Package Rollout schedule information shows package(s) 'waiting'

Question

Why does a package set to to install immediately say its waiting?

Symptoms

Computer Name 'Waiting'

When a Packages is selected in LAN Ranger tab under the package tab the schedule information shows packages with the status of 'waiting'.

Cause

Ranger Packages are installed in order that they are submitted to the workstations. This ensures that packages can be rolled out in the same order as they were initially created incase any dependencies or post package creation checks will be maintained. For example if the first package installed was IE and the second package was dependant on IE being present for the second package install to work then its important the packages are rolled out in the same order.

This does mean that in the event of a package failing to install properly for example 'stops with errors' that any subsequent package in the computers scheduled list will be put on hold and the status changed to 'waiting' until appropriate action is taken in order to complete or cancel the package install.

Resolution

In the event that a package status changes to 'waiting' you will need to investigate the specific machines package schedule and resolve the previous jobs problem.

Instructions

In LAN Ranger go to the packages tab and find the machine in the location area. Select the machine and look for a failed or paused packages in the 'schedule information'. If the package has failed then review the job detail and take appropriate action. Normally this requires deleting the failed package. If the package has simply been paused then try resuming the package. If the package is no longer responding you will have to delete the package.

Once the failed package is removed the waiting packages should be resumed if not try sending another package, ensuring that the new job is set to be rolled out immediately and whist the user is logged on.

Testing

Find a computer, delete the package history and they try installing a package.