Executing batch files remotely 2

[desktoprat]

I don't mean to sound lazy, but I am in serious trouble and could use some fast help.

I know the topic has been covered previously, but I can't seem to understand how to make it work correctly. Using a previously working script, I can sucessfully create a folder on a remote machine, copy in all of July's hotfixes from Microsoft as well as a batch file to install all the hotfixes. The batch file works if I connect to each machine and execute it, but I am unable to cause the batch to run on the remote computer from a script running on my own computer.

The line I am currently working with is

objShell.Run("\\" & strComputer & "\c:\updates\patch.bat"),1,True

... but I error out with "The system cannot find the path specified" I have searched through the forum, tried the PSEXEC approach also, but can't seem to make that work either.

So, how can I get a batch file that I successfully copied to another computer to run on that computer???

 

[tsuji]

Hello desktoprat,

One way of doing it is to use PsExec from Sysinternal:

http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/psexec.shtml

It is scriptable with .run.

regards - tsuji

 

[PHV]

To correct the path issue, replace this:
objShell.Run("\\" & strComputer & "\c:\updates\patch.bat"),1,True
By this:
objShell.Run("\\" & strComputer & "\c$\updates\patch.bat"),1,True

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ222-2244

 

[tsuji]

desktoprat,

Ok, I had not paid much attention to your last sentence. But, psexec will get it through. If I get your environment right, you connect to the remote through winmgmts: already. In that case, you can create the process at the remote, that would be simplest.

strComputer="a1b2c3"   'your input here
set svc=getobject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\" & _
    strComputer & "\root\cimv2")
set oproc=svc.get("win32_process")
iret=oproc.create("c:\updates\patch.bat")
set oproc=nothing
set svc=nothing

You can have more control encoded, but this is the frame you can work on with. (Just watch out: no interactive instruction.)

- tsuji

 

[desktoprat]

I really appreciate the both of your help. I am now back at work tonight and seeing what I can do.

PHV - I tried fixing the typo, but no go as of yet. So far, each time it gets to a new machine, it executes the batch file on my own machine. Well, it appears to be running on my own machine at least. Suggestion?

Tsuji - Everything appears to be working beautifully. Now on to adding in other niceties (i.e. logging)

Any chance of you two and/or Markdmac moving to Houston and teaching me even more??? I'd buy you dinner once a week.

 

[tsuji]

desktoprat,

Thanks for the invitation.

The problem of the .run as such is that it will load executable to the address space as the caller can see. Hence, it is executed on _your_ own machine. And that is the behavior one should expect.

- tsuji

 

[desktoprat]

For my own edification, could you explain the line

iret=oproc.create("c:\updates\patch.bat")

1. What causes iret to fire?
2. Is it's reference to c: defined by the getObject line? I mean, how does it know you mean the remote computer vs the local computer?

Everytime I pick up something in this forum, I start thinking of previous scripts and what I can/could have done differently.

 

[tsuji]

desktoprat,

iret is the return value of applying the .create method of the win32_process. I did not control it further for brevity only:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d.../wmi/create_method_in_class_win32_process.asp

The remote host is referenced in the setup of oproc through the service provider svc.

- tsuji

 

[desktoprat]

Another question.

If I did this

iret=oproc.create("c:\updates\patch.bat")
objFso.DeleteFolder(strFolder)

Will the batch file finish running before the folder its in gets deleted?

I am thinking that the folder will get deleted whether or not the batch is done running because the script is executing on its own, the batch file is doing its own thing on the other end. Therefore I should be ok by putting in a sleep line for a few seconds.

 

[tsuji]

desktoprat,

It will not be doing so. You have to implement further control. I can sketch it for you. Create the process from the .bat and retrieve its processid. From the processid, verify the status of the process. If it is still running, loop and wait.

- tsuji