SMS: 16-bit Background Job Causes WOW VDM Environment Error Message
Article ID: 186410
Article Last Modified on 10/27/2006
APPLIES TO
- Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.2 Standard Edition
This article was previously published under Q186410
SYMPTOMS
When performing distribution to Microsoft Windows NT clients using Package
Command Manager (PCM) as a service, you may receive the following message
on the clients:
16 bit windows subsystem hidden console WOW VDM error setting up environment
A job is currently running in the background
CAUSE
The first error occurs because environment variables specified in the Autoexec.nt
are not valid for a background session. When PCMSVC32 attempts to start a
16-bit application (usually a Setup.exe or Systems Management Server
Installer executable) it starts the WOW subsystem. During the subsystem
initialization, the Autoexec.nt file is parsed. If this file contains a
reference to a variable that does not exist, this error occurs. An example
of an invalid line would be SET LOGONNAME=%USERNAME%.
The second error occurs because the Package Command Manager Service is running an SMS Installer package in a Dos VDM and can not close the VDM when the package installation is complete.
WORKAROUND
To avoid receiving this message, use a 32-bit setup application instead of
16-bit. For a Systems Management Server Installer package, use the True
Win32 option which is available in advanced configuration. To correct the problem the SMS Installer Package should be recompiled using True Win32.
STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Systems
Management Server version 1.2. We are researching this problem and will
post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes
available.
Keywords: kbbug kbpcm kbpending kbsmsutil KB186410