SMS: Setup Packages May Be Unsuccessful if Setup Calls Other Programs and Drive Mappings Are Required (215080)

SYMPTOMS

When a package is distributed that requires the running of multiple programs (for example, Microsoft Setup Toolkit) and the use of mapped drives, the setup process may not be completed as expected because the drive mapping is removed after the first program has completed running. Under this scenario, the initial setup executable file appears to start other subsequent setup programs, but the process is ultimately unsuccessful.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because Advertised Programs Manager (APM) disconnects the installation drive after the initial package command has completed running. If the initial setup command starts another program to complete the installation of the package, the second program no longer has access to the network location through a drive letter.

APM indicates that the running of the package was successful, therefore it terminates and no error is recorded in the logs.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use a wrapper program such as SMS Installer. A wrapper can be used to script the running of the software or to copy the software locally before proceeding with installation. Note that not all wrapper programs are suitable for all situations.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Systems Management Server version 2.0.

MORE INFORMATION

The 32-bit clients may exhibit this behavior only if the package requires a drive letter. Thirty-two-bit advertisements have the option of installing from Universal Naming Convention (UNC) connections, which do not require a drive letter.

For 16-bit clients, APM16 always creates a drive mapping.

SMS Installer can be found on the SMS 2.0 compact disc in the Smssetup\Sms_inst folder. For more information about using SMS Installer, refer to online Help, installed with SMS Installer.