MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up Error Message: Cannot Update File (106433)



The information in this article applies to:
    Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.2
    Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.22

This article was previously published under Q106433
This information applies to both Microsoft DoubleSpace and Microsoft DriveSpace. For MS-DOS 6.22, use DRVSPACE in place of DBLSPACE for commands and filenames.

SYMPTOMS

When MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up is unable to update a file, the following message is displayed:

Cannot Update File

Setup could not update the following file to MS-DOS 6.2:

<filename>

Although Setup can continue without updating this file, your MS-DOS 6.2 installation will be incomplete.

For more information, see the README.NOW file, which is located in the same drive and directory as your Step-Up files.

To continue, press ENTER.

CAUSE

Setup displays this message when the listed file does not exactly match the Microsoft MS-DOS 6.0 Upgrade version of the file.

MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up uses binary patch files to patch the MS-DOS 6.0 files into the MS-DOS 6.2 version. Each binary patch file <filename.xx#> contains a checksum for the original MS-DOS 6.0 file and information on how to patch the file.

If the checksum for the file on the hard disk does not match the checksum contained in the binary patch file, SETUP cannot patch the file and displays the "Cannot Update File" message.

RESOLUTION

To work around this situation:
    Restore the MS-DOS 6.0 file by expanding it from one of the original MS-DOS 6 Upgrade disks.
    Run MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up again.
If there are a lot of files that can't be updated by MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up, you might find it easier to reinstall the MS-DOS 6 Upgrade and then run MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up again. To do this:
    Confirm that the DEVICE=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE command is in your CONFIG.SYS file.
    Use SETVER to set the version number for SETUP.EXE to 4.00 by typing the following at the MS-DOS command prompt and pressing ENTER.

    setver setup.exe 4.00

    Restart your computer so that the SETVER change takes effect.
    Run MS-DOS 6 Upgrade Setup.
    After MS-DOS 6 Setup completes, delete SETUP.EXE from the SETVER table by typing the following at the MS-DOS command prompt and pressing ENTER:

    setver setup.exe /d

    Restart your computer so that the SETVER change takes effect.
    Run MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up Setup.
If you have a version of MS-DOS 6.0 that was modified by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up cannot update the MS-DOS 6.0 files. You must obtain an update from your OEM or purchase the Microsoft MS-DOS 6.2 Upgrade.

NOTE: There is no way to expand or update the .xx# files manually.

MORE INFORMATION

Symantec Norton Utilities versions 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, and 7.x will replace your FORMAT.COM file if you choose that option during installation. Other software programs may replace MS-DOS components as well.

The following information is available in the MS-DOS 6.2 Step-Up README.NOW file:

2.3 If Setup cannot update a file

If Setup cannot update one of your MS-DOS files, it displays a message with the title "Cannot Update File." If you continued Setup, your MS-DOS 6.2 installation is incomplete because the specified file was not updated to version 6.2. If the file is one you know you don't need, don't worry about it. However, if you are not sure, update the file using the following procedure.

    Insert MS-DOS 6 Setup Disk 1 in drive A or drive B, and then use MS-DOS Editor (EDIT) to view the contents of the PACKING.LST file. This file tells you where each file is located on your MS-DOS 6 disks. Determine which MS-DOS 6 disk contains the file you need.
    Insert the appropriate MS-DOS 6 disk in drive A or drive B, and then use the EXPAND command to expand the file. For example, to expand the file DBLSPACE.HL_ from the disk in drive A to the directory C:\DOS, you would type the following command:

    expand a:\dblspace.hl_ c:\dos\dblspace.hlp

    For more information, see the comments at the beginning of the PACKING.LST file, or see the MS-DOS 6.0 "User's Guide."
    Run MS-DOS 6.2 Setup again. This time, Setup should be able to update the file.
If you follow this procedure and Setup still cannot update the file, there may be a problem with your MS-DOS 6.2 disks. You may be able to correct the problem by running SCANDISK or CHKDSK /F on the MS-DOS 6.2 disk that was in the drive when the error occurred.

Modification Type: Major Last Reviewed: 11/25/1999
Keywords: KB106433