SMS client is confused on distro points

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SMS client is confused on distro points

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All Forums >> [Management Products] >> Microsoft Systems Management Server >> SMS 2003 >> SMS client is confused on distro points

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SMS client is confused on distro points - 5/28/2008 6:47:57 PM

EdwardKK

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SMS 2003 client is confused about its distro points. When a user tries to run an advertized app, he gets the error that it can't install because it can't find the software. Fair enough, so I crack open the SMS logs, and it sees that it's in the right AD Site, but it lists 2 distribution points as it's DPs. However, these two DPs a) are not now, nor have ever been, setup to service this AD Site, and b) are no longer in service at all (the servers were replaced and new DPs are serving those AD Sites). So not only does it not see it's own DP, it's looking for two DPs that don't exist. other machines in the Site are fine. Just this guy is confused. And I checked my server, it's configured right for protected DPs.

Now, I can always run CCMclean if I need to, but I'm curious and am digging. (I'm warped that way)

I tried having the machine re-run policies, but no dice (and it is checking in), it still sees those DPs.

Where does the SMS client store this data? Does any one have any ideas why it's still pointing to the wrong dps?

Post #: 1

RE: SMS client is confused on distro points - 5/28/2008 9:11:42 PM

skissinger

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From: Sherry Kissinger
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I recall there's something about every 23 (or was that 25?) hours the client will automatically refresh it's known DP sites. But it sounds like those DPs have been decommissioned for longer than that period.

Management point healthy? Server Locator Point healthy? DNS issues? Primary site(s) can't publish changes to AD? Just some thoughts.

_____________________________

mofmaster@smsexpert.com (version 2007) | http://www.smsexpert.com | http://www.sccmexpert.com
Microsoft MVP - ConfigMgr

(in reply to EdwardKK)

Post #: 2

RE: SMS client is confused on distro points - 5/29/2008 6:21:48 PM

janderson663

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I have also been faced with the same problem. I have tried looking for a local file that would have the managaement point configuration in it without any luck. I will keep on looking as well.

(in reply to skissinger)

Post #: 3

RE: SMS client is confused on distro points - 5/30/2008 1:01:45 AM

mserafine

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If I remember correctly, the Execution Manager component on the client gets a list of available DP's directly from the management point at the time it begins executing an advertisement, and it does this to ensure that it has the most recent/up-to-date list. With that said, I would think that a list wouldn't be stored on the client, but I could be mistaken because those old DP's are coming from somewhere.

After the client sends its location request (used to determine what DP's the client can use) to the management point, the client randomly selects the distribution point to use from the list that it gets back. But even if these old DP's are in the list and selected by the client, it should try the next one in the list once it determines that the old one isn't available. This (to me) indicates a few possible issues.

The new DP's aren't in the list or the client isn't receiving a list from the management point because the criteria contained within the client location request (IP address, subnet, AD site of the client) doesn't match what's defined for the new DP's. For example, if the new DP's are all protected and the client doesn't reside in any of the protected boundaries.

The client is unable to receive data from the management point, or the client location request isn't making it up to the management point. This indicates a problem with communication between the client and MP.

In either case, it's obvious that the problem resides on the client since you say that it's the only one experiencing this issue, and a reinstall of the client software will be the quickest/easiest solution for you.

< Message edited by mserafine -- 5/30/2008 1:03:39 AM >

_____________________________

Mark Serafine, MCSE, MCTS | Senior Premier Field Engineer - Manageability (SMS, MOM, System Center) | Microsoft Corporation

(in reply to janderson663)

Post #: 4

RE: SMS client is confused on distro points - 5/30/2008 4:07:36 PM

EdwardKK

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yeah, it's very strange.

The MP, DP etc are all healthy. Not seeing any issues there at all. In this instance, those DPs have been gone for several weeks, so it's surprising that the client machine has a problem with it. I'm wondering if a 're-run' of the advert might solve it.

Coincidently, I had to move a DP yesterday, so I'm curious to see if i have similar issues here in another office. I saw one today with the error, but I don't think the new DP fully populated until late last night, so I'll give it a day or so to see what happens.

My understanding was that the client would query the MP for DPs anytime it's trying to run an app.

(in reply to mserafine)

Post #: 5

RE: SMS client is confused on distro points - 6/3/2008 6:46:30 PM

EdwardKK

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Just a follow up. When I moved the DP, I did have some clients that seemed to not be able to find the DP anymore. for example, a computer that's already run an advert, and I ask it to run again, gives me an error as it can't find the DP. new adverts don't seem to be a problem, but there's got to be something local that's keeping this stuff.

(in reply to EdwardKK)

Post #: 6

RE: SMS client is confused on distro points - 6/9/2008 1:48:49 PM

EdwardKK

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Hmmm it seems that clients seem to clean themselves up eventually (over a couple days) but I'm still not sure about why the confusion happens in the first place. Its very very weird.

(in reply to EdwardKK)

Post #: 7