SMS: <Unknown> NetcardID When a Different Operating System Is Detected

ID: Q171329

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Systems Management Server version 1.2 SP2

SYMPTOMS

If a computer is installed as a Windows 95 Systems Management Server client, the [SMS] section of the Sms.ini file will report OS=5. If the computer is then installed as a Windows NT client without having removed the Systems Management Server client, the following message will appear, and inventory should not be taken on the client:

A different OS was detected than that under which Systems Management Server was installed. Operating System reported by SMS.INI does not match current operating system.
Exiting
[SMS 100%]

However, Systems Management Server continues and inventory is taken anyway. One result of this is that the NetcardID is not detected correctly. The NetcardID changes from the proper value (inventoried under Windows 95) to <unknown>.

This problem only occurs if the computer's Sms.ini file was created when the computer is running Windows 95, and then the computer is started to Windows NT. A dual-boot computer installed as a Windows NT Systems Management Server client, then started to Windows 95 works as expected. Note that Systems Management Server does not support dual-boot computers at this time.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, run Upgrade.bat from the SMS_SHR share on the Systems Management Server logon server for those clients affected when started to Windows NT.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server version 1.2 Service Pack 2. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional query words: prodsms machine deinstall deinstalled uninstall uninstalled booted sp sp2

Keywords : kbenv smsinv kbbug1.20.sp2
Version : winnt:1.2 SP2
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug