Credentials Request Does Not Succeed with Large Permitted Viewers List (231227)

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to use the Remote Control feature on a properly installed client, you may be prompted to provide credentials despite being on the Permitted Viewers list. When this behavior occurs, you cannot start the Remote Control session no matter what credentials you provide.

CAUSE

This behavior is caused by improper handling of the Permitted Viewers list by the client agent. This behavior occurs only on sites with a large Permitted Viewers list (specifically a list that is larger than 512 bytes).

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Systems Management Server version 2.0. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

236325 How to Obtain the Latest Systems Management Server 2.0 Service Pack

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, remove unnecessary entries from the Permitted Viewers list so that the total number of characters in the list is less than 512 characters:

In the SMS Administrator console, expand the Site Hierarchy entry, and then expand the site code - site name entry.
Expand the Site Settings entry, and then click Client Agents.
Right-click Remote Control Client Agent, and then click Properties.
Click the Security tab, and then click a permitted viewer in the Permitted Viewers list. To remove the selected name, click Delete.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server version 2.0 This problem was first corrected in Systems Management Server version 2.0 Service Pack 2..

MORE INFORMATION

When you calculate the size of the Permitted Viewers list, include a null character at the beginning and end of each entry, as well as one additional character between each entry.