SMS: Err Msg: "Couldn't Save the Query Result Format" (176544)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.0
  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.1
  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.2
This article was previously published under Q176544

SYMPTOMS

When you try to create a Define Query Results format and you use attributes that contain apostrophes, you may receive the following error message:
Couldn't Save the Query Result Format
Or when you try to create a new Query Result format using the Systems Management Server Administrator program, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot save Query Result format

CAUSE

This error message occurs when an invalid character, such as an apostrophe (') is used in any of the fields other than the Description field during MIF form creation. These fields become the table names within the SMS database. The only character, other than actual letters and numbers, that SQL Server allows for inclusion in table names is the underscore character (_).

RESOLUTION

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Systems Management Server service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The typical support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later: 
   Date     Time        Size      File name
   ----------------------------------------

   1/9/98   7:00pm      376,912   Base3.dll
NOTE: This fix applies to Systems Management Server 1.2 only.
NOTE: Due to file dependencies, the most recent hotfix or feature that contains the above files may also contain additional files.



WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, perform the following steps:

  1. Use the MIF Generator to re-create the .xnf file. Do not use any illegal characters.
  2. Ensure that all existing copies of the old .xnf file are replaced with the newly created .xnf file. For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    131614 Propagating MIF Entry Forms (XNF files) to SMS Clients

  3. Delete the corresponding .mif and .sev files from all clients in the Ms\Sms\Noidmifs directory.
  4. Open the Systems Management Server Database Manager. On the Tools menu, click Delete Group Classes.
  5. Select Personal Computer and click OK.
  6. Select the group representing the offending MIF information and click OK to delete this group from the database.
  7. Have the clients re-enter any of the fields and save the new MIF.
  8. Have the clients log on again or otherwise run the Smsls.bat file to take inventory and send the new MIF information to the server.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server version 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/7/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbBug kbDatabase kbfix kbQFE KB176544
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