ID: Q186410
The information in this article applies to:
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
The 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%.
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.
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 : smsinst smspcm smsutil
Version : WINDOWS:1.2
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug
Solution Type : kbpendingLast Reviewed: June 3, 1998