Script reveals any patch installation issues

Please let us know how useful you find this tip by rating it below. Do you have a useful Windows tip, timesaver or workaround to share? Submit it to our monthly tip contest and you could win a prize!

This VBScript will parse the MSSECURE.xml file for every bulletin or patch that replaces files during installation. It will then dump the file information to a comma-delimited file (.CSV file) for importation into a spreadsheet.

Having access to this information can be extremely helpful when troubleshooting problems you may encounter during the installation of a patch or by verifying a patch has been installed.

All you have to do is make sure that the XML is in the same directory as the script, and then run it. It completes in about three minutes, and when it's done, the contents of the file will include the following information:

The ID (MS0x-xxx) of the bulletin that makes the file changes.

The QNumber of the bulletin that makes the file changes.

The affected product.

The following properties for each file that changed: File name, file date, file version and file size.

The script also contains code for the necessary ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) connection and record-set objects that you can use to insert this file information into a database table. All you have to do is uncomment the code and provide the server, database and table information.

However, note that the script retrieves every file for each bulletin that replaces files. You'll have to add code that checks the table for the existence of the bulletin before it's added -- unless you don't mind duplicate rows being added to the table every time it runs.

The script is available at my Web site: Serafine Software. Once there, click the "Free Downloads" link.

This tip originally appeared on SearchWinSystems.com.com

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchNetworking.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us    RELATED CONTENT Network Maintenance Who is responsible for updating network firewalls? Network management takes interface tips from gaming industry, Google Losing the war to lock down networks might help enterprises innovate Integrating edge assets into networks can cut costs Networks in need of a green thumb Green networking: Selling the idea to executives As network configuration management matures, documentation woes linger Verizon Business announces managed WAN optimization service Podcast: Data storage for network managers: Avoid remote office disaster To evaluate network management, what criteria is there? Network Maintenance Research RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.