SMSINST: Colons Invalid in Path in Default Directory Text Box (214906)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer 1.0
  • Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer 2.0
  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0

This article was previously published under Q214906

SYMPTOMS

When trying to specify a drive letter on the Application tab within the Installation Interface properties, entering a colon in the Default Directory text box will result in the following error message:
The default directory field should only contain the name of the directory itself, not the full pathname including the drive letter. Please enter only the directory name itself into this field.
This error prevents you from specifying a drive in the directory path.

CAUSE

This is by design.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, manually alter the corresponding script item using the Script Editor view. In the following example "Test" is used as the Default Directory entered on the Application tab within Installation Interface properties. To use a specific drive as the default, perform the following steps:
  1. Go to the Script Editor view.
  2. Under If System Has Windows 95 Shell Interface Start Block, find and open the script item Set Variable MAINDIR to %PROGRAM_FILES%\%MAINDIR%.
  3. Change the value %PROGRAM_FILES% to X:\program files, in the New Value text box (where X:\ is the preferred default drive letter).
  4. Find the script item Set Variable MAINDIR to %SYSDRIVE%:\%MAINDIR% and change the value %SYSDRIVE% to X (where X is the preferred default drive letter).

MORE INFORMATION


Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/14/2005
Keywords:kbnofix kbprb KB214906