SMSLS or PGC Stop Responding When Programs in Startup Group (159477)

SYMPTOMS

When you are starting network-dependent applications (such as Winpopup or Msremind) from the Windows Startup group, the Systems Management Server login script or the Program Group Control (PGC) application may stop responding, or your application may be prevented from starting or closing successfully.

CAUSE

During the startup or the login of your Windows client, the file Smsrunxx.exe, and possibly the login script Smsls.bat, is started. These files perform different tasks within the Systems Management Server installation and operation of a client. When Windows tries to start a network-dependent application, a conflict may occur with PGC when it is running to perform the installation of a shared application (such as Microsoft Office). This behavior is due to the architecture of Systems Management Server and Windows.

WORKAROUND

To prevent these conflicts from occurring, you can delay the start of your network-dependent applications. For a delayed start, use a PIF file that includes the following batch file:

   @echo off
   REM we don't have a wait statement, so use choice with timeout...
   choice /C:ync /N / T:y,60
   rem for Windows NT use these lines...
   rem start WINPOPUP.EXE
   rem exit
   rem for Windows 3.1X, Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups use this
   rem line...
   WINPOPUP.EXE

You can modify the choice timeout parameter "/t:" to a higher or lower value. This timeout value depends on the amount of network traffic and the number of shared applications that run with Systems Management Server PGC.