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Run from a server?

Updated: 22 May 2010 | 17 comments
h777's picture
+1 1 Vote
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This issue has been solved. See solution.

We are using NS 6.0.   I want to run a native .MSI file from the server.   I have setup my package and point it to my .MSI on a server.    When I run this package on a machine it copies down the .MSI from the server to the C:\Program Files\Altiris\Altiris Agent\Software Delivery location.    We don't want that.  This is a huge .MSI file and want it to run from the server.   How do you prevent NS from copying down files and just run the .MSI from the server?

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mclemson's picture
16
Mar
2010
2 Votes +2
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Download settings

You can change this from the Download settings area of Software Management.  Specifically, the option is 'Run from server if bandwidth is above' xyz.  Set xyz to a very low value if you want it to always run from the server.  Or I think 'any speed' might be an option.

These settings are located in a few places: Managed Delivery Settings page; Advanced Options dialog box when you edit a policy; Advanced Options dialog box on the Download Options tab in a Software Management task.

 

Mike Clemson, Systems Engineer
Intuitive Technology Group -- Symantec Platinum Partner

mclemson's picture
16
Mar
2010
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Oops, that's in 7

In NS 6, this is set under Run Options under Advanced Options when you're in the New Task dialog.  Feature is the same name: Run from server if network bandwidth is above.

Mike Clemson, Systems Engineer
Intuitive Technology Group -- Symantec Platinum Partner

h777's picture
17
Mar
2010
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Thanks.  I did this but when

Thanks.  I did this but when I create the TASK you have to select machines and not collections.  I even picked "select collection" and once I see the collection I want I then need select machines from within the collection.   Unless I missed something........

mclemson's picture
17
Mar
2010
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You should be able to select a collection

Are you running the task at Tasks > Software Management > Software Delivery > Windows > Software Delivery Tasks?

Screenshot?

Mike Clemson, Systems Engineer
Intuitive Technology Group -- Symantec Platinum Partner

h777's picture
17
Mar
2010
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Yes, I missed the blue +

Yes, I missed the blue + button to add the collection.   Ok, so I did target a collection and I sent the job off.  It never runs on the target machines.  Do I need a specific Agent running on each client to accept this type of task?   Right now on my machines I have these 2 Agents installed.

Altiris Agent
Task Synchronization Agent
(this one should do the trick yes?)

I have pressed the "Update Configuration" button on my clients and the package still does not run.

And my task sais 6 resources seletected but it has not run or started on any of them.

mclemson's picture
17
Mar
2010
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Is the task enabled?

Is the task enabled?

What is your schedule?

 

Mike Clemson, Systems Engineer
Intuitive Technology Group -- Symantec Platinum Partner

h777's picture
17
Mar
2010
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There is no enable check box

There is no enable check box for this task.   The package the Task calls is set to Disable but it does have a schedule (run asap).  The schedule on the Task is setup to run once after 9:00am today.  This is all NS 6.0

 

mclemson's picture
17
Mar
2010
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This feels repetitive

Are you running the task at Tasks > Software Management > Software Delivery > Windows > Software Delivery Tasks?

Screenshot?

Mike Clemson, Systems Engineer
Intuitive Technology Group -- Symantec Platinum Partner

jharings's picture
17
Mar
2010
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Did you ever solve your previous issue

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/forums/dai...

I think it is somehow related. Have you rolled out all your agents?

Jim Harings
HP Enterprise Services
1st Rule of Connect Club: Mark the post that helped you the most as a 'solution'. 2nd Rule of Connect Club:You must talk about Connect club.

h777's picture
18
Mar
2010
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JHarings, yes I did solove

JHarings, yes I did solove the other issue of running multiple programs with one Task....and that same package works on my test machines.  But......here is what I've done for my current problem.

from the NS 6.0 console.  I click on VIEW and then select TASKS.  Right click on TASKS and pick NEW TASK/JOB.  In the "create a new task" windows I pick DELIVER SOFTWARE.  From the next windows I "Select my package"  (note:  My package is Disabled and set to run ASAP.  It runs MSIEXEC.EXE and calls a .MSI which is on a \\server\share).  I check the "RUN PROGRAM" box and then select my .MSI file.    I then click the ADVANCED button and force the .MSI to run from the server. 
Once all that is done I see my new TASK in the left pane.  I click on it and I see the TASK properties.   I click CREATE SCHEDULE and I difine a custom schedule that will run ONCE and I target my collection.    I then pick "RUN NOW" and in the bottom half of my screen I see my task and the summary says: "4 resources, 0% succeeded, 0% failed"
It never runs.  I have even gone to my workstations and forced an update and the package still won't run.

 
jharings's picture
18
Mar
2010
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Oh, because it seems to missing a check mark

That is the way we track stuff.

Jim Harings
HP Enterprise Services
1st Rule of Connect Club: Mark the post that helped you the most as a 'solution'. 2nd Rule of Connect Club:You must talk about Connect club.

jharings's picture
18
Mar
2010
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When you select new task\job

This utilizies Task Server. So you need to deploy the appropriate task server agents, and have the clients registered to a task server in order for them to run. You never indicated your previous problem was solved, so that is why I'm asking.

Jim Harings
HP Enterprise Services
1st Rule of Connect Club: Mark the post that helped you the most as a 'solution'. 2nd Rule of Connect Club:You must talk about Connect club.

h777's picture
18
Mar
2010
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Yes, I did say my first

Yes, I did say my first problem was solved :-)   And yes, I did post that each client has these agents installed

Altiris Agent
Task Synchronization Agent
(this one should do the trick yes?)

mclemson's picture
18
Mar
2010
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You need the Task Server Agent

You need the Task Server Agent.  The Altiris Agent is sufficient for Software Delivery jobs, but you need the Task Server Client Task Agent to communicate with the Task Server, if you choose to use one.  The Software Delivery Agent is only necessary for software portal and inventory.  Task Synchronization Agent is used along with Software Delivery Agent.

I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way, but you may want to read the manual:
Software Delivery Solution 6.1 SP3 Product Guide
http://www.altiris.com/upload/swdelivery_005.pdf

Manuals are great because they answer questions you never knew you had.

From the Software Delivery Task Server Overview:
Task Server is a layer between the client computers and the Notification Server. After installing the Task Server, the Client Task Agent on a client computer communicates with the Task Server for executing a task. The Task Server then communicates with the Notification Server. Once the task is applied to the client computer, the Client Task Agent on the client computer invokes the Software Delivery Task Server Plug-in Agent on the same computer to execute the applied task. After executing the task, the Software Delivery Task Server Plug-in Agent reports the execution status to the Client Task Agent.

Mike Clemson, Systems Engineer
Intuitive Technology Group -- Symantec Platinum Partner

h777's picture
18
Mar
2010
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No worries.  I was thrown

No worries.  I was thrown into Altiris so I have been learning as I go.     Compared to LanDesk or SCCM NS is a PITA to use.   It is not straight forward and has too many moving parts.  Example, all the agents you need locally just to use it. SCCM installs everyhing you will need on install.

But until we replace it with SCCM I am stuck in NS hell :-)

Thanks for the help

egas's picture
25
Mar
2010
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Gentlemen, I require some

Gentlemen,

I require some assistance as well. I took mclemson's advice and read the manual, but I am unable to make the link.

I too was thrown into Altris and as a result fumbling around.

Here's what I'm trying to do:
I am trying to deploy an application using and MSI to my company's general population. But before I go forward with that, I'm testing with a particular department.

Here's what happened so far:
The machines are loaded with an Altiris Agent found on http://localhost/Altiris/NS/Console.aspx
Configuration -> Altiris Agent -> Altiris Agent Rollout -> Altris Agent Installation

Initially, I had hoped to use the Software Delivery Agent, but it requires IE to install something which most of the users will not have privileges to. So I decided to go the route of Tasks.

I was able to create a Task, associate it with a package & program. It worked on some machines, but not on some. My initial investigation  leads me to believe that Task Synchronization Agent was disbaled on some machines. If this is the reason, I've confirmed that it was set to install by going to:
http://maat/Altiris/Console/
From the menu, Manage -> Jobs
Then Task Management -> Task Server Configuration -> Client Task Agen Install (enabled)

I just don't know how to get Task Sync Agent installed.

Please feel free to correct my process where necessary.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

mclemson's picture
25
Mar
2010
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A new thread would be best

A new thread would be best for clarity.  Also, you may want to omit your server name in posts/screenshots/logs/etc.

When you create the thread, the first question most people will have is what your task looks like.  It's more likely that the task/script is failing than Altiris is failing.  If the computer gets the task, it's probably not an Altiris issue.  It's a script/design issue.

Mike Clemson, Systems Engineer
Intuitive Technology Group -- Symantec Platinum Partner