> Thanks Joseph. I am aware of this option, but it would be only a last resort, because checking the format of the config file is error-prone. > > I would prefer RPM to tell me the old and new version numbers, so my question still stands. Well normal convention would be if you replace then the old one gets appended with .rpmsave, if you are not replacing then the new one gets appended with .rpmnew. On the other hand, check this out: https://www.redhat.com/promo/summit/2010/presentations/summit/opensource-for-it-leaders/thurs/pwaterma-2-rpm/RPM-ifying-System-Configurations.pdf Seems you are in luck, you can infer what exists by virtue of the order upgrades are installed. Hth, jlc