When executing Windows Update in Windows XP Service Pack 3, the error 0x80096004 may occur automatically, you have no influence on it as soon as you are online. The error code Probable Causes of Office XP Service Pack 3 appears as a result of problems with Windows 10’s automated updates.

What is ‘Office XP Service Pack 3 Error’?

Service Pack 3 (SP3) for Windows XP is the third significant upgrade for the operating system. It includes all previous XP updates, as well as new security patches and a few stability improvements.

Most of the time this Office XP Service Pack 3 error code appears because of Windows 10’s automated updates. This error code might be caused by damage to the Windows system files. This problem can occur if the installation or uninstalling processes are incomplete, or if apps are not eliminated properly. Additionally, if your system is infected with malware, the system files may become corrupted.

After installing the automated Windows update, Office XP Service Pack 3 fails to install on a regular basis, and the Error 0x80096004 message appears.

How to Solve – ‘Office XP Service Pack 3 Error 0x800960043’

There are various methods to solve this particular problem. Some methods are described below:

Method 1: Hide Updates for XP service pack 3

This is the method that you should try first. To do that –

Step 1: Go to the Microsoft website and download the show or hide updates for your desktop. 

Step 2: After that, you’ll need to double-click the file to launch it. You should check the box for applying repairs automatically on the Advanced page. 

Step 3: Then, in order to detect problems, you should click the next button. The option to hide updates will appear next. 

Step 4: Then, select the XP service pack 3 option and click close. Finally, you’ll need to restart the computer to save the modifications you’ve made.

Method 2: Apply Windows Update Troubleshooter

You can also use the Windows Update troubleshooter to try to resolve the issue. To do so – 

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings and select Update & Security.

Step 2: In the Troubleshoot section, select Additional Troubleshooters. 

Step 3: Now, select Windows Update.

Step 4: After that, select Run as an administrator to finish the procedure.

Method 3: Disable Automatic Update

Another option is to temporarily disable the automatic updating mechanism, which would also prevent the Office XP upgrade from being re-installed. To complete this step – 

Step 1: Press the keys Windows+R on your keyboard. Then, in order to open the local group policy editor, you must go to the dialog box and type gpedit.msc. 

Step 2: navigate through Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.

Step 3: Here, locate Allow Automatic Updates immediate installation and double-click on it.

Step 4: Finally, select Disabled and click OK to finish the process.

Method 4: Pause Windows Update

Sometimes it appears that the most recent version of Windows 10 no longer supports updates for Office XP. Obviously, this issue will appear once you upload your old Frontpage files to my computer. It will attempt to download updates for Office XP Service Pack 3, but it will plainly fail to owe to a compatibility issue. As a result, the solution is to disable Windows Update for ALL OTHER WINDOWS PRODUCTS. This is how it’s done –

Step 1: Go through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update >Advanced options at the bottom.

Step 2: Now, under Pause updates, select a date till you want to pause the updates.

NOTE: The disadvantage is that, while Windows 10 will continue to be automatically updated, other Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, and Office will not. Otherwise, you’ll need to delete all old office files and, of course, purchase the most recent versions.

Method 5: Contact MS Office Support

Even if you follow the steps above, fails to resolve Office XP Service Pack 3 Error 0x800960043, As a result, you can contact the MS Office Support Number for assistance. The tech support team is made up of dedicated and skilled individuals who excel at what they do. 

First and foremost, they will carefully listen to your concerns and propose solutions. You also have the option of chatting with the managers via the live chat platform. As a result, seek the help of professionals to relieve your stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to install Service Pack 3 on Windows XP?

Installing the Office XP service pack 3 is a pretty simple task. First of all, in your Start menu, click on the Windows Update icon to launch the Windows update. Or you can simply check this pack on the web from your preferred web browser to download and install it.

Is Windows XP Service Pack 3 32-bit or 64-bit?

The thing is the Windows XP Service Pack 3 contains all the earlier released updates for the 32-bit versions. Whereas, users who use the Windows XP 64-bit are wishing to use the Server 2003 service pack 2 as the 64-bit service pack. 

How to repair Windows XP Service Pack 3?

You can start the repairing process of Windows XP Service Pack 3 by inserting its disk into the disk drive and restarting the computer.  When you see the Press Any Key to Boot From CD message, press any of the keys such as Enter. Then press F8 to agree to the terms and conditions. Finally, press R to reinstall the OS in order to repair it.

Conclusion

This is a common error occurring from Windows Update some time after upgrading to Windows 10. But rest assured. You don’t have to climb a mountain to solve this problem. By following the procedures stated above, one can easily overcome this problem.