Q. How can I force my Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 clients to check for new program advertisements?

A. Program advertisements occur as part of the Machine Policy Retrieval & Evaluation cycle action in the SMS 2003 Advanced Client. To force a client to find new programs that are available ahead of the regular discovery phase, perform these steps:

1. Start the Systems Management Control Panel applet (Start, Settings, Control Panel, Systems Management).
2. Click the Actions tab.
3. Select "Machine Policy Retrieval & Evaluation Cycle" and click Initiate Action.
4. Close the Systems Management Control Panel applet. Within a few minutes, the new-program advertisements should be visible.

Alternatively, you can use the Policy Spy Tool to force a Machine policy retrieval. You can download the Policy Spy Tool at http://www.microsoft.com/smserver/downloads/2003/tools/toolkit.asp.