win32k.sys problem when installing XP SP3

[Lily]

When I tried to install XP SP3, it always said "Service Pack 3 Setup Error:
The file c:\windows\system32\win32k.sys is open or in use by another
application. Close all other applications and click retry."

But I don't know how to close the applications and I cannot find the
applications.

Can anyone help me?

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

<IMHO>
Temporarily disable all real-time protections afforded by your anti-virus
application, any anti-spyware applications, and any third-party firewall
prior to installing SP3. If you disable a third-party firewall, make sure
you then enable the Windows Firewall: The machine should not be connected to
the internet without an active firewall.

NB ZA Free users: Uninstall ZA Free via Add/Remove Programs and enable the
Windows Firewall before installing SP3.

After installing SP3 /and rebooting twice/, check to make sure your
real-time protections have been re-enabled; If you disabled a third-party
firewall, remember to re-enable it and disable the Windows Firewall.
</IMHO>

====================================

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.

• US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

• CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

• UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

• AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

• Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3

[Engel]

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
<http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm>

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717>

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack 3
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718>

Error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3: "Access is
denied" or “Service Pack installation did not complete”
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377>

Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
<http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx>

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3).

This support for SP3 is valid until April 14, 2009.
<https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131>

[Nick Burns]

Move!! Are you serious, not to flame but, are you guys on the other end of the phone when I call reading off a script that we all hate, I am not surprised the first sugestion in the article is to restart your machine. Here is a real answer from a tech who had to figure it out:

I was having this issue with automatic updates failing in WSUS the machine is some old dino laptop, So I downloaded the stand alone file and applied it to laptop and got the "win32k.sys file is in use"

go to run type: services.msc
find the service for automiatic updates, right click and choose stop
then press retry on the update window, and viola! it was able to install.
The automatic update service should still be set on automatic, it will enable upon restart, or if you prefer you can right click on the service again and choose start.

This may not work in your case, Im sure this will help others looking for this fix and Hey i didnt insult you by telling you to try and restart your pc.

[zire72]

go to run type: services.msc
find the service for automiatic updates, right click and choose stop
then press retry on the update window, and viola! it was able to install.
The automatic update service should still be set on automatic, it will enable upon restart, or if you prefer you can right click on the service again and choose start.

This may not work in your case, Im sure this will help others looking for this fix and Hey i didnt insult you by telling you to try and restart your pc.

Nick, thank you man. Your suggestion resolved the issue I was having. I worked on it for an hour before deciding to research it and voila, a 10 second fix!