Altiris Blog Site

Make SD work on x64 platform

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:43:00 +0000

Whenevr you install a new win2003 x64 server and enable the IIS then you might need to enable the ASP.NET still after install .NET 35
do this by running this command:
C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -iru -enable

In order to avoid the system check to fail "Microsoft SQL Server Management Objects Collection patch is not installed" run these 3 programs:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/1/6/316FADB2-E703-4351-8E9C-E0B36D9D697E/sqlncli_x64.msi
http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/1/6/316FADB2-E703-4351-8E9C-E0B36D9D697E/SQLServer2005_XMO_x64.msi
http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/1/6/316FADB2-E703-4351-8E9C-E0B36D9D697E/SQLServer2005_ADOMD_x64.msi

Then download the install file from the NS and run it...it will take some time to install.

Wise Package Studio 8.0 Shipped October 29, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:26:00 +0000

Wise Package Studio provides advanced software packaging functionality including creating and customizing packages, virtualizing software, and identifying and remediating issues that prevent software from properly functioning in a customer’s environment. Major enhancements include support for additional platforms including Windows 7.

Companies moving to Windows 7 will find Wise Package Studio a key tool for successfully migrating legacy applications to the newest Microsoft OS. Utilizing application repackaging in OS migrations means quicker and more reliable rollouts with fewer errors and helpdesk calls.

Custom Inventory Samples

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:17:00 +0000

The KB https://kb.altiris.com/article.asp?article=4237&p=1 has been updated and contains some example scripts for NS6 AND NS7.

There are also some Links to other KB’s on how to use the customer inventory

Scheduled tasks Disabled: Danger of installing additional components and hotfixes

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:49:00 +0000

In some cases the Altiris Object Host Service ATRShost.exe is not stopped properly and times out at the beginning or at the end of an installation or upgrade. The reason is not know yet (by me). If it happens it will leave the Scheduled tasks DISABLED even after a reboot.

There is a quick way to fix: delete all (NS) scheduled tasks except the NS.Weekly.GUID.

Enable this task and run it. It will recreate all schedules.

To prevent it I open the Task Manager and the services.msc.

If the services is not stopped after a minute or so during install then I kill it.

Symantec Mobile Management 7.0

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:16:00 +0000

Symantec Mobile Management 7.0 is a new product built on the Symantec Management Platform 7.0 SP2 that provides rich management capabilities complimentary with the Altiris Client Management Suite. Symantec Mobile Management also integrates with Symantec Endpoint Protection Mobile Edition thereby providing rich management and security from a single console.

Symantec Workspace Profiles 6.1

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:12:00 +0000

Symantec Workspace Profiles (SWP) is a new software product from Symantec’s Endpoint Virtualization Group. SWP separates (virtualizes) the user’s personality (user data, settings and policies) from the underlying operating system allowing users to easily roam from device to device, work on two sessions simultaneously, or access their profile in the context of VDI. SWP give you the benefits of Roaming/Mandatory profiles at the speed of local profiles.

SWP works with other Endpoint Virtualization products such as Symantec Workspace Streaming and Symantec Workspace Virtualization. It is sold both standalone and in the Symantec Endpoint Virtualization Suite.

Symantec Workspace Virtualization 6.1 SP1

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:10:00 +0000

Symantec Workspace Virtualization (SWV) virtualizes 6.1 SP1 now supports Microsoft Windows 7, improves streaming performance, and is easier to use with Symantec Workspace Profiles (SWP) through the use of the new Profile Exclude.

Emerson to Acquire Avocent (parent company to LANDesk)

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:52:00 +0000

On October 6^th, Emerson (EMR) announced an agreement to acquire Avocent in an all cash tender offer of $25/sh (~22% premium to last closing price of $20.52). Avocent provides technology that “simplifies monitoring, managing and problem solving in any size data center.” EMR believes that the business will be complementary to its Network Power segment’s energy management and cooling solutions. The transaction is expected to close around January 1, 2010.

Symantec Deepsight screensaver

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:35:00 +0000

http://www.symantec.com/business/theme.jsp?themeid=deepsight-screensaver

Inventory and Throttling

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Inventory is a disk and can be a CPU intensive task and this has nothing to do with full or differential Inventory, both scan the complete disk (is no extra exclusions are made)

There there are some techniques to take off the load.

