KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q126159: Lmscript.pif and the SMSLS Logon Script

Article: Q126159
Product(s): Microsoft Systems Management Server
Version(s): winnt:1.0,1.1,1.2
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbnetwork smshowto
Last Modified: 09-SEP-1999

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Systems Management Server versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

The SMSLS logon script stop responding (hangs) when it is used with some
computers running Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
or 3.11.

CAUSE
=====

When a Windows system logs on to a network, Lmscript.exe is run on the client to
parse and run the logon script. In some Windows configurations, applications
that are run from the logon script can cause Lmscript.exe to stop responding.
This problem usually occurs because of a timing problem with the background and
foreground processes.

Because Lmscript.exe is an MS-DOS-based program, a Lmscript.pif file is used to
describe its required environment. Other drivers or processes that are running
under Windows can take processor cycles away from Lmscript.exe. This can hang
the Lmscript process or cause applications that are run from within the logon
script to fail.

RESOLUTION
==========

You may be able to reduce or eliminate this problem by modifying the
Windows\System\Lmscript.pif file or by creating a batch file.

Modify the Lmscript.pif File
----------------------------

1. Run PIF Editor (Pifedit.exe) and open the Windows\System\Lmscript.pif file.

2. Ensure that the Execution Background check box is selected. It should be,
  because this is the default setting.

3. Select the Execution Exclusive check box.

4. Save your changes and quit PIF editor.

Modify the Process Priorities
-----------------------------

If the preceding steps do not resolve the problem, perform the following steps to
modify the process priorities.

1. Run PIF Editor (Pifedit.exe) and open the Windows\System\Lmscript.pif file.

2. Choose Advanced, and then increase the Background Priority and Foreground
  Priority values.

3. Save your changes and quit PIF editor.

Create a Batch File
-------------------

Create a batch file called Ntlogon.bat with the following entries:

     Net Time
     Net Use <network drive>: \\<ServerName>\<SMS Share>
     <network drive>:
     SMSLS.BAT  (SMSLS logon script)
     <local drive C>:

Additional query words: sms prodsms wfw wfwg program information file hang hangs hung

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbnetwork smshowto 
Technology        : kbSMSSearch kbSMS100 kbSMS110 kbSMS120
Version           : winnt:1.0,1.1,1.2

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.