SMS: Inventory Based on String Value at Offset Incorrect

ID: Q177675

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Systems Management Server version 1.2

SYMPTOMS

When specifying a string pattern at a particular offset for a file that is being inventoried, the Systems Management Server Software Inventory Agent counts a package as inventory even if the specified string pattern does not match at the offset specified. Therefore, if the file exists, the package is still counted as inventory.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix that corrects this problem is now available from Microsoft, but it has not been fully regression tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. If you are not severely affected by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Systems Management Server service pack that contains this fix.

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 on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:


   Date     Time        Size            File name      Platform
   ------------------------------------------------------------
   3/2/99   1:03PM      283,104 bytes   Inv32cli.exe   Intel
   3/1/99   7:08PM      296,368 bytes   Invwin32.exe   Intel

   3/2/99   1:06PM      866,576 bytes   Inv32cli.exe   Alpha
   3/1/99   7:18PM      882,960 bytes   Invwin32.exe   Alpha

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, do not use the string property in a package's inventory rules. Use other properties instead to determine package inventory, such as file date, size, or checksum.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server version 1.2. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional query words: prodsms

Keywords : kbSMS120 kbSMS120bug kbInventory
Version : winnt:1.2
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug