SD Package with a MSI file generates a copy of the installer locally

Products

• CA Client Automation
• CA Client Automation - IT Client Manager

Issue/Introduction

During the deployment of a SD container which contains a MSI package inside, a copy of the MSI file is placed in "\CA\DSM\SD\TMP\activate" and it then the installation runs locally, but when setting the Download Method for the Agent to NOS, as a way to make the Agent use the source directly from the Software Library of the Server, a copy of this MSI file is placed in "..\Windows\installer”, which remains there even after the installation finishes.

Environment

Client Automation - All supported version

Resolution

The local copy of files in “..\Windows\installer” folder is made by MSIEXEC.exe itself, not by SD Agent.

The folder C:\Windows\Installer (which corresponds to “MSI Windows installer cache" directory) stores stripped versions of the original .msi and .msp files, which are used for applications installed via the Windows Installer technology. This cache holds files for modification, update or uninstallation of programs installed on the machine. 

Additional Information

The folder is hidden by default and should not be directly deleted, as doing so can lead to application issues or prevent proper maintenance of the installed software.