The PatchInstall.exe command behaves unexpectedly when it uses a parameter that contains a character that is not valid in Systems Management Server 2003 (886121)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Distribute Software Updates Wizard to create a software update in Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003, if the PatchInstall.exe command uses any parameter with a character that is not valid, that parameter is run by using its default setting. However, every parameter that appears after that parameter is also run by using its default setting.

When you view the contents of the Patchinstall.log file, you see an entry that is similar to the following entry:
INVALID PARAMETER: Invalid Grace Period (/g option) supplied, the default grace period (336) hours will be used.
Illegal Commandline parameters, cannot continue processing of rest of parameters. Default values will be used for remaining commandline options.
Usage: PatchInstall /g:xxx /z:s|w|sw /f /c:xx /t:xx /d /p /q /I /l:xxx /n[:xxx] /x /m:"<filename>"
Note The Patchinstall.log file for the Advanced Client is located in the %windir%\System32\CCM\Logs folder. The Patchinstall.log file for the Legacy Client is located in the %windir%\Ms\Sms\Logs folder.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, modify parameters of the PatchInstall.exe command in the package that you want to distribute. You can access the parameters in the program's properties dialog box.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

REFERENCES

For more information about PatchInstall.exe command-line options, see "Software Updates Installation Agent Syntax" in the SMS Online Library. To view the SMS Online Library, use one of the following methods:
  • Click Start, click Programs, click Systems Management Server, and then click SMS Online Library.
  • In the SMS Administrator console tree, right-click SMS Online Library, and then click Run Online Library.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/14/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kbSMSPackage kbsmsAdmin kbSMSClients kbSMSDistribution kbSMS2003bug KB886121 kbAudITPRO
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.