Error while running PSCONFIG in SharePoint 2010

When we are applying SP1 or any other patches, we need to run psconfig command to update the SharePoint databases. Installing the patches only installs the binaries on the SharePoint server. After installing the patch, we need to synch up with the SharePoint database. That is where we need PSCONFIG.

However, due to some reason, you may encounter some issue. Log file may not be that informative. One possible cause of upgrade (when you run psconfig, it upgrades the database with some details) error is that features didn't get installed properly or got messed up when you apply a patch.

If you get error running psconfig, try the below. It helped for us. By the way, make sure you are running this command using your farm account.

PSConfig.exe -cmd upgrade -inplace b2b -force -cmd applicationcontent -install -cmd installfeatures

Canceled SharePoint workflow continues to send reminders

This seems to be by design.

The reminders are being sent because of the tasks created when a workflow is started is still active. When you cancel a workflow it doesn't delete the tasks. You need to manually delete the corresponding tasks to stop receiving the emails.

Or you can choose "terminate the workflow". This will cancel the workflow as well as delete any related active tasks. However, this option doesnt send email to to inform the stakeholders that the workflow has been cancelled.

SharePoint 2013 !!

SharePoint 2013 previews here : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc261970(v=office.15)

Workflow shows Due by 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

If you have configured a workflow in SharePoint 2010 and didn't provide a fixed due date (which is usually the case), the email that the workflow sends has a due date as below

Due by 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

Looks like a MS bug.

To fix it, follow the steps below:-

1. Open the site in SharePoint Designer.


2. On your left panel, click on Workflows


3. Click on the specific workflow and click on Edit Workflow


4. Click on the process name. Example below. In this case, click on "Approval".


5. You will get the next screen. See below. Click on "Change the behavior of the overall task process".


6. You will get the below screen


7. 


8. The value that is configured in the workflow shows 1/1/1900 8:00:00 AM but in the email we get 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM. A bug ??


9. What I did to fix it is to change equals  to less than as shown below.


10. 


11. Problem fixed :-).


12. In your next email, you will see "Due by None" instead of "Due by 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM"