000 Service Pack 3.

MORE INFORMATION

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/3/2003
Keywords:kbbug kberrmsg kbfix kbsetup kbWin2000sp3fix KB270149
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