How to Replace .SYS files that Are in Use by the System (112508)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
This article was previously published under Q112508

SUMMARY

Windows NT does not allow you to modify system files that are currently in use.

For example, if you attempt to update the driver file FLOPPY.SYS from File Manager or from the MS-DOS Command Prompt, the following error message appears:
The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.
If you attempt to delete FLOPPY.SYS, one of the following error messages appear:

From File Manager:

You do not have permission or the file is in use.

-or-

From the MS-DOS Command Prompt;

Access is denied.

MORE INFORMATION

The following are two possible workarounds to this problem:

  • In File Manager select the driver file that you want to update and choose Rename from the File menu to rename the file extension of the driver. For example, rename FLOPPY.SYS to FLOPPY.OLD. Copy the updated driver file to the same location. Shut down and then restart the computer. Delete the old driver file.

    -or-
  • If Windows NT is installed on a FAT partition, restart your computer with MS-DOS and copy the Windows NT driver file to the appropriate location.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/4/2003
Keywords:kbother KB112508
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.