opatch error. Help please!

From: Vince Laurent <eAddict_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 10:49:37 -0500
Message-ID: <1f8bgv82d2tvmrsj4988imndk6r8jr1tcu@4ax.com>

When I try to install a patch, I get:

Problems with the lock file
Lock file exists, details are:
Interim Patch 2965263 is holding the lock, probably due to previous unsuccessful operation

Yet, the $ORACLE_HOME/.patch_storage directory has a file called patch_free. I even checked the install log of 2965263 and all looks OK:

Performing post-patch inventory update and removing working files. Patch 2965263 has been applied successfully.

Help! I need to apply more patches!
Thanks,
Vince Laurent
Oracle 9.2.0.3 on HPX 11.11 Received on Fri Jul 04 2003 - 10:49:37 CDT