SMS: Client Stops Responding When Using DisableFailedServerDialog (192462)

SYMPTOMS

If a mobile computer is disconnected from the network during the SMSRUN server selection process, the connection timeout, in conjunction with the number of servers in the [Servers] section, may give the appearance that the computer has stopped responding. However, control will be returned to the user after SMSRUN16 has completed its server selection process.

New versions of SMSRUN32 and SMSRUN16 support a new Sms.ini entry, MaxLogonServerSearch. This entry allows the user to limit the number of logon servers the Systems Management Server client will attempt to contact.

CAUSE

A dialog box was added to Systems Management Server 1.2 Service Pack 3 that allows the user to stop the search for a logon server which returns control of the system to the user more quickly.

In Systems Management Server 1.2 Service Pack 4, support was added for the [Local] section entry DisableFailedServerDialog in Sms.ini, which allows the user to disable the dialog box.

When DisableFailedServerDialog is set to true, the dialog box is suppressed. However, a delay would be experienced as the SMSRUN16 or SMSRUN32 server selection process continues. This delay may give the appearance that the computer has stopped responding.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Systems Management Server version 1.2. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression- tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.

MORE INFORMATION

Using MaxLogonServerSearch with the DisableFailedServerDialog set to true, allows a mobile user to start up the computer without the "Logon Server Not Found" message and without the delay that may occur when several logon servers are listed in the Sms.ini file. The following is an example of a [Local] section that includes these settings:

   [Local]
   DisableFailedServerDialog=true
   MaxLogonServerSearch=1