Hello all,

Can someone confirm for me the best practice method for deleting software packages and/or releases?  I have a colleague that deleted right from Manage, Software -> Software products but cancelled the operation during the process.  My feeling is that it was not completely removed.  I checked in the vRM_Package_Item table and the object still exists.  It also still exists in Manage, All Resources, Default, All Resources, Package.

So first off, what is the proper method to delete a software package/release?

Second, how can I verify the package was completely deleted from the console?

Thanks in advance.

See this articles

Package Deletion Options: From a Package Server, or From a Client

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/package-deletion-options-package-server-or-client

What does the “Delete Package files if unused on the Package Server” setting do?

It's best not to delete Software Resources, whether Software Releases, Software Updates, Service Packs or with Unassiged Type. These are Inventory records too.

To delete a package I go to the Software Release, Software Update or Service Pack and delete the package from there. Then I edit any command lines showing an exclamation mark to remove the requirement for the package.

Manage, All Resources, Default, All Resources, Package should be the definitive answer that the Package (not the Software Resource) has been deleted.

Deleting the Software Product does not affect the Software Resources or Packages.

Thanks for the link but I am looking to retire a package and remove it completely from the Altiris console.  I am aware of this setting, but I am looking more for how to remove a package from the NS as it is no longer valid and needs to be removed from Altiris altogether.

If you follow my instructions the package should disappear from all package servers within 24 hours irrespective of Package Server settings, which relate to unused, not deleted packages.

Make sure the package isn't in use otherwise you might get lots of not found errors in the Logs as clients pot back messages relating to that package. If you do find a policy that uses it (I think you'll get an error when you try and delete it if you do) you should disable the policy (maybe export it forst as a backup), remove the Software Release from the Policy and then wait a few dats before getting rid of the Policy and the Package.
 

Thanks andykn101, this was the method I was familiar with to delete packages.  My colleague had started the delete using this method but got impatient (since the package was so large and it took a long time) and cancelled the delete operation.  Now the package does not show up in Software Releases but is still seen in Manage, All Resources, Default, All Resources, Package.  Is this a problem?  How can we clean this up as well?

Can I take the GUID from the package in question and place it here<GUID>:

http://localhost/Altiris/Console/Dashboard/DashboardView.aspx?ResourceGuid=<GUID>

Then use the right click actions to complete the deletion?

Thanks!

I think you are getting mixed up. Packages only appear in the Package tab of individual Software Releases (or Software Updates or Service Packs) but not in the Sofware Releases views. They will be Software Releases, Software Updates or Service Packs themsleves, which should not be deleted usually.

If you can see a Package in Manage, All Resources, Default, All Resources, Package that you don't want it should be OK to delete it directly from there. If the Package is in use in a Task or Policy you will probably not be allowed to delete it and it's best to remove it from the Task or Policy first.

You originally said your colleague deleted from Manage Software, Software products, if it was a Software Product that was deleted that should have had no effect on either the Software Release or Package.

We've removed all Windows XP systems from our environment. If I delete all 7849 Windows XP Packages in Manage, All Resources, Default, All Resources, Package will there be any negative conesequences? Will it free up disk space on the Altiris server?

Thanks!

If they are Patch Packages you should add XP to your Exlcuded products list. they shold then be deleted by patch after the next PMImport.

Otherwise you should be OK deleteing them from Packages, but any that are being used by tasks or Policies, even if they aren't active will not be able to be deleted until that link is broken.
 

Hello jms97

First you have to know how the software catalog works and what are the components.

Let's look at the pieces which compose the sw catalog:

Basically I recommend to always use a distinct name for components. Use THAT name in every item that is connected to the component. Use either the item name or the item description. Doing this allows you to search for a specific software throughout the whole console (top right corner). Altiris then shows you the package, command lines, rules etc.

To remove a software and all the dependencies, work through the following steps:

1. Remove the Managed Deliveries and Jobs/Tasks where the software component is linked to (deleting the component within a policy might not be enough). Be aware of old policies which once contained this software component but which were re-used to now deliver another (maybe the newer version?) software. The component you are trying to delete might still be used by this policy, therefore deleting the package is impossible.

2. Remove the component (NOT the product) from within the sw catalog (right mouseclick - delete). This 'should' delete also the package, command line and rules. In some cases Altiris only removes the component because the package is somehow locked. But you will NOT be noticed about that. To you it just looks OK. Go to step 3.

3. To make sure the depending items were deleted, search the whole console by using your unique software name. Otherwise check the "All Resources" view. There you will find "organizational groups" for package, software command line and software component.
There is NO "OG" for rules. Rules could be deleted by opening any component from within sw catalog, switch to the rules tab, select your rule and click the red cross. Make sure you leave the window WITHOUT saving.

4. Remove the product by right clicking within sw catalog or all resources view. Only manually created products can be deleted. Altiris has some prebuilt products.

5. There you go

Hi jms97, you've not yet marked this thread as solved. Do you need further assistance here? If not, could you please mark as solved the solution/most helpful replies.

Many thanks,
Ian./