Externally Locked System Files Can Cause SP Update Failure

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0

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.

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

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