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Frequently asked questions about the Windows Installer .msp files for Microsoft Dynamics GP

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This article contains answers to these frequently asked questions about the Windows Installer .msp files for Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Applies to:   Microsoft Dynamics GP
Original KB number:   912997

Introduction

Microsoft Dynamics GP use Microsoft patch files (.msp files) to install hotfixes, service packs, payroll tax updates, and payroll year-end updates. Microsoft has released a hot topic that contains frequently asked questions about .msp files. This article contains answers to these frequently asked questions.

Overview

Q1: What is an .msp file?

A1: An .msp file is a Windows Installer patch file that includes updates to an application that was installed with Windows Installer.

Q2: Why is Microsoft Dynamics GP now using .msp files?

A2: An .msp file must be used to patch any application installed with Windows Installer. Microsoft Dynamics GP now uses Windows Installer and must be patched with an .msp file.

Q3: Are all .msp files inclusive?

A3: Yes. All .msp files include all hot fixes, service packs, tax update, and payroll year end updates that were previously released.

Installation

Q1: Is there a preinstall checklist that I can follow before I install a service pack or a hotfix?

A1: Yes. Use the following service pack or hotfix pre-install checklist:

  1. Verify that you're signed in as a domain administrator. This step eliminates any permissions issues to where the package or the installation file is located.

  2. Run Windows Updates, and verify that you have all critical updates downloaded and installed.

  3. Verify that you have Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 installed. To do it, open the Add or Remove Programs item in Control Panel.

    For more information about how to obtain Windows Installer 3.1, see Windows Installer 3.1 v2 (3.1.4000.2435) is available.

  4. Make sure that the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 is installed and up-to-date. Update the .NET Framework through Windows Update. Verify that the updates are installed by looking for Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 in the Add/Remove Programs item in Control Panel.

  5. Update the Windows Scripts for Windows XP. This step isn't automatically done through Windows Update. However, you can follow this step by visiting one of the following Microsoft Web sites:

  6. Copy the .msp file to the local hard disk drive. Don't install the update over the network.

Q2: Does the user have to have specific rights on the workstation where the .msp file has to be installed?

A2: Yes. The user must be a Power User or an Administrator on the workstation where the .msp file is installed.

Q3: Are there special steps to install a service pack or a hotfix on a Windows Vista-based, Windows Server 2008, or Windows 7 computer?

A3: Use one of the following methods:

  • Temporarily disable User Account Control (UAC). To do it, follow these steps:

    1. Turn off User Account Control (UAC).
    2. Double-click the .msp file to install.

  • Use UAC. To do it, follow these steps:

    1. Open the Command Prompt window as a user who has administrative permissions on the local computer. This command is located in the Accessories group. To do it, right-click the Command Prompt shortcut, and then select Run as administrator.

    2. Copy the path file to the root folder of drive C.

    3. Type the following command, and then press ENTER:
      cd c:\

    4. Type the following command, and then press ENTER to install the patch file:
      Msiexec /p c:\ **PatchFile** /l*v C:\MSPErrorlog.txt

      Note

      PatchFile represents the name of the service pack or the hotfix that you're installing.

Q4: Can I run the .msp file and copy the .CNK files out of the Microsoft Dynamics GP folder and then install these .CNK files at other client workstations?

A4: No. The .CNK files can't be copied from the Microsoft Dynamics GP folder. Windows Installer tracks the addition of all .msp files. If only the .CNK files were copied and installed, Windows Installer doesn't know which products were patched. There are also more files than the .CNK files that get patched. Copying only the .CNK files would cause other problems if a user ran a repair on the Microsoft Dynamics GP installation.

Q5: Why is it required to start Utilities and update the company databases after installing an .msp file on the server?

A5: In Microsoft Business Solutions - Great Plains 8.0, users ran the Perform Special Upgrade process when we released changes to database objects in the service packs. Microsoft Dynamics GP users must mark each company for an update in Utilities. It will make the appropriate database object changes for each database.

Q6: How long will the Utilities process for updating my company databases take?

A6: The update process may take several minutes for each company database depending on the size of the database.

Q7: Do I have to start Utilities at each client workstation after the .msp file is installed?

A7: Yes. After the .msp file is installed on the server, the user will be prompted to run Utilities at each client workstation.

Q8: Can I easily roll out an .msp file to my clients?

A8: Yes. After the .msp file is installed on the server, you can use the Automatic Client Updates feature to roll out the patch to all clients. See Chapter 5 in the SystemAdminGuide.pdf on the Release 9.0 Volume 1 CD-ROM under Documentation or on the Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 and later DVD.

Q9: If I don't install the .msp on one client, will that cause issues?

A9: After the .msp file is installed on the server, the database version has been updated for that patch. If a client workstation doesn't have the .msp file installed, the version information won't match. That client will receive an error message that the version doesn't match and won't be able to sign in.

Q10: Can third-party products use an .msp file to install service packs?

A10: Yes. Third-party product can also use the Automatic Client Updates Feature to install the .msp files automatically. Refer to Chapter 5 in the SystemAdminGuide.pdf on the Release 9.0 Volume 1 CD-ROM under Documentation.

Q11: Can I install the .msp file on a client workstation first before installing the .msp file on the server?

A11: Yes. However, the client won't be able to sign into any company database until the .msp file has been installed on the server. Utilities must also be started on the server to update all company databases.

Q12: If I have a test server that has multiple installations of Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 or later versions, will the .msp installation patch all the installations?

A12: Yes. If you run the .msp installation, all Microsoft Dynamics GP installations will be patched. If you want to patch only one Microsoft Dynamics GP installation, follow these steps:

  1. Select Start, select Run, type regedit, and then select OK.

  2. Locate and then select the following registry subkey:

    • Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 32-bit environment

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Business Solutions\Great Plains

    • 64-bit environment

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\wow6432Node\Microsoft\Business Solutions\Great Plains

    • Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 and later versions 32-bit environment

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Business Solutions\Great Plains\1033

    • 64-bit environment

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Business Solutions\Great Plains\1033

  3. Expand the folder for the instance of Microsoft Dynamics GP you want to patch.

    Note

    The DEFAULT folder is for the default installation. The Inst01 folder is for the second instance of Microsoft Dynamics GP. For example, if you want to patch the second installation, expand the Inst01 folder.

  4. Select the SETUP folder, double-click the Product Code, and then copy the code.

  5. Exit Registry Editor.

  6. Select Start, and then select Run.

  7. To install the .msp file, type the following, and then select OK:

    C:\updatename.msp /n {E979C594-95F9-4E3A-985D-A1DFDF403227}

    Note

    Replace C:\updatename.msp with the path to the .msp file and the name of the .msp patch file. Replace {E979C594-95F9-4E3A-985D-A1DFDF403227} with the Product Code the you copied in step 4.

Troubleshooting

Q1: Is there a list of common error messages that may appear when running Windows Installer .msp files?

A1: Yes. Visit Windows Installer Error Messages (for Developers) to view an article that describes the error messages that may be generated when you install .msp files.

Q2: Why do I receive the following error message when I'm installing a service pack for Microsoft Dynamics GP?

The upgrade patch cannot be installed by the Windows Installer service because the program to be upgrade may be missing, or the upgrade patch may update a different version of the program. Verify that the program to be upgraded exists on your computer and that you have the correct update patch.

A2: If you've only one installation of Microsoft Dynamics GP, this error message may indicate potential issues with the current installation of Microsoft Dynamics GP on this computer. To resolve the problem, follow these steps:

  1. Select Start, select Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.
  2. In the Currently installed programs list, select Microsoft Dynamics GP, and then select Change.
  3. Run a repair on the Microsoft Dynamics GP installation.

If the problem isn't resolved, remove Microsoft Dynamics GP on this computer. Then, reinstall Microsoft Dynamics GP, and install the latest service pack again.

Note

All .msp files include all the previous .msp file fixes.

Q3: Why do I receive a "DEX.DIC version is not compatible with executable version" error when installing a service pack for Microsoft Dynamics GP?

DEX.DIC version <version number> is not compatible with executable version <version number> .

A3: This error may occur if the workstation isn't restarted after you're prompted to restart.

  1. Restart the workstation, and then start Microsoft Dynamics GP again.
  2. Rename the Dex.dic file in the Microsoft Dynamics GP folder, and then run the msp patch installation again.

This error may occur when you attempt to start Microsoft Dynamics GP if the DEX.DIC isn't at the correct build.

