I cannot update to windows xp service pack 3

Each time I try to update I get " The file c:\windows\system32\drivers\atapi.sys is open or in use by another application. I'm not as literate as I would like to be with computers, but I can dable in the registry without screwing it up. However can someone help me with how to correct this problem?

Hello,

Navigate to C:\windows\system32\drivers\ rename atapi.sys to atapi1.sys and try installing SP3 again. Once you've installed SP3, rename atapi1.sys back to atapi.sys.

Thanks, for your info. However, I get the same message " cannot rename atapi: It is being used by another person or program"

Hello,

Please boot into safe mode and try to install SP3.

- Restart your computer
- After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, keep tapping F8.
- Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
- Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.
-When you are at the logon prompt, log in as the same user that you had performed the previous steps as.

Cannot log on in safe mode. I can get to the screen however when I choose the safe mode the system keeps reverting back to that same screen.

Hello,

Try this to boot into safe mode:

• 1. Got to your Start menu and select Run option.
  
• 2. Type in msconfig command and click OK. The System Configuration Utility program will then open.
  
• 3. Select the BOOT.INI tab located at the top of the System Configuration Utility window.
  
• 4. Check the box labeled /SAFEBOOT and click OK.
  
• 5. When asked if you prefer to restart the PC immediately, or Exit Without Restart, choose to restart the computer manually.
  
• 6. Your computer will automatically boot into Windows XP Safe Mode when you will restart it.
  
• 7. When you are done with Safe Mode, go to the Start menu again and select Run option. Type in msconfig
• and click OK.
  
• 8. Select the Normal Startup radio button and click OK.
  
• 9. When asked if you prefer to restart the PC immediately, or Exit Without Restart, choose to restart the computer manually.
  
• 10. Your computer will boot into Normal mode the next time you switch it on.

Thanks for the information. However, now it did not let me log on in safe mode. In addition, now a cannot get off the safe mode screen or get back to The System Configuration Utility program to start normally.

System is in continuous loop. Cannot exit from safe mode screen.

Hello,

Your system has corrupted Windows files. Do you have your Windows CD?

No I don't have the Windows XP Professional Install CD. But what is the procedure when I get it. Or is there something different that I can do? "Thanks"

Hello,

We need to perform a repair of your OS. What is the brand of your computer?

The brand of my computer is Dell Dimension 4600 Desktop.

Hello,

At the Dell logo, hold the Ctrl key and press the F11 key simultaneously.
The Dell PC Restore screen will come up, select repair.

The same thing happens when I press the Ctrl and the f11 keys simultaneously. It loops back to the safe mode screen.