Error message when you try to scan a client computer by using System Management Server 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (Scanwrapper.exe): "GetFileAttributes() failed" (916142)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003

SYMPTOMS



When you try to use the Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (Scanwrapper.exe) in System Management Server (SMS) 2003 to scan a client computer for update applicability or for update compliance, the scan may not run. Additionally, an error message that is similar to the following may be logged in the Scanwrapper.log file on the client computer:
Checking [C:\WINNT\system32\VPCache\ABC00101\c:\winnt\system32\wuaueng.dll] with VersionString=[5.8.0.2469].
ERROR: GetFileAttributes() failed for C:\WINNT\system32\VPCache\ABC00101\c:\winnt\system32\wuaueng.dll with GetLastError()=[123].
Note In the error message, ABC00101 represents the SMS package ID for the Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates scan package.
The ABC00101\c:\winnt\ reference that appears in this error message indicates that this is the problem because of the incorrect joining of the two path strings.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the value for the %Windir% environment variable starts with a lowercase letter. For example, a lowercase drive letter in "c:\windows" provokes the error message that is mentioned in the "Symptoms" section. Alternatively, "C:\windows" does not provoke the error message.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, modify the %Windir% environment variable to start with an uppercase letter on the client computer so that the computer starts.

Note Changes to the %Windir% environment variable may not take effect until you restart the computer.

To modify the %Windir% environment variable, follow these steps:
  1. On the client computer, click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
  2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Advanced tab, and then click Environment Variables.
  3. Under System Variables, click windir, and then click Edit.

    Note You may have to move the scroll box next to the list to see this entry.
  4. In the Variable value box, capitalize the first letter, and then click OK. For example, change "c:\windows" to "C:\windows."
  5. Click OK to close the Environment Variables dialog box, and then click OK to close the System Properties dialog box.
  6. Restart the computer to make sure that the new environment variable takes effect.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a bug in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/17/2006
Keywords:kbExpertiseInter kbtshoot kbpending kberrmsg kbBug kbSMSInventory kbprb KB916142 kbAudITPRO
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