[TechNote] Error "Could not retrieve ... (MSL)" when updating IBM Websphere

Technote (troubleshooting)

Problem(Abstract)

Attempts of IBM Installation Manager to update IBM Websphere Application Server (WAS) to 8.0.0.5 for the IBM Rational ClearCase Remote Client (CCRC) WAN Server result in the error "Could not retrieve installation minimum service level ... ".

Symptom

If you try to update WAS 8.0.0.4 to 8.0.0.5, you get the following error from IBM Installation Manager.

 Could not retrieve installation minimum service level (MSL) file information for IBM WebSphere Application Server

Cause

The cause is unknown.

Environment

WAS 8.0.0.x
CCRC WAN Server 8.0.0.x

Resolving the problem

WORKAROUND

1. Edit /var/ibm/InstallationManager/.settings/defaults.prefs
2. Add the following line at the end of the file. 
   
   com.ibm.was.msl.prereq.v80.core.skipMSLCheck=true
3. Restart IBM Installation Manager.
   

Now the update proceeds without error message.