ConfigMgr: The process is not in background processing mode.

When trying to provision updates using the ConfigMgr Console of System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (R2 SP2 in my case, but it also applies to earlier versions) you can get the following error in the process screen of the Update List Wizard.

The process is not in background processing mode

Now what? Background processing mode makes you think it's because of BITS being used. Well, you're right. This is the way you can resolve this issue.

1. Login to your WSUS Server.
2. Stop the BITS Service (through Services.msc or net stop bits at a commandline)
3. Stop the Automatic Updates Service (through Services.msc or net stop wuauserv at a commandline)
4. Browse to: Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader

Note: If you're using Windows Server 2008 or Server 2008 R2 the Application Data folder is a junction point which has deny list permissions set to Everyone. If you need to be able to browse this folder you need to remove these NTFS permissions.

5. In the \Downloader folder delete the files qmgr0.dat and qmgr1.dat. These files will be recreated once you start the BITS service.
6. In the C:\Windows\ directory delete the folder SoftwareDistribution This folder will be recreated once you start the Automatic Updates service.
7. Start the Automatic Updates service using services.msc or by using net start wuauserv
8. Start the BITS service using services.msc or by using net start bits
9. Go into the ConfigMgr Console and go to Software Updates and right click on Software Repository. Choose Run Synchronisation.

Now you're able to download the updates again. I hope this helps.

Regards,

Stefan Hazenbroek