SMS: Deploying Packages Successfully with the PCM Service

MORE INFORMATION

Installation instructions and file updates should be downloaded from 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

1. The package must be run "silently" with no user input required.
2. The package command line must be designated as an "Automated Command Line" and a System (Background) Task in the package properties.
3. The job must be sent as mandatory, and will be run at the "Mandatory After" time.
4. The PCM service must be properly installed, configured, and running on the target computer.

Recommended Steps to Include with PCM Service Distributions

Preparation:

1. Ensure the that target computer running Windows NT Workstation is in Systems Management Server inventory, and that the inventory is current.
2. 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.
3. Familiarize yourself with product documentation and readme files included with the application you want to deploy.
4. 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.
5. Ensure that the target computer has been properly backed-up (including the Windows NT Workstation registry, files and directories, and disk partition information).
6. 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:

1. In the Command Line Properties dialog box, make sure you have designated the command line as an "Automated Command Line".
2. In the Command Line Properties dialog box, make sure you have designated the command line as a System (Background) Task.
3. 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:

1. In the Job Details dialog box, ensure that the Package Name, Job Target, Send Phase and Distribute Phase are set according to your needs.
2. In the Job Details dialog box under Run Phase, click the Run Workstation Command check box, and select the appropriate Workstation Command Line.
3. In the Job Details dialog box under Run Phase, ensure the Offer After date is correct.
4. In the Job Details dialog box under Run Phase, check the Mandatory After check box, and ensure the date is correct.
5. In the Job Details dialog box under Run Phase, ensure the Expire After date is correct.

On the Target Computer:

1. 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.
2. Ensure that the the PCM service is running.