Err Msg: Hotfix Internal Consistency Error: Invalid Tree Pointer (168891)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
This article was previously published under Q168891

SYMPTOMS

When you install a hotfix for Windows NT version 4.0 using the Hotfix.exe tool, the following error message may occur:
Hotfix:The fix is already installed. Hotfix:Internal consistency error: Invalid Tree pointer = <xxx>

CAUSE

This error message occurs when the hotfix has already been applied or a hotfix with an identical name has been installed. The Hotfix.exe tool cannot write the information in the registry because the key already exists.

RESOLUTION

Remove the previous installation before reapplying a hotfix. To remove the previous installation, follow these steps:
  1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and then click Command Prompt.
  2. Change to the folder in which the hotfix you want to remove is located.
  3. Type either of the following lines:
    • hotfix.exe /remove

    • hotfix.exe /r

MORE INFORMATION

The Hotfix.exe tool creates a Hotfix folder in the Winnt folder. In that folder, each hotfix has its own folder containing the replaced file or files.

Hotfix.exe is a tool that makes the installation, tracking, and maintenance of hotfixes easier.

The command syntax for Hotfix.exe is: 
Hotfix [ /H /R /V ] [<hotfix name>]
Hotfix /I  [source dir]
Hotfix [\\computername] [ /L /F ] [<hotfix name>]

   /Full    or /F  Specifies a full listing. Default is brief.
   /Help /H or /?  Displays this message.
   /Install or /I  Installs the hotfix identified by the Hotfix.ini file
                   in the <source dir>, or the current directory in the
                   <source dir> was not specified. The fix is installed
                   on the local computer.
   /List    or /L  Displays a list of all installed hotfixes. If a
                   hotfix name is specified, a detailed listing of the
                   specific hotfix is displayed.
   /Remove  or /R  Removes the specified hotfix from the local computer.
   /Verify  or /V  Verifies that the specified hotfix is correctly
                   installed on the local computer. If no hotfix name is
                   specified, all installed hotfixes will be checked.
   \\computername  The name of a remote Windows NT computer that will be
                   the target of the command.  This can only be used with
                   the /LIST command option.
   <hotfix name>   The name of the hotfix.
   <source dir>    Source directory containing the corrected files
                   and the Hotfix.ini file for the hotfix.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/9/2001
Keywords:kberrmsg KB168891
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