SMS: Package Is Currently Being Installed in the Background

• Microsoft Systems Management Server versions 1.2

SYMPTOMS

Under various circumstances, you may see a message box titled

   Package Command Manager Service

   A package is currently being installed in the background.
   This is routine, however please wait until it has completed
   before starting any new packages.

CAUSE

This message appears when Pcmwin32 fails to get control of the semaphore from Pcmsvc32. This message usually appears when Pcmsvc32 is processing a job and Pcmwin32 tries to go through its normal polling cycle. This message may also appear if a user tries to start Pcmwin32 manually while Pcmsvc32 is processing a job. Note that there are reports of this message appearing when Pcmsvc32 was not processing a job. Many of these reports seem to indicate that underlying networking problems or unavailable Systems Management Server logon servers cause this message to appear.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server version 1.2. A supported fix is now available, but is not fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.

MORE INFORMATION

Many customers have asked that the message referenced in the Symptoms section be completely removed or that the ability to turn the message off and on by using a registry switch be included. The message serves a very useful purpose and cannot be removed. However, changes were made to Pcmsvc32.exe, so that the semaphore is only used when necessary. Pcmsvc32.exe only takes ownership of the mutex after a Systems Management Server logon server has been validated. This change should prevent the message from displaying when underlying networking problems occur or the Systems Management Server logon servers are unavailable.