Troubleshooting the Distributions

Monitoring the software distributions can indicate whether a software distribution has encountered problems at some point. Typically, this is due to lack of disk space, network link difficulties, or server problems. The status message text indicates such problems.

Isolating the problem is the first step in solving any technical problem. When you know which component failed, you can concentrate your efforts on the appropriate issues. Using the monitoring techniques described earlier will help you to isolate the problem. Also, the chapter on "Software Distribution Flowcharts" in the Systems Management Server Resource Guide includes graphics that show the typical flow of the software distribution process. If you find indications that your software distribution did not make it to a certain point in the flow, there is a good chance that the failure occurred at the previous point in the flowchart.

After you have isolated the particular component, understanding how it works can provide clues why it failed. The flowcharts also help with this. In addition, the log files can show what is happening with the component at a very low level; and therefore, what might not be working. The logs are enabled using the SMS Service Manager.

The chapter "Software Distribution Flowcharts" in the Systems Management Server 2.0 Resource Guide also includes troubleshooting tips for software distribution.

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