The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Systems Management Server, version 1.2
SUMMARY
The Package Command Manager (PCM) service (Pcmsvc32.exe) is installed by
default on Systems Management Server logon servers. With updates for
Systems Management Server 1.2, is also possible to install the service on
computers running Windows NT Workstation and member servers. You can find
information and updates for the PCM service for computers running Windows
NT Workstation at http://microsoft.com/smsmgmt, as well as in the Microsoft
Knowledge Base.
MORE INFORMATION
Installation instructions and file updates should be downloaded from
http://backoffice.microsoft.com/downtrial/moreinfo/pcm.asp. Please review
the Readme.txt and Install.doc files included with the download completely
before updating the PCM service.
There are several steps necessary to ensure that a package is received by
the PCM service and that it runs correctly. This article summarizes the
package and job requirements, and makes recommendations to ensure
successful package deployment with the PCM service. This article assumes
you have read the Install.doc and Readme.txt files included with the PCM
service update available on the Internet.
Summary of PCM Service Requirements
- The package must be run "silently" with no user input required.
- The package command line must be designated as an "Automated Command
Line" and a System (Background) Task in the package properties.
- The job must be sent as mandatory, and will be run at the "Mandatory
After" time.
- The PCM service must be properly installed, configured, and running on
the target computer.
Recommended Steps to Include with PCM Service Distributions
Preparation:
- Ensure the that target computer running Windows NT Workstation is in
Systems Management Server inventory, and that the inventory is current.
- Ensure that the PCM Polling Interval (on the Site Properties menu, click
Clients) is set to 20 minutes or greater. If it is set to less than 20
minutes, the next time the PCM service checks the .ins file, the status
MIF may not have been processed, and the package will run again.
- Familiarize yourself with product documentation and readme files
included with the application you want to deploy.
- Ensure that the application can be installed correctly in the context
of the service account. Refer to the PCM service update Install.doc file
for more information.
- Ensure that the target computer has been properly backed-up (including
the Windows NT Workstation registry, files and directories, and disk
partition information).
- Ensure that the target servers are running the correct version of the
PCM service (check the file date in the Sms\Helper.srv directory).
Package Creation:
- In the Command Line Properties dialog box, make sure you have designated
the command line as an "Automated Command Line".
- In the Command Line Properties dialog box, make sure you have designated
the command line as a System (Background) Task.
- In the Command Line Properties dialog box, make sure that the correct
operating system platform is checked for Supported Platforms.
NOTE: Pcmwin32.exe (the PCM application) does not attempt to run the
package if it is designated as a Background Task, and the Pcmwin.log file
will resemble the following:
[04/09/97 17:11:08] Package Command Manager ==> Looking for instruction
file: \\MACGREGOR\SMS_SHR\pcmins.box\BP004000.INS
[04/09/97 17:11:08] Package Command Manager => Packages before filter: 1
[04/09/97 17:11:08] Package Command Manager ==> Packages after filter: 1
[04/09/97 17:11:08] Package Command Manager ==> No new packages found.
[04/09/97 17:11:08] Package Command Manager ==> The desktop version
already has the mutex.
[04/09/97 17:11:08] Package Command Manager ==> Package (Request ID)
BP0000Y is marked for service-only execution, skipping it.
Job Creation:
- In the Job Details dialog box, ensure that the Package Name, Job
Target, Send Phase and Distribute Phase are set according to your needs.
- In the Job Details dialog box under Run Phase, click the Run Workstation
Command check box, and select the appropriate Workstation Command Line.
- In the Job Details dialog box under Run Phase, ensure the Offer After
date is correct.
- In the Job Details dialog box under Run Phase, check the Mandatory
After check box, and ensure the date is correct.
- In the Job Details dialog box under Run Phase, ensure the Expire After
date is correct.
On the Target Computer:
- It may be necessary to ensure no one is logged on at the target computer
(network connections are okay). Because jobs can now be run while the
user is logged on (or while the workstation is locked) administrators
must be cautious of the mandatory time selected for jobs that will
restart the system. Such jobs should be scheduled for off-hours, and
users should be given ample time to save their work.
- Ensure that the the PCM service is running.
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