How to Replace .SYS files that Are in Use by the System

Last reviewed: May 14, 1997
Article ID: Q112508
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SUMMARY

Windows NT does not allow you to modify system files that are currently in use.

For example, if you attempt to update the driver file FLOPPY.SYS from File Manager or from the MS-DOS Command Prompt, the following error message appears:

   The process cannot access the file because it is being used
   by another process.

If you attempt to delete FLOPPY.SYS, one of the following error messages appear:

   From File Manager:

      You do not have permission or the file is in use.

   -or-

   From the MS-DOS Command Prompt;

      Access is denied.

MORE INFORMATION

The following are two possible workarounds to this problem:

- In File Manager select the driver file that you want to update and

   choose Rename from the File menu to rename the file extension of the
   driver. For example, rename FLOPPY.SYS to FLOPPY.OLD. Copy the updated
   driver file to the same location. Shut down and then restart the
   computer. Delete the old driver file.

-or-

- If Windows NT is installed on a FAT partition, restart your computer

   with MS-DOS and copy the Windows NT driver file to the appropriate
   location.


Additional query words: prodnt
Keywords : kbother ntdriver
Version : 3.1
Platform : WINDOWS


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: May 14, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.