SMS: Client Installation Adds Multiple Path Statements if More Than One Path Exists (238141)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0

This article was previously published under Q238141

SYMPTOMS

When you perform a Systems Management Server (SMS) client installation, the ";C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WBEM" path is added to the end of each path statement, regardless of whether or not the path statement already contains the path. If the Autoexec.bat file contains multiple path statements when you perform the SMS client installation, SMS adds the ";C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WBEM" path to the end of each path statement.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Systems Management Server service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The typical support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English-language version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:
   Date        Version    Size        File name     Platform
   ---------------------------------------------------------
   08/23/1999                    67   Compver.ini   Alpha
   09/03/1999  1380.1017  7,200,879   Wbemsdk.exe   Alpha
   08/23/1999                    67   Compver.ini   Intel
   09/03/1999  1380.1017  3,822,227   Wbemsdk.exe   Intel
				

NOTE: The hotfix for this issue is the same hotfix that is referenced in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article (you should refer to this article when requesting this hotfix):

238144 Client Installation Corrupts Path Statement in Autoexec.bat

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use the following steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type sysedit, and then click OK.
  2. Edit the Autoexec.bat file and consolidate all path statements without adding the ";C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WBEM" path to the path statement.
  3. Save the file, and then quit Sysedit.
  4. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Systems Management.
  5. On the Components tab, click Windows Management, and then click Repair.
SMS reinstalls the Windows Management portion of the SMS client installation.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server versions 2.0.

MORE INFORMATION

This behavior is confirmed to occur only with Microsoft Windows 95/98 clients at this time.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/5/2005
Keywords:kbBug kbfix kbQFE KB238141