CPU throttling

For software/file inventory task you can choose between Low, Normal, High and Very High priority under “Set inventory process priority” (Run Options tab of Advanced settings). Priorities correspond to the following settings (“nice” options for UNIX/Linux/Mac):

Priority	Windows	Linux	Unix	Macintosh
Low	25%	10	30	10
Normal	50%	0	20	0
High	75%	-10	10	-10
Very High	100%	-20	0	-20

This can be overridden (Windows only) using the “Override inventory process priority” option

If you select to override a good comparison for Windows would be :

Priority	Files	Wait for (ms)
Low	150	60
Normal	250	50
High	350	40
Very High	450	20

Bandwidth Throttling or Fuzzy Logic (Windows Only)

The AeXRunContol does no longer exist, but there is a setting called “Evenly distribute sending inventory over X hours” (aka fuzzy logic). It is located on Run Options tab of Advanced settings.

How to clone a VDI for Sun VirtualBox using Mac

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 10:22:00 +0000

1) Shut down the virtual machine you would like to copy
2) In File > Virtualdiskmanager, select the virtual machine disk image you would like to copy, and press the Release button
3) In a terminal window, issue following command (see virtualbox user manual):
vboxmanage clonevdi /directory/image1.vdi /directory/image2.vdi
4) In File > Virtualdiskmanager, add the new disk image you've created in step 3.
5) In the main virtualbox window, press the New button to create a new virtual machine, and link it to the new disk image you've created.

Ref : Here

Software Managed Delivery Tasks

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:25:00 +0000

To test some of the features of Managed Software Delivery (MSD) and not to create be afraid the job is scheduled then you can create a MSD using a scheduled time, leave it on 00:00 with no repeat. Then you can launch the MSD using the agent. It will appear in the Policy Pane of the agent as being “Not Scheduled”.

When Using “Depends On” it will install the depended package if it is not detected (Not Compliant)
“Supersedes” will (if checked) uninstall the “old” packages before it installs the depended package and then the actual one.

When you have installed CMDB and activated the Flash player Active X you can see a Resource Association Diagram of this packages

CMS and SMS SP1 released today (21/09)

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:52:00 +0000

Article ID: 48420 : Altiris™ Client Management Suite 7.0 SP1 Release Notes

Changes in Client Management Suite from 6.x to 7.0 SP1

The functions of Software Delivery Solution and Application Management Solution are combined in the new Software Management Solution.

The functions of Application Metering Solution are now included in Inventory Solution.

Inclusion of SVS application technology in Software Management Solution.

Deployment Solution for Clients is integrated into the Symantec Management Platform.

Real-Time System Management Solution is included in Client Management Suite.

Carbon Copy is replaced with pcAnywhere Solution.

Addition of Ghost Imaging Foundation (both DS 6.9, and 7.0)

Changes in Client Management Suite from 7.0 to 7.0 SP1

Except for Deployment Solution for Clients 7.0, all components of Client Management Suite SP1 have been updated. For information about the new features of the solutions and components, see the individual release notes. To access the solution release notes, use the links that are in the Components of Client Management Suite section.

Article ID: 48733 : Altiris™ Server Management Suite 7.0 SP1 Release Notes

Changes in Server Management Suite from 6.x to 7.0 SP1

The functions of Software Delivery Solution and Application Management Solution are combined in the new Software Management Solution.

The functions of Application Metering Solution are now included in Inventory Solution.

Inclusion of SVS application technology in Software Management Solution.

Deployment Solution for Clients is integrated into the Symantec Management Platform.

Real-Time System Management Solution is included in Server Management Suite.

Addition of Ghost Imaging Foundation (both DS 6.9, and 7.0)

Changes in Server Management Suite from 7.0 to 7.0 SP1

All components of Server Management Suite SP1 have been updated. For information about the new features of the solutions and components, see the individual release notes. To access the solution release notes, use the links that are in the Components of Server Management Suite section.

NS7 SP2 HF2 Available

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:35:00 +0000

NS7 SP2 HF2 Available as of today

as well as a hotfix for Agent Unix, Linux, Mac – Network discovery – PLugable Protocol Architecure

Release notes not yet public available

How do I create a new database or change the database being used by Symantec Management Platform 7.0?

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 07:58:00 +0000

NSSetup is no longer supported in SMP / Notification Server 7.

There are two supported methods to alter database settings.

Within the console: If you are able to access the Symantec Management Console, go to Settings - Notification Server Settings - Database Settings. Use the options on this page to create a new database or to change the database currently being used by Notification Server.
Using AeXConfig.exe: When you don't have access to the SMC, Run AeXConfig.exe /db from a command prompt. It is found in the directory \Program Files\Altiris\Notification Server\bin. Syntax examples are shown below:
1. To connect to the SQL Server using Windows Integrated Security, under the account credentials of the current cmd.exe process:
  AeXConfig.exe /db dbserver:<SQLServerName> dbname:<DBName> dbusername: dbpassword: dbtimeout:<DBTimeout>
2. To connect to the SQL Server using a SQL Login:
  AeXConfig.exe /db dbserver:<SQLServerName> dbname:<DBName> dbusername:<SQLLoginName> dbpassword:<SQLLoginPassword> dbtimeout:<DBTimeout>

NOTE: You must use all of the parameters for the command to work, but for Integrated Security to work using the account credentials of the currently executing cmd.exe process, do not put the user name or password after the dbusername: and dbpassword: parameters.

