Win2K Pro Service Pack 4 install fails, stimon.exe error

[mopar]

I am currently updating a Compaq Armada M300 (s/n 1J17JKB5E00W) as far as it can be, given system limitations. It has Windows 2000 Pro with SP2 on it now. I tried installing SP4, but it fails with this error..."The file c:\winnt\system32\stimon.exe is open or in use by another program." I looked in Task Manager, Running Tasks, Services, and MSConfig for stimon.exe or stisvc. It was not listed in any of those places, either as running or not running. I am confused. What program could be using stimon.exe if it's not listed at all?

[patio]

Normally happens with a copied ver. of Win2K...

There is an alleged fix as i've seen it before but i'm not at liberty to say...

[mopar]

AFAIK, the version of Win2K Pro on the M300 is genuine. IDK how to tell if it's copied/cracked/pirated or not. The only way I know past this error is to wipe and install a known-legitimate version. Or install XP as this system meets minimum requirements (though it'll never be fast) or an easy-to-use/migrate from Win2K/XP version of Linux. Any suggestions? This system has a P3-600MHz cpu and 320mb RAM.

[BC_Programmer]

you could try using Process Explorer (might require an older version to run on W2K) and then use the "Files" view to see which program has it open.

Another alternative, if you are comfortable using the command line is using the "Handle" sysinternals tool, which can find out precisely what has that file open. (with the tool installed, 'handle stimon.exe' should find what you need).