SMS: How to Run a Program By Using UNC with the Package Command Manager (191341)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.2
This article was previously published under Q191341

SUMMARY

Systems Management Server 1.2 Service Pack 3 introduced the ability for the SMS Package Command Manager tool and the SMS_PACKAGE_COMMAND_MANAGER_NT service on Microsoft Windows NT-based clients to run programs without requiring a mapped drive letter.

MORE INFORMATION

The Package Command Manager (program or service) constructs the environment variable %PCMUNC% that points to the package folder on the distribution point with its UNC equivalent (\\SERVER\SMSPKGx\<PackageID>\). You can use the %PCMUNC% variable at a command prompt on the workstation or in a batch file or script that can read the environment table while the script is running.

To use %PCMUNC% at a command prompt on the workstation, it must be preceded by Ntencap.exe. For example:

ProgramLine = Ntencap.exe /NTu %PCMUNC%MyApp.exe

NOTE: Even though the program is executed by using UNC, Ntencap.exe is run by using a mapped drive letter to the package folder on the distribution server.
To use %PCMUNC% in a batch file that is run from a command prompt on the workstation, use the variable as you would any other environment variable:

Rem Sample batch file
copy %PCMUNC%TestFile.txt C:\MyApp

When you use the Package Command Manager service for software distribution, a drive-mapping conflict could occur if a package is running when you log on, and the user logon script or profile attempts to remap the drive letter that the Package Command Manager is using. This drive letter is unavailable until the Package Command Manager releases the drive letter after the package is completed.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/14/2005
Keywords:kbhowto kbPCM kbSoftwareDist KB191341
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