XADM: Errors Occur During Exchange Service Pack Upgrade

• Microsoft Exchange Server versions 4.0, 5.0, and 5.5

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to apply a service pack to a computer running Microsoft Exchange Server, you may receive an error message during setup that says some files are in use, even when no other applications are running. The error message will be similar to the following:

   Could not open the file named 'C:\EXCHSRVR\BIN\ADDRESS.DLL'. It is in
   use by another application.

CAUSE

It is possible that the system attendant is running again. Part of the update and setup process is to first stop all known Exchange related services, including the system attendant. However, if there is at least one server monitor running against the server, the system attendant will be restarted. This occurs even if:

• The system attendant is not set to be monitored.
• The server monitor is configured to take no action.
• You use ADMIN /T NR to suspend notifications and repairs.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, stop all server monitors running against the Exchange Server computer that is being upgraded.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Exchange Server versions 4.0, 5.0, and 5.5. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.