GPO, VBScript, Replace files

[MazX_Napalm]

History:

I have a lot of AutoCAD users. There is a folder that holds the pen styles and plotter configs (pc3 files). Some people are in charge of setting up the configurations of these files. The files must be the same on all CAD pc's. Some users change the configurations on their local pc's. Sometimes this is necessary for a specific job.

Problem:

Every morning I need to have the exact same files on all CAD pc's.

The files are updated by the authorised editors from time to time and need to be distributed.

There are too many pc's to update manually.

There are too many pc's to have the folder redirected to the server.

Permissions are not an option as the user do need to create or edit their files on an "as needed" basis.

Most of the users are not capable / too stubborn to remove "custom" files and replace with authorised ones.

Some users insist on creating their owe files over authorised ones or distributing corrupt ones.

Question:

I would like a VB Script that would clear out all files in a specific folder and copy the authorised ones into that folder every time a user logs on.

ie: user logs on -> folder emptied -> authorised files copied over from server.

I will be applying the script via a GPO specific to the users (ie various departments have differing files)

[Aaron P]

You could do it with a one line Command Script (.CMD) with ROBOCOPY e.g.

ROBOCOPY \\SERVER\SHARE C:\FOLDER /MIR /E

This will ensure that the local copy is always exactly the same as the remote copy. Much simpler.

[MazX_Napalm]

Thanks. Will try it today.

[MazX_Napalm]

Tried it out and it worked.

I created a .cmd file with the Robocopy command and some extra switched (ie log files). Also I added a pause in the cmd file so that I could see it working while testing. That will be taken out when deploying.

I then created a vbs file that would run the cmd file (I can't VB for s***).

Lastly I assigned a group policy to the OU that executes the VBS at logon.

I tested it with my logon and it worked. Now I think I need to assign permissions on the robocopy for authenticated users or will server allow the VBS and cmd to use the file? Robocopy is only on the server. My account is a member of Domain Admins.

[Aaron P]

I don't see the need to the VBS, why not just add the CMD directly to the GPO?

Place ROBOCOPY.EXE somewhere like %LOGONSERVER%\NETLOGON, then change the path in the script to read:

%LOGONSERVER%\NETLOGON\ROBOCOPY.EXE ...

[Simon Thulbourn]

In the login script for the group just add: %LOGONSERVER%\NETLOGON %LOGONSERVER%\SHARE C:\FOLDER /MIR /E

It will then eliminate the need for a cmd script at all

[MazX_Napalm]

I'm going to be using a Job file for the options. So it will be something like

%LOGONSERVER%\NETLOGON\robocopy <source> <destination> job:001