Error: Can\'t fetch installation path from \"C:/ProgramData/Siemens/WinCC_OA/pvssInst.conf\"

[nmnogueira]

Hi all,

I have seen several times the following error appearing after a power failure in the WinCC OA servers:

Can't fetch installation path from
"C:/ProgramData/Siemens/WinCC_OA/pvssInst.conf"
Either the file doesn't exist or isn't readable
or there is some error in file content or it is locked?
("C:/ProgramData/Siemens/WinCC_OA/pvssInst.conf.lck")
Exiting...

I have seen this happening in several different projects.
Last time this happened I had two redundant systems, and this file went corrupt in the four servers!

Is there a reason for this to happen?

[leoknipp]

If the file is corrupt after a power failure the cause for the error is the power failure.
In a plant environment you have to use a UPS to ensure that the system is stopped properly if a power failure is detected.
If no UPS is used and a power failure occurs the operating system, files of the operating system and also parts of an running application can be affected, e.g. the database of the WinCC OA project.

Best Regards
Leopold Knipp
Senior Support Specialist