SMS: Despooler May Delete Package Dir Contents If Files in Use

ID: Q184489

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Systems Management Server version 1.2

SYMPTOMS

When Despooler is unable to refresh package files that are currently in use by clients, the entire contents of the package directory may be deleted. However, a retry instruction should be created for Despooler, and the package directory will eventually be repopulated.

CAUSE

The process Despooler uses to update package files involves deleting the files first and then copying over the refreshed package files from a temporary directory. Despooler does not check to see if it can refresh the package files before performing the deletion request. Despooler succeeds in the deletion request but is unable to refresh files that are in use. As a result, the entire contents of the package directory are deleted.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server version 1.2. This problem has been corrected in the latest U.S. service pack for Systems Management Server version 1.2. For information on obtaining the service pack, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

   S E R V P A C K

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, contact Microsoft Technical Support to obtain the following fix, or wait for the next Systems Management Server service pack. The hotfix should have the following timestamp:

   4/2/98   1:37pm      252,848 Smsinst.dll (Intel)
   4/2/98   1:37pm      480,016 Smsinst.dll (Alpha)

You can also use the Use Forced Disconnect functionality of Despooler as a workaround. However, this functionality does not support Macintosh clients.

Additional query words: prodsms

Keywords          : smsdespooler kbfix1.20.sp4 kbbug1.20 kbbuglist
Version           : WinNT: 1.2
Platform          : winnt
Hardware          : ALPHA x86
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

Last Reviewed: September 10, 1998