Users who have restricted permissions cannot upgrade MSXML 3.0

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SYMPTOMS

Users who have restricted permissions or are non-Administrators cannot upgrade the version of Microsoft XML (MSXML) 3.0 that is installed on the system. This rule applies to users who are trying to install MSXML 3.0 by running one of the MSXML 3.0 Microsoft Windows Installer-based installers or by running an application that includes MSXML 3.0 merge modules (.msm files).

The same rule applies when you try to update MSXML 3.0 by using Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) DASetup.exe-based installers or by using the Microsoft SQL Server service pack that includes MDAC. MDAC files are also affected by Windows File Protection because they are another core part of the operating system.

File protection technology is intended to guarantee overall system stability and to prevent non-Administrator users from modifying critical system files. However, in enterprise deployment scenarios that use Group Policy Objects, file protection prevents remote installation by administrators who apply policy on a per-user basis.

Note MDAC 2.71 and later versions currently include MSXML 3.0.

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CAUSE

This issue occurs because the MSXML 3.0 installer relies on special installer functionality to update the Msxml3.dll file that is in the System32 subfolder in the Windows folder. This functionality is required to replace files that are affected by Windows File Protection in Microsoft Windows operating systems.

For more information about file protection technology in Windows, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa382551.aspx (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa382551.aspx)

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WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use one of the following methods:

Administrators can modify their installation policy on a per-machine basis to enable a restricted user to install MSXML 3.0.
Users can log on by using an account that has appropriate permissions to modify system files and to install MSXML 3.0 or the program that incorporates the MSXML 3.0 merge modules.

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