Batch file to copy to server with users logged off

[goombawaho]

Here's what I'm trying to do. Copy the Outlook files off workstations to the 2003 server for backup purposes (no Exchange involved, just stand-alone Outlook).

So, I want to copy the contents of the outlook folder to the server in the following location:
\\server\share\mailbackup\username

I want it to be able to run as a scheduled task AND regardless of whether the user is logged ON or OFF. So I guess I need to map a drive IN CASE the user is logged off. That's where I'm getting confused - whether you can map a network drive with the user logged off or if I should be using the \\ to address the server. If the user were to remain logged on, there would already be a mapped drive, but I don't want users remaining logged on, so it must work whether or not they are logged on or off.

Assuming that the user is logged off - am I on the right track here??



@echo on

net use x: "\\server1\shared\" /persistent:yes

rem copy the backup to the server
xcopy "C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\*.*" "x:\mailbackup\user1" /y

rem release mapped drive
net use x: /d /y

rem exit the batch file
exit

 

[goombawaho]

Right - I knew that (need to close Outlook), but I can't stand over them to make sure they do it.

I'll try the simple batch file first and then move on to the wrongly-maligned-by-me tool from Microsoft that CAN back up to a server.

That script from GrimR blows me away - too complicated for what I'm trying to do. Honestly, I don't even know what it is (visual basic??).

 

[guitarzan]

It's VBScript.

 

[kjv1611]

goomb,

If you use the backup utility that gets installed in Outlook, that GrimR mentioned earlier (at least I think that's who did.. didn't doublecheck).. it doesn't have to close outlook... or maybe it actually runs at close, not sure..

anyway, give it a try and let us know how it works out..

I've used it myself before with much success in diff environments..