KNOWN ISSUE: Error "An invalid file handle was associated with .mst" when importing a transform into Software Manager

Products

• Symantec Products

Issue/Introduction

I created a transform for a vendor's .msi using Wise Package Studio. When importing the .mst into Software Manager, I receive the error "An invalid file handle was associated with <path to .mst>." This generally occurs when the vendor's .msi was created with a non-Wise product.

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Open Software Manager.
2. Click the Import button.
3. Select Import a single file into the Software Manager database and browse to the .mst. Click Next.
4. Enter the Application and Package Name for this transform. Click Next.
5. Based on your needs, either mark the Apply transform to a blank Windows Installer database or select an Application name and Package name of an .msi that is already in your Software Manager database. Click Finish.

The import begins, and then you receive the error "An invalid file handle was associated with <path to .mst>."

Cause

This occurs because the .mst cannot be applied to the .msi selected during the import.

In the case where you select the option Apply transform to a blank Windows Installer database, the .mst cannot be applied to our blank template.

In the case where you specified an Application / Package that is already imported into Software Manager, the .mst cannot be applied to the .msi. This is caused by additional tables and properties that are added to the .msi during import.

Resolution

Workaround:

If you were selecting Apply transform to a blank Windows Installer database option, you will need to import the .msi and select that package on the Select Target Package dialog. In either case, perform the following to import the .msi:

1. Obtain a new copy of the vendor's .msi.
2. Import this .msi into Software Manager. On the Import Type dialog, mark the Do not modify the original package option. If you are re-importing the .msi using the same Application and Package names, also mark the Overwrite existing application and package option.

By selecting this option, the .mst can still be applied to the .msi after import as no additional tables or properties are added.

Applies To
Wise Package Studio 7.x