Understanding the System Files Information screen

This article provides information regarding the System Files Information validation screen within PlateSpin Migrate. 

In version 6.5 and higher, PowerConvert is now able to validate the system files (i.e. the HAL files, Kernel files, ntdll.dll, win32k.sys, etc.) of the source machine.  The "System Files" feature is located under the "Operating System and Application Configuration" section of the Job Configuration:

The System File Information screen screen informs the user if PlateSpin Migrate contains support for the source machine system files or if there are any warnings or areas that need attention. 

By default, PlateSpin Migrate contains its own matrix and repository for the various Windows Operating Systems (and Service Pack level) System Files.  Typically, users will not experience any issues as PlateSpin Migrate will cross-reference the necessary System Files with this matrix.  However, in cases where the source machine contains a version of System File(s) that cannot be cross-referenced, the following warnings that may appear:

1. Driver cache is empty - When validating the system files, PlateSpin Migrate will check the driver cache of the source machine.  The driver cache is located in the %WINDIR%\Driver cache\i386 directory and is where Windows saves the latest updated HAL and KERNEL files on the source machine along with the latest Service Pack cab file.  If no files are found in this directory, this warning message will appear.
   
   
2. The driver cache contains a higher version- This warning message will appear in cases where PlateSpin Migrate has a partial match with its matrix but the Driver cache contains a higher version of one or more system file(s) than what PlateSpin Migrate has selected to use.  For example:  “Higher version of file 'halmacpi.dll' is available. Selected version is 5.1.2600.2180. Newer version is 5.1.2600.2185”  
   
   
3. File "[filename]"will be replaced with lower version - This warning message will appear if PlateSpin Migrate has not found a match for the System Files in its matrix and has selected to replace the System Files with a version that is lower than what was discovered as the source machine's original System Files.
   
   
4. File "[Filename]"will be replaced with higher version - This warning message will appear if PlateSpin Migrate has not found a match for the System Files in its matrix and has selected to replace the System File(s) with a version that is higher than what was discovered as the source machine's original System Files.

Screenshot example: