SMS: Disabling the Mandatory Countdown Timer in PCM (185805)

SYMPTOMS

The client component Package Command Manager (PCM) in Microsoft Systems Management Server version 1.2 has a built-in timer that initiates a countdown of 5 minutes when a job's mandatory time has been reached. A new version of Package Command Manager is available for Systems Management Server 1.2 which allows the standard 5 minute mandatory countdown timer to be disabled on a per-client basis.

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

MORE INFORMATION

To disable the 5 minute timer for mandatory Package Command Manager packages, apply the updated version of Pcmwin16.exe or Pcmwin32.exe to each affected client, and then place the following entry in the [Local] section of the Sms.ini file on the Systems Management Server on each client:

   DisablePCMCountdown=TRUE

This resets the timer from 5 minutes to 0 minutes, which effectively disables it.

NOTE: This change must be made on a per-client basis, and will not work without the new PCM executable.

A Systems Management Server Installer package can be created and distributed to implement this Sms.ini change to the required clients.