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Q143242: Externally Locked System Files Can Cause SP Update Failure

Article: Q143242
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbenv kbsetup
Last Modified: 08-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When applying a Service Pack for Windows NT Workstation or Server version 4.0,
the update process may pause and display a dialog that one of the files it is
trying to update is currently locked, and cannot be replaced. It gives the
option to retry, abort the update, or to skip copying the file. If the file is
skipped, the system may be left in an unstable state, causing system crashes or
unpredictable behavior.

RESOLUTION
==========

To work around this problem, quit all non-essential programs using Task Manager
or the Kill.exe tool included with the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit.

WORKAROUND
==========

Be sure to choose to allow the update program to create an Uninstall directory.
If a system file, such as Ntdll.dll, should be locked, do not choose to skip the
file. Choose to abort the update, and re-run the update program without
restarting the computer. This time, choose to uninstall the service pack. This
should return your system to a stable state, and you can remove the application
which is causing the service pack installation failure. If, during update, you
chose to not create an Uninstall directory, abort the update process and use the
Emergency Repair Disk to return your system to a stable configuration.

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.00 Service
Pack 2. For information on obtaining the Service Pack, query on the following
word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

  S E R V P A C K

MORE INFORMATION
================

Some applications and add-on components for Windows NT can cause system
components to be locked and nonreplaceable. One example of this is the Compaq
Insight Manager. This can cause update to fail to replace the Ntdll.dll file or
other important system files. During startup, a system which has had the Service
Pack applied, but has the original Ntdll.dll, will crash.

You must disable any such applications before applying Service Packs.

SEE Knowledge base Article:

  Article ID: Q166160
  TITLED : Stop C000021a after applying Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack


Additional query words: prodnt SP2 SP3

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Keywords          : kbenv kbsetup 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : :4.0
Issue type        : kbprb

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