You receive a "0x80070020 The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process" error message when you try to download an update from Windows Update or from Microsoft Update (883825)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Update
  • Microsoft Update
Important This article contains information that shows you how to help lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this workaround in your particular environment. If you implement this workaround, take any appropriate additional steps to help protect your system.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to download an update from the Windows Update Web site or from the Microsoft Update Web site, you receive the following error message:
0x80070020 The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when your computer has an antivirus program that uses real-time scanning.

WORKAROUND

Warning This workaround may make your computer or your network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.To work around this problem, you must temporarily turn off the real-time scanning feature of your antivirus program. See the documentation that is provided with your antivirus program for more information about how to turn off real-time scanning.

After you turn off real-time scanning by your antivirus program, download the updates from the Windows Update Web site or from the Microsoft Update Web site, but do not install the updates. After you download the update files, turn on real-time scanning by your antivirus program. Use your antivirus program to scan the update file for any potential virus. After your antivirus program has scanned and verified the update files, you can then install the updates.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/27/2005
Keywords:kbwindowsupdatev6 kbwindowsupdate kbtshoot kbprb KB883825 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.