Altiris PC Transplant 6.8 SP3 from Symantec Release Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:12:00 +0000

Introduction

PC Transplant Solution uses its wizard-driven interface to capture a computer's personality—user accounts; desktop, network, and application settings; files; folders; and personal data. The solution then transplants the personality to another computer. You can transplant a personality through a self-extracting executable file called a Personality Package, or you can perform a real-time migration from one computer to another.

PC Transplant Solution simplifies the deployment and migration of new computers or Windows operating systems by facilitating the migration of data and settings. It complements existing desktop management tools, meeting an easily identified need that none of these tools currently address. With PC Transplant Solution, you can not only migrate to a new computer quickly and efficiently, but you can also transfer key aspects of a computer's personality on an on-going basis. PC Transplant Solution is an ideal solution for IT administrators, consultants, VARs, resellers, computer vendors, and configuration centers.

PC Transplant Solution is part of the following suites:

Altiris™ Client Management Suite from Symantec
For release notes, see Knowledge Base article 40929.
Altiris™ Server Management Suite from Symantec
For release notes, see Knowledge Base article 45893.

Features in this Release

This version includes the following features:

Support for Windows 7.
Support for EFS RAW. Added the -efsraw command-line switch to enable the RAW migration of EFS encryption.
Support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.
Support for PC Transplant Web Store installation on Windows Vista and Windows 7 computers.
Support for migration of power setting from Windows Vista to Windows Vista, Windows Vista to Windows 7, and Windows 7 to Windows 7.

What are the new features in Patch Management Solution 7

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Maintenance windows

By default, Software Update agents will respect Maintenance Windows if one is configured and applies to the agent computer. This is controlled by the ‘Override Maintenance Window’ setting on the Agent Configuration Policy. If this setting is not enabled, and a Maintenance Window applies to the agent computer, it will only install updates and trigger required reboots when that Window is Open. If the Window is not Open, the installations and reboots are deferred until the Window next opens. If the setting is enabled, the agent will ignore Maintenance Windows and use the installation and reboot options defined in the configuration policy. Software Update policies set to run ASAP or at a Custom time can be set to override Maintenance Windows.

Reporting Changes in 7.0

The number of reports and reporting infrastructure has improved with Notification Server 7.0, resulting in fewer reports and an improved dashboard user interface. Patch Management Solution 7.0 for Windows includes the following default reports:

Microsoft Compliance by Bulletin
Microsoft Compliance by Computer
Microsoft Compliance by Update
Microsoft Compliance Summary
Microsoft Vulnerability Analysis Summary
Software Bulletin Details
Superseded Bulletins
Windows Software Update Agent Rollout Status
Reboot Status
Software Update Delivery Summary

All other existing reports, including custom reports, will not be included or upgraded to 7.0.

Retired managed computers no longer consume a license nor do they appear in vulnerability reports

Managed computers with a “Retired” status will release their license, freeing it up for new computers coming online. These computers will also no longer appear in the Compliance and vulnerability reports.

Notification Server 7.0 hierarchy and organizational view features are supported

Notification Server 7.0 has new hierarchy features that let you manage a group of Notification Servers by simply configuring a parent that passes all configuration settings and resources to child Notification Servers. This functionality is supported in Patch Management Solution for Windows through two separate replication rules: one to allow the replication of Patch Management Import data based on the managed languages of the child Notification Server and one to allow the selection of Software Update policies to replicate to the child. Summary compliance information is also sent up the hierarchy daily and can be viewed in the Microsoft Compliance Summary report.

Distribute software updates across multiple time zones

You can now simultaneously distribute software updates to managed computers across multiple time zones, at a time specified on a single Notification Server. Previously, software updates were installed according to the time on managed computers’ clocks. The new user interface control is found in the Software Update Policy Wizard scheduling options, with the choice to distribute packages at server time, client time, or UTC time.

Offline Microsoft Patch Management Import files are now supported

Notification Servers without Internet access can now download Microsoft Patch Management Import files from a local caching server. Taking advantage of new Notification Server 7.0 hierarchy features, enabling software bulletins on a child Notification Server (without Internet access) will download the relevant files from a parent Notification Server, where the files are cached.