  1. Browse to the Microsoft Dynamics GP Code folder on the server (the default path is C:\Program Files\Microsoft Dynamics\GP) and rename the current DEX.DIC to DEXOLD.DIC.
  2. Open Control Panel, select Add/Remove Programs and select Microsoft Dynamics GP and select Change.
  3. In the Program Maintenance window, select the Repair option.
  4. Start Microsoft Dynamics GP by double-clicking on the Microsoft Dynamics GP icon to verify the error is resolved.

Q4: Why do I receive a "Windows installer is not able to find the GreatPlains.msi file" error when installing a service pack for Microsoft Dynamics GP?

Windows installer is not able to find the GreatPlains.msi file in the location where Dynamics GP was originally installed based on the path is stored in the Windows registry.

When I browse to the GreatPlains.msi file on the installation CD, I receive the same error message. What is the problem?

A4: This problem occurs if the path to the original GreatPlains.msi file was changed or if the file was moved. You must correct the registry entry for the path of the GreatPlains.msi file. To do it, follow these steps.

Warning

Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

  1. Select Start, select Run, type regedit, and then select OK.

  2. On the File menu, select Export.

  3. In the File name box, type registry backup, select All under Export Range, and then select Save.

  4. Press CTRL+F, type GreatPlains.msi, and then select Find Next. A registry subkey that resembles the following example will be returned:
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\495C979E9F59A3E489D51AFDFD042372\SourceList

  5. Right-click LastUsedSource, and then select Modify.

  6. Replace the current path with the path to the GreatPlains.msi file on the Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 installation CD. For example, if the CD is in the D drive, the Value data information is as follows:
    D:\Bin\

  7. Select OK, and then exit Registry Editor.

  8. Retry the installation of the service pack.

    Note

    If you've multiple instances of Microsoft Dynamics GP installed, you may have to repeat these steps to fix any other instances of the GreatPlains.msi file.

Q5: Why do I receive a "The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package" error when installing a service pack?

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package.

The error code is 2755. What is causing this error?

A5: This error occurs for either of the following reasons.

  • The service pack or the hotfix isn't physically on the same drive partition as the Microsoft Dynamics GP application folder. For example, the service pack file exists on the C drive and the Microsoft Dynamics GP folder is on the D drive. To resolve this problem, download and then run the service pack file or the hotfix file on the same physical drive as the Microsoft Dynamics GP directory.
  • The service pack or the hotfix is installed from a network location. To resolve this problem if the service pack or the hotfix is on a network share, copy this file locally to the workstation, and then install the file.

Q6: When I try to uninstall Microsoft Dynamics GP, I receive a network error.

A network error occurred while attempting to read from the file: C:\WINDOWS\Installer\GreatPlains.msi

How can I resolve it?

A6: When you uninstall the Microsoft Dynamics GP program, the GreatPlains.msi file is accessed. If this file cannot be found, you receive this error message. To resolve this issue, copy the GreatPlains.msi file from the Microsoft Dynamics GP installation CD to the location that is displayed in the error message. The GreatPlains.msi file is located in the Bin folder on the Microsoft Dynamics GP installation CD. After you copy the file, try to uninstall Microsoft Dynamics GP again. In this example, you copy the GreatPlains.msi file to following location:
C:\WINDOWS\Installer\

Q7: Why do I receive a "New code must be included in the Dynamics.set dictionary" error when applying a service pack or hotfix for either Microsoft Dynamics GP on a Windows Vista computer?

"New code must be included in the Dynamics.set dictionary. However, you do not have sufficient privileges to do so. You can choose to continue, but the new code will not be used."

A7: This error message is occurring because of the User Access Control (UAC) in Windows Vista. Use one of the following methods to resolve the issue:

  • Run the installation of the service pack or hotfix as an Administrator. To do it, right-click the file, on the shortcut menu, select Run As Administrator, and then continue through the installation of the service pack or hotfix.
  • Disable User Access Control. To do it, follow these steps:
    1. In Control Panel, select Add or remove user accounts.
    2. Select the user account that you're signing into the computer as, and then select Go to the main User Accounts Page.
    3. Select Change security settings, clear the Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer option, and then select OK.
    4. Restart the computer when you're prompted.
    5. Install by double-clicking the installation file.
    6. As soon as the installation has finished, reset the changes that you made in steps 1-4 to enable UAC.