How to fix error message when installing Windows XP Service Pack 2?

Question

When I try to install Service Pack 2, I keep getting an error message saying "The file c:\winnt\system32\services.exe is open or in use by another application. Close all other applications and then click Retry."

I've closed all open windows, I ended unnecessary applications in Task Manager, and I still get this message.

What can I do to fix this?

Answer 1

I INSTALLED  this before and had to take it off too many bugs on it.. so i went back and hit system restore and put it back the way it was.