Disable superseded software updates

The field, Disable all Advertisements for Superseded Software Updates, on the Microsoft Patch Management Import task lets you disable any Software Update policies with superseded software updates. You can also control this function and set a schedule for it in the Disable Superseded Software Update Advertisements server task. After PMImport has run, any Software Update policies with superseded software updates are disabled and the administrator is notified by the Disabled Advertisements Notification Server policy (which must be enabled). An obsolete Software Update policy is disabled only if you created a new one from the superseding software update.

Inventory rules only run against applicable inventory and have increased performance

To reduce bandwidth use, inventory rules that run on managed computers only run against applicable inventory items. For example, if a managed computer has Windows XP SP2 installed, the Software Update Agent will run inventory against and report on items only applicable to Windows XP SP2. The inventory rules are now contained in an SQLite database increasing the speed of the inventory process of reading of the xml file used previously.

New task 'Check Software Update Package Integrity'

This is a Task server task and has 3 functions it can perform; Delete physical packages for discovered orphaned software packages, Delete physical files for packages with no associated advertisements and Relocate existing packages if default software update package location has changed

Notification can be sent when new Bulletins are available

Administrators can configure the Microsoft Patch Management Import task to send a customized message to specified recipients at the completion of Microsoft Patch Management Import downloads.

Quicker distribution of software updates

Behind-the-scenes modifications have increased the distribution time of updates being rolled out to computers. Resource targeting has been modified to be more efficient, it is only looking at the applicable dataclass now. The inventory rule process has been streamlined.

NOTE: This information was taken from the release notes and modified slightly to remove entries that were not new features and clarify the information.

From the beta site : CMS 7.0 SP1 New Feature Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:58:00 +0000

Canned commercial software application definitions are included to more accurately identify installed software in the environment.

Inventory policies are greatly simplified.

Collection of detailed file inventory has been optimized

Inventory policy management and status monitoring has been added to the improved Inventory Portal.

Patch Admins can use a consolidated “worker view” (page or portal) from which they can accomplish or access primary Patch functions; similar views are also provided for software delivery functions and monitoring functions (via Altiris Server Management Suite).

Software packages and software data can be imported from Wise Package Studio into the library and catalog, respectively.

Patch Admins can identify missing software updates on Mac OS X and can use the console to distribute and install the missing updates.

Automated patching is added for Adobe applications: Reader, Acrobat and Flash.

pcAnywhere solution adds custom port configuration for console and client and expanded approve connection control with a super user that can bypass approval

Important change: How is the Software Management Framework Software Discovery task utilized by Inventory Solution in 7.0 SP1?

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:54:00 +0000

Question
	In 7.0 GA for CMS, the Software Discovery component that captures Add/Remove Program data was only included as part of the Software Management Framework. In Inventory Solution 7.0 SP1 this component will now be launched by Inventory Solution as part of the Inventory Solution Policies or Tasks. The following information will help provide understanding to how Inventory uses this component.

Software Discovery will be executed by the Inventory Solution Policies or Tasks in SP1. The option is labeled 'Software - Windows Add/Remove Programs and UNIX/Linux/Mac software packages' when an Inventory Policy or Task is edited or created. When this is checked, we'll run the Software Discovery as part of the Policy or Task, with the following intelligence as far as if we will send all data or only delta data. We've built in logic to look to see if the Resource GUID of the system has changed or not:

Machine GUID

Send Delta Only flag

Result

Same

True

Don’t Delete SMF Cache

Same

False

Delete SMF Cache

Changed

True

Delete SMF Cache

Changed

False

Delete SMF Cache

The SMF cache holds all Add/Remove Program data, and leaving the cache means only a small subset of changed data will be sent up. It's important to delete this cache if the server, for whatever reason (the record was deleted, the agent was directed to a new NS, etc...) no longer has the data for the system.

Altiris™ Deployment Solution 6.9 SP3 from Symantec Release Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:54:00 +0000

In SP3, support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 was added. See also added the Features in this Release section.

To see the Release Notes for the Deployment Solution 6.9 SP1 and SP2 releases, see Knowledge Base articles 42696 and 46383.

Deployment Solution is part of the following suites:

Altiris™ Client Management Suite from Symantec
For release notes, see Knowledge Base article 48420.
Altiris™ Server Management Suite from Symantec
For release notes, see Knowledge Base article 48733.

