Computer-Assigned Programs Require a Specific Universal Naming Convention Path Style

ID: Q240837

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

SYMPTOMS

When you assign a program to a computer using the Microsoft Software Installation (MSI) service and the share name you point the software distribution point to uses a universal naming convention (UNC) style that is made up of either the IP address or the domain name, the installation may not be successful.

Examples of the type of UNC style that may cause the program installation to be unsuccessful include:

\\IPaddress\sharename
\\domainname\sharename

where IPaddress is the IP address, sharename is the name of the share, and domainname is the name of your domain (for example, mydomain.net).

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the computer cannot resolve these types of UNC naming styles during the installation of the program.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, use the following traditional UNC naming style:

\\servername\sharename

where servername is the NetBIOS server name. For example:

\\msmsrv01\mgmtapps

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows 2000.

MORE INFORMATION

This behavior does not occur with programs that are assigned to a user or published for a user.

Additional query words: application applications

Keywords : kbsetup
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug