Update.exe Cannot Start If the Spooler Service Is Disabled

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.