MDAC hotfixes do not install or the hotfix may be re-offered by Windows Update

When you install a Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) hotfix such as Microsoft Security Update MS04-003 on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP, you receive the following error message: On computers that are running other operating systems such as Microsoft Windows 2000, the update may be re-offered every time that you visit the Windows Update Web site.

The error that you receive when you install the package, or the subsequent re-offers from Windows Update that you receive, are caused because the installer log is not created. This log is overwritten every time an MDAC hotfix is installed, and the problem typically occurs when one of the following scenarios is true:

• The existing log is locked.
• The existing log is marked read-only.
• The existing log has a hidden file attribute that is set to on.

The failure to create a new log blocks the application of the hotfix in a way that Windows Update does not interpret as a failure. Windows Update may report that the package was successfully installed when a file check will confirm that the update installation was not successful. In these situations, Windows Update will continue to re-offer the package until it is successfully installed.

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

1. Delete the Dahotfix.log from the C:\WINDOWS folder or the C:\WINNT folder.
2. Try to install the update again.

For additional information about Microsoft Security Update MS04-003, visit the following Microsoft Web site: