SMSINST: Creating Backup Copies of Replaced Files

• Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer version 1.0

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.

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

MORE INFORMATION

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.