Software Portal deletes delivered Packages after delivery

Products

• Software Management Solution

Issue/Introduction

In some circumstances, a patch or update to software may require the original install source to properly apply. After Software is delivered to a system if the software was published directly to the portal, and not by a Managed Delivery Policy, the source files are cleaned up (deleted).

Cause

This is working as designed. When a task or policy no longer applies to a system, the files are deleted, by default, after one week. The portal cleans up unused portal tasks after 15 days, so an estimate of 22 days after the software is delivered the downloaded install files will be deleted.

Resolution

In those rare cases where the source files need to remain, use the following method to keep them on the computers.

1. In the Symantec Management Console, browse under Manage > Software > browse to the Software Release container under All Software > double-click on the software that contains the package.
2. Go to the Package tab.
3. Create a new command-line. Choose Install as the type, and type:
   dir
4. Save the command-line.
5. In the Console, browse under Manage > Policies > Software > Right-click on Managed Software Delivery > New > Click on Managed Software Delivery.
6. Click Add > Software.
7. Choose the Package that is published to the Software Portal and click Ok.
8. Uncheck the option for Perform Software Compliance check.
9. Select the new command-line you added that only runs a DIR.
10. Under the Applied to section target all computers that may have the software installed now or in the future.
11. Under the Schedule section click Add Schedule > Scheduled Time.
12. Uncheck the option If the software is found, install it.
13. Save the Policy.

This setup will ensure the package gets downloaded, and that the execution does nothing. Because the policy is active, it will keep the package downloaded until the policy is disabled at some future date.