windows xp service pack 2 installation failure due to smss.exe run

when I try to install service pack 2 I get the following error message (no
code# included) "The file c:\windows\system32\smss.exe is open or in use by
another application. close all other applications and then click Retry."
Going to my Windows Task Manager window I see that there's no other
applications running. going into the "processes" folder there, I am told I
can not end that process because it is a Critical Process.
What should I do to successfully install windows xp service pack 2? thanks!!

--
Jimbo

"Jimbo" wrote:

> when I try to install service pack 2 I get the following error message (no
> code# included) "The file c:\windows\system32\smss.exe is open or in use by
> another application. close all other applications and then click Retry."
> Going to my Windows Task Manager window I see that there's no other
> applications running. going into the "processes" folder there, I am told I
> can not end that process because it is a Critical Process.
> What should I do to successfully install windows xp service pack 2? thanks!!
>
> --
> Jimbo

Did you check to see if your system was clean prior to the installation?

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/star....exe-9920.html

http://www.pcreview.co.uk/startup/sm...system.sys.php

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=e...=microsoft.com


"Jimbo" wrote:

> when I try to install service pack 2 I get the following error message (no
> code# included) "The file c:\windows\system32\smss.exe is open or in use by
> another application. close all other applications and then click Retry."
> Going to my Windows Task Manager window I see that there's no other
> applications running. going into the "processes" folder there, I am told I
> can not end that process because it is a Critical Process.
> What should I do to successfully install windows xp service pack 2? thanks!!
>
> --
> Jimbo