SMSINST: Creating Backup Copies of Replaced Files (174329)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer 1.0
This article was previously published under Q174329

SUMMARY

Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer includes a feature that allows you to back up files that are replaced during an installation. This process is not automatic by default.

MORE INFORMATION

To enable support for backing up replaced files, the Installer variable BACKUPDIR must be set to a value that is a valid directory path. Typically a backup directory would be created below a program's main installation directory.

Use either of the two following methods to ensure that the BACKUPDIR variable is set.

Method 1

If you wish to display the Backup Replaced Files dialog box or are performing a silent installation (using the /s command line switch), do the following:

  1. Under Installation Interface, click the Dialogs tab.
  2. Click to select the Backup Replaced Files check-box.

    This will display the dialog asking whether you want to back up replaced files, and what directory to store them in, and then sets the BACKUPDIR appropriately. If the option to display the dialog is selected, the default is set to %MAINDIR%\BACKUP.
NOTE: When a Systems Management Server Installer executable is run with the /s switch (for silent installation), none of the dialogs selected are displayed, but if the Backup Replaced Files dialog box is selected, BACKUPDIR will still be set to %MAINDIR%\BACKUP, and files will be backed up accordingly.

Method 2

If you wish to have an interactive installation, but prefer not to include the Backup Replaced Files dialog box, in Script Editor view, insert a Set Variable script item before the first instance of any Install File script items:

Variable: BACKUPDIR
New Value: %MAINDIR%\BACKUP
Operation: Nothing

Either of these methods will cause a backup directory to be created (user specified location for Method 1 and BACKUP under the application's main directory for the Method 2). As each file is installed, Installer will check to see if the file being installed is replacing a current file. If it is, it will backup the current file to the specified backup directory, then install the new file. If the application is later uninstalled, the backed-up files will be restored.

For more information on creating backup copies of replaced files, refer to the online help provided with Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer. Search the index for the word BACKUPDIR.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/14/2005
Keywords:kbinfo kbusage KB174329
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