Features in this Release

The following are features of this release:

We added support for the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 operating platforms. For detailed information on supported platforms, please see Knowledgebase article 47794
PC Transplant (included with Deployment Solution) was updated to support Windows 7 migrations from Windows XP and Vista. For more information, see the PC Transplant Release Notes article 48704.
DAgent can now be uninstalled from the DS Console. To access the uninstall option, right-click the client in the DS Console.
DAgent supports the customdata.ini file.
The DS Linux preboot automation environment now uses the openSUSE 11.1 Linux kernel, which is the kernel 2.6.27.7 version.
The Deployment Solution installation adds the Ghost Walker tool that you can use manually. There are no integrated tasks or jobs in Deployment Solution for Ghost Walker, however.
New options were added to the evaluation mode DeployAnywhere. You can now specify a file name for the report and log files, so that multiple computers write to separate files. The logPath option and the logId option can be used together or individually. logPath contains the fully qualified path to where the DeployAnywhere log files are written. logId is a string that is prepended to the log file names. For example, Ghdplyaw32.exe /target=c: /eval /logPath=z:\logs /logId=zzz.

When scheduling jobs in Deployment Server, certain jobs will not run

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:58:00 +0000

When scheduling jobs in the Deployment Server console, the job will not run. Sample jobs that are included with Deployment Server run but the user-created jobs do not.

Cause

When the job is created, a command is processed to insert a record into a task table. A trigger in that table fires to create a record in the task table and then the task table has a trigger that is supposed to insert a record into the event_condition table if none is found. This last step is what is not occurring. This can be a result of a SQL setting "Nested Triggers".

Resolution

Ensure that SQL server is configure to allow nested triggers. This setting can be found in SQL Enterprise manager by right clicking on the server node and choosing properties. On the Server Settings tab, there is a checkmark that reads "Allow triggers to be fired which fire other triggers (nested triggers)."
Once nested triggers are allowed, the job(s) in question will need to be re-created and should run when scheduled.

KNOWN ISSUE: NS 7.0 Altiris Agents are unable to get Client Configuration Policy updates after CMDB 7.0 solution is installed.

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:39:00 +0000

Article ID: 48612

Altiris Agents are unable to get Client Configuration Policy updates.

Multiple errors in Agent log file from when an Update Configuration is requested:

Process: aexnsagent.exe (1540)
Thread ID: 1628
Module: aexnsagent.exe
Source: ConfigServer
Description: RequestPolicies failed: Invalid XML response from URL http://<SERVERNAME>/Altiris/NS/Agent/GetClientPolicies.aspx (-2147467259)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Process: aexnsagent.exe (1912)
Thread ID: 2016
Module: aexnsagent.exe
Source: ConfigServer
Description: RequestPolicies failed: HTTP error: (-2147209951)

Environment

Symantec Management Platform 7.0.5201 (7.0 SP2)
Software Management Solution 7.01291 (7.0)

CMDB Solution 7.0

Cause

New policies created after installing CMDB Solution 7.0 do not have a closing policy tag - </policy> - when added to the client policy as delivered from the server to the client.

Resolution

If you are experiencing this issue, please contact support and reference KB48690.

This issue has been forwarded to development.

How to manually retrieve the Client Policy for a computer using a browser in NS7

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:37:00 +0000

In NS 7, the Altiris Agent uses an HTTP POST call to retrieve the Client Policy, but there are times when it's necessary to retrieve it manually when troubleshooting Policy issues. How can this be done?

Answer

In a web browser, the following URL can be used to retrieve the client config for a computer. In NS7, Client Policies are requested compressed by default, but this can be turned off:

Replace "localhost" with the server name if not being loaded on the NS.
Change compress="0" to compress="1" to use compression (the file will be displayed in binary in certain browsers, or downloaded in others).
Change the guid to the resource guid for the computer.

'>http://localhost/Altiris/NS/Agent/GetClientPolicies.aspx?xml=<request configVersion="2" compress="0"><resources><resource required="true" host="true" guid="{7074B73F-B143-4CB6-B44B-A6D38AA6733D}"/></resources></request>

Ref : KB article click here

How soon after Microsoft releases a bulletin will the new PMImport.cab file be released?

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:21:00 +0000

The PMImport.cab file with English support should be available within 24 hours of "Patch Tuesday". The PMImport.cab file with non-English support should be released within 48 hours.

KB21895

Task Server 7.0 Agent does not install on site servers

noreply@blogger.com (Tools) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:12:00 +0000

After selecting a site server to have the task service installed it stays in the pending installation. After checking the run status of the task server package install it has a status code of 0.

Cause

This is most likely caused by a missing prerequisite. Ensure that you have at least the following items for the Task Server install

.NET 2.0
Windows 2000 sp4
IIS