George, make sure you downloaded the correct version of the hotfix, either 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64). Just to recap, after you download the hotfix, you run the exe, which will prompt for the password provided in an email from Microsoft. This will unpack the actual patch file. Typically the patch itself is either an EXE, or an MSI package. Just run this file to apply the patch. Are you logged into the server itself when you run the patch? Or using some type of remote desktop software? This could make a difference if you are not logged directly onto the console, but in my experience, its not that big of a deal. I see problems when applying SQL patches and not logging into the console. This patch is included in Win2003 SP1, check to see what Service Pack you have installed. The latest Service Pack for Win2003 is SP2. ~Joe