[aven]

I have tried to download windows sp2 with my cd to no avail and with microsoft updates. But receive an error that says the file c:windowssystem32services.exe is open or in use by another program. sos!!!

[mphenterprises]

Hi Aven and welcome to the PCWorld Communities. :D




Before we start to make any assumptions, let's just make sure we are all on the same page. Now, to be clear, you do not mean that you are trying to install Windows XP SP3 do you?

Once we get that out of the way, can you please post your system specifications? What I would like to see is the information within the General tab after you Right Click on My Computer and select Properties.

[aven]

microsoft windows xp

home edition

version 2002

gateway intel ®

pentium ® 4 cpu 2.00 GHz

2.00GHz

256 MB RAM

[aven]

Trying to install sp 2.

[SpiritWind]

:D Hi Aven :

Prior to attempting to Install XP SP2, did you scan your computer with a very good

antiSPYWARE/antiTROJAN program, such as the FREE Version of

"SUPERAntiSpyware" from www.superantispyware.com AND/OR attempt to get

the latest Manufacturer Updates for your computer, as Recommended by Expert Dave

Taylor @ [http://www.askdavetaylor.com/howcanisafelyupgradetowindowsxpservicepack2.html] !?

[aven]

yes i used superantispyware, didnt know about manufacturers updates

[mphenterprises]

I do not believe this is a viral or malicious file situation; however, Spirit has a point. Have you tried to go directly to Gateway to see if there is an update posted within their support section?

Also, at some point, Microsoft would have pushed this update through to your computer. What setting do you have for your Automatic Updates? I would gather that you have already done this but here is the link to get SP2 through Windows Update.

http://go.microsoft....?linkid=3646727

I know you mentioned that you already tried Windows Update but please humor us anyway. Also, you mentioned that you get an error message when downloading SP2. If you get that same error message again, try this:

http://www.softwarep...2-security.html

[coastie65]

Hi all, As mph said, microsoft should have automatically put that through with the Auto Update. I am curious about something. At start up, when you get to the Windows screen, What color is the bar that runs underneath the logo ? If it is green then you are definately running SP1, if Blue then you already have SP2 installed and you won't be able to install it again. coastie65

[mphenterprises]

Hi Coastie. I believe he or she has SP1. My main suggestion was to decipher exactly what the System Specifications stated. Check out the information that he or she posted earlier:

microsoft windows xp

home edition

version 2002




If he or she had SP2, it would have specified within that section.

[coastie65]

I missed that. He or she said that they were trying install it from a CD. I got that CD as my previous computer had XP Home SP1 ( 2002 ) and after spending some 6 1/2 hrs downloading and installing it ( I had dial up at the time), I said no more and called and got the SP2 CD. I didn't have have any problem with the CD and all went smoothly. I am finding this a bit curious. coastie

[aven]

I tried the link you sent I still received the file c: is in use (error).

[mphenterprises]

Okay, click on CtrlAltDelete and open the Task Manager. Click on the Processes tab and then click on Image Name header twice to sort alphabetical in descending order. Please look for the following things:

- Check to see how much CPU Usage services.exe is using

- Check the total CPU Usage by reading the status line at the very bottom of the window

Once you confirm both of these, if the CPU is high during idle, click on the CPU header to sort in descending order and please post what processes are using the most CPU resources and how much.





Now, once you do that, please restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. If you are not sure how to access Safe Mode, follow the steps laid out within this WikiDocument. Once you are in Safe Mode with Networking, attempt to download SP2 again using all of the methods presented to you within this Discussion.

[aven]

Can't download Windows Update Error number: 0x8007043C) this is the error i receive in safemode networking

[mphenterprises]

Okay, it was worth a try. It appears that Windows Update is not available within Safe Mode. Before we go any further, please answer these questions.

- Are you using a valid version of Windows XP or a copy?

- You never answered the previous question regarding your Automatic Updates settings....please do so at this time. If you are not sure where to check, open the Control Panel and click on Automatic Updates




Additionally, I do not see any reference to the Processes test. Can you please post your results from that.

[aven]

ok i do have a copy of win xp

the processes cpu usage fluctuate the ones that use the most are

system idle process 66-99

ie explorer 25-26

services exe 00-2

yes i do have it on automatic updates, ill set it again

[mphenterprises]

My apologies, maybe I should have more concise:

- Do you have a pirated or downloaded version of Windows XP or are you using the version that came with your computer?

- By the way, we never asked you what model is your Gateway. Can you please provide the model number?

- For the automatic update, set it to either Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them or Notify me but don't automatically download or install them. This way, you can see what updates are coming in for your computer.

[aven]

Our software was stolen after father passed and the computer crashed we found it was stolen, however my cousin made me a copy to get me up again..so pirated i dont know. However i believe the model #is mfatxpnt esx 500s if this is not it, how do i find it.

[mphenterprises]

Okay, I do not believe that is the model number; however, I have one final question. When your cousin gave you a copy of Windows XP, did he or she also give you a Product Key to go with it?

[aven]

no, but I was still able to have sp2 because when i bought my windows software office pro from college, sp2 was in the set and i was able to download it. but now after i had to do recovery from a virus it wont install.

[mphenterprises]

Okay, I believe there may be some misunderstanding here. Let me try to clarify. First, you mentioned, "...i bought my windows software office pro from college, sp2 was in the set...," I believe you are referring to Microsoft Office 2003 Professional. That application does indeed have its own Service Pack 2 which is available here:

Microsoft Office 2003 Professional SP2





That is not the same as Windows XP Service Pack 2. By the information you posted from the System Information, we have confirmed that your computer is currently running with either no service packs or, at the very most, Service Pack 1. You stated that your cousin provided you with a pirated copy of Windows XP but (I presume) you used the COA (Certificate of Authenticity) from your computer to complete the installation. At some point, Microsoft would have pushed out Service Pack 2 automatically to all users. Even still, a person should be able to manually install Windows XP SP2 from any source including directly from Microsoft.

From everything you have posted here, I would say you have three options left:

- Take the Windows XP disc that your cousin made for you, along with your computer's COA, and reinstall Windows XP. Once this process is complete, make sure Automatic Updates is set to one of the middle options. I would never recommend you completely disable Automatic Updates, nor would I recommend that you allow Microsoft to blindly update your computer without your knowledge.

- Contact Gateway and request the original Windows XP CD that came with your computer and reinstall Windows XP. Using this url:

http://support.gatew...ort/default.asp

...you should be able to enter your Serial Number from your computer and get Support for your specific computer. Under no circumstance should you ever post any personal information about your computer within this or any forum. That includes the Serial Number or the COA information. Once you have entered the Serial Number information on the Gateway's support page, you should have the option to request the copy of Windows XP that original came with your computer. If you are not sure how to use that site, please feel free to send me a Private Message and I will look for the information for you.

- If Gateway does not offer the option to request a Windows XP CD, buy a retail version of Windows XP with SP2 from any retailer and reinstall Windows. The online retailer that this forum recommends is Newegg.com. On their site, they have a retail version of Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 for $191. Click on this hyperlink to go directly to the site:

Retail Version of Windows XP Home Edition with SP2