SMSINST: SMS Installer Does Not Overwrite Identical Files (313874)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer 2.0
This article was previously published under Q313874

SYMPTOMS

SMS Installer may not overwrite a file as you instruct it to if the same file exists on a client computer.

CAUSE

To alleviate excessive network traffic, a binary comparison is performed instead of simply overwriting the file.

MORE INFORMATION

SMS Installer performs a binary comparison of the files that are to be replaced. SMS Installer does not replace files that are identical on the client, even if you choose always to overwrite in the script. This decision was made based on the network traffic that occurs when identical files are copied. The binary comparison ensures that files are skipped only if they are identical on the client.

If the cyclical redundancy check (CRC) determines that the files are exactly the same, the file is skipped. This cuts down on network traffic and essentially allows installations to continue where they left off after interrupted installations. The end result is exactly the same as in the previous version of SMS Installer in all cases. The only difference is in the text in the log files.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/14/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB313874
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