DOCUMENT:Q186410  31-JUL-2001  [sms]
TITLE   :SMS: 16-bit Background Job Causes WOW VDM Error Message
PRODUCT :Microsoft Systems Management Server
PROD/VER:winnt:1.2
OPER/SYS:
KEYWORDS:kbPCM kbsmsUtil smsinst smspcm smsutil

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The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft Systems Management Server version 1.2 
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SYMPTOMS
========

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

   A job is currently running in the background

CAUSE
=====

The first 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%.

The second error occurs because the Package Command Manager Service is running an
SMS Installer package in a Dos VDM and can not close the VDM when the package
installation is complete.

WORKAROUND
==========

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. To correct the problem the
SMS Installer Package should be recompiled using True Win32.

STATUS
======

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.

Additional query words:

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Keywords          : kbPCM kbsmsUtil smsinst smspcm smsutil 
Technology        : kbSMSSearch kbSMS120
Version           : winnt:1.2
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbpending

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