Windows XP updates do not install

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain (More info?)

When I go to install updates for Windows XP Home, I get a message every time
that says: "The file c:\winnt\system32\ftp.exe is open or in use by another
application. Close all other applications and then click Retry."

So, I can never update. what should I do?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain (More info?)

"John Laird" <John Laird@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>When I go to install updates for Windows XP Home, I get a message every time
>that says: "The file c:\winnt\system32\ftp.exe is open or in use by another
>application. Close all other applications and then click Retry."
>
>So, I can never update. what should I do?


ftp.exe should not normally be in use on your computer unless you have
started it yourself.

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the Windows Task Manager and go to
the Processes tab. If FTP.EXE is listed there than click on it once
to select it and then click on the End Process button in the bottom
left corner. Once the process has been ended you should be able to
install the updates.

However you also need to determine why FTP.EXE is running on your
computer. Prime suspect would be a virus/spyware/trojan infestation.
Make certain your antivirus software is completely up to date with the
virus definitions not more than a week old and do a complete scan of
your computer. Then get a "second opinion" by doing an online scan at
one of the free sites such as:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/

Also you should do a complete spyware check of your computer, such as
by using MVP Jim Eshelman's Quick Fix procedure at
http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain (More info?)

I tried everything and nothing has worked. The FTP.EXE file does not show up
in Windows Task Manager.

I ran more than one virus scan and performed all of Jim Eshelman's Quick Fix
procedures. They were helpful in cleaning up my system and eliminating
Spyware, but the original problem I wrote about is still there.

Any more ideas?

Thanks,

John Laird

"Ron Martell" wrote:

> "John Laird" <John Laird@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >When I go to install updates for Windows XP Home, I get a message every time
> >that says: "The file c:\winnt\system32\ftp.exe is open or in use by another
> >application. Close all other applications and then click Retry."
> >
> >So, I can never update. what should I do?
>
>
> ftp.exe should not normally be in use on your computer unless you have
> started it yourself.
>
> Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the Windows Task Manager and go to
> the Processes tab. If FTP.EXE is listed there than click on it once
> to select it and then click on the End Process button in the bottom
> left corner. Once the process has been ended you should be able to
> install the updates.
>
> However you also need to determine why FTP.EXE is running on your
> computer. Prime suspect would be a virus/spyware/trojan infestation.
> Make certain your antivirus software is completely up to date with the
> virus definitions not more than a week old and do a complete scan of
> your computer. Then get a "second opinion" by doing an online scan at
> one of the free sites such as:
> http://housecall.trendmicro.com
> http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/
> http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
>
> Also you should do a complete spyware check of your computer, such as
> by using MVP Jim Eshelman's Quick Fix procedure at
> http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
>
> Good luck
>
> Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
> --
> Microsoft MVP
> On-Line Help Computer Service
> http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
>
> In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
> http://aumha.org/alex.htm
>