Distributing SETI across a network?

[IndyJaws]

<< Ok, this is what I'm thinking. I believe you said earlier that you had access to remotely edit the registry on these boxes. First thing you need to do is get a text file of all the workstations you'll be working on. This will be needed to do my previously recommended xnet start/stop as well as this part of it. If you don't know where you're putting everything your SOL if you know what I mean. >>



What the heck, I'll ask the stupid questions publicly now
I can get a domain listing of all the machines, but how can I get those machine names into a text file without retyping them all?



<< This is just a general overview, I'll try to actually work on the scripts later. If someone else wants to get a head start, feel free. I may not have time until the middle of next week to work on this. Basically it works like this, we need to write a batch file which will remotely edit the registry on each individual machine to add an entry to the runonce key. Upon next logon from any user it will call a script residing on your workstation that will install the service. The runonce key clears itself after it's run once (hence the name) so you won't have multiple instances on each workstation. Another, not as clean, but easier method would be to write a script that adds a shortcut to the all users/startup folder that would call the install script. I would test this on a couple boxes manually first though. Since you mentioned that you have a mixed environment of NT/2K boxes you're going to have to pay attention to the correct install dir (c:\winnt\profiles vs c:\docume~1). You would have to pay attention to setiq to see when the machines d/l a packet, map back out there, remove the shortcut to the install script or put a line in the beginning of the install script to check for the existance of the executable (if exist c:\seti\seti.exe goto quit I pretty much just rambled on there, somewhere in the mix are a few really good ideas. If I went back and reread it some of it probably wouldn't make sense but you get the idea. >>



Believe it or not, I did follow you (for the most part )

I'll get with my Network Admin to find out if he has a resource kit available. If not, I'll get with you, SA.

Thanks for the advice. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you or any other script writers.

IJ

 

[teriba]

I don't know in Windows, but in Unix you use the | key and then type a file computerlist.txt. It would be:

<however you get the list> | computerlist.txt

You might as well try that, or maybe ">"

 

[Shuxclams]

It would be " > C:\My Documents\computerlist.txt "












SHUX

 

[IndyJaws]

I remember being able to send directory listings to a file in DOS, but how would I do that in 2K? The only thing I can see from a command prompt on the network on my workstation is my mapped network drive.

 

[Shuxclams]

OK,

[HKEY_LOCAL_users\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Runonce]
"stclirunonce"="c:\\program files\\stcli\\install.bat"

The script doesnt like to be installed via UNC, is there a way to batch the runonce so that it xcopies to a directory

Echo OFF
IF NOT EXIST "c:\program files" mkdir "c:\program files"
mkdir "C:\program files\stcli"
Attrib +h "C:\program files\stcli"

Echo "Downloading"
REM Downloading
net use S: \\servername\sharedfolder
S:
xcopy *.* > C:\program files\stcli
net use S: \\servername\sharedfolder /DELETE

Echo "Register Services"
REM Register Services
regedit /s "c:\program files\stcli\setserv.reg"
regedit /s "c:\program files\stcli\schedule.reg"
"C:\program files\stcli\instsrv.exe" stcli "C:\program files\stcli\srvany.exe"

Echo "Starting Service"
REM Starting Service
net start stcli
net start schedule

REM Schedule time for start stop of seti service
AT 16:00 /every:M,T,W,Th,F "c:\program files\stcli\runsti.bat"
AT 08:00 /every:M,T,W,Th,F "c:\program files\stcli\stopsti.bat"




? Took a guess here, any input welcome.




SHUX

 

[Smoke]

I like this. Now we are getting down and dirty.

Go TeAm...you all can do it.

 

[teriba]

Looks good to me Shux. And yeah, it is the ">" key for output.

 

[IndyJaws]

Just to pass along to everyone...I ran Shuxclams' script on a couple of computers in my department as a test. It wouldn't install from a shared directory on my PC, but had no problem installing from a floppy. I'm assuming all went well, since both computers show up as clients in setiq. The service is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM (about 10 minutes from now), so I'll check at that time to see if they're running.

 

[Migroo]

Excellent

 

[SoulAssassin]

<<

<< Ok, this is what I'm thinking. I believe you said earlier that you had access to remotely edit the registry on these boxes. First thing you need to do is get a text file of all the workstations you'll be working on. This will be needed to do my previously recommended xnet start/stop as well as this part of it. If you don't know where you're putting everything your SOL if you know what I mean. >>



What the heck, I'll ask the stupid questions publicly now
I can get a domain listing of all the machines, but how can I get those machine names into a text file without retyping them all?

[ >>



If you're running Win2K Active Directory go into AD Users and Computers, right click on the computers folder for the domain and choose export. Export as a regular text file, delete the headers and do a find on anything else that's not a computer name and replace with blank space.

If you're running an NT domain, I forget off the top of the top of my head. If you're using Hyena (3rd party NT administrative tool) I believe there's a way through the GUI. If not, check around in Server Manager, if that doesn't work then I think there's a command line util that will dump it out. We're still running NT4 at work, I'll try to dial in later and see what I can come up with.

 

[SoulAssassin]

<< OK,

[HKEY_LOCAL_users\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Runonce]
"stclirunonce"="c:\\program files\\stcli\\install.bat"

The script doesnt like to be installed via UNC, is there a way to batch the runonce so that it xcopies to a directory


SHUX >>



Excellent. Everything looks good, it should work via UNC....what's happening?

Can't think of a way to batch the runonce off the top of my head....

BTW, when all this is said and done someone needs to package this up. If we have tools available for mass deployment it may become more commonplace for someone to take over a few hundred pc's at a time.

 

[SoulAssassin]

<< Just to pass along to everyone...I ran Shuxclams' script on a couple of computers in my department as a test. It wouldn't install from a shared directory on my PC, but had no problem installing from a floppy. I'm assuming all went well, since both computers show up as clients in setiq. The service is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM (about 10 minutes from now), so I'll check at that time to see if they're running. >>



The only thing I can think of is to check the permissions on the share, give everyone RO. UNC should work fine, if you have to put the floppy in each pc you might as well just do the whole install that way.

If some of these machines are 933's we should start seeing completed packets by morning. <Monty Burns voice> Excellent. </Monty Burns Voice>

 

[Shuxclams]

Here is the (almost) working install script:

Echo OFF
IF NOT EXIST "c:\program files" mkdir "c:\program files"
mkdir "C:\program files\stcli"
Attrib +h "C:\program files\stcli"

Echo "Downloading"
REM Downloading
net use R: \\servername\folder <-----need to change that to your specific needs
copy "R:\setserv.reg" "c:\program files\stcli"
copy "R:\schedule.reg" "c:\program files\stcli"
copy "R:\stcli.exe" "c:\program files\stcli"
copy "R:\user_info.sah" "C:\program files\stcli\"
copy "R:\instsrv.exe" "C:\program files\stcli\"
copy "R:\srvany.exe" "C:\program files\stcli\"
copy "R:\runsti.bat" "C:\program files\stcli\"
copy "R:\stopsti.bat" "C:\program files\stcli\"
net use R: \\servername\folder /DELETE <----Need some input on this as this command doesnt dissconnect the "R:" drive when done

Echo "Register Services"
REM Register Services
regedit /s "c:\program files\stcli\setserv.reg"
regedit /s "c:\program files\stcli\schedule.reg"
"C:\program files\stcli\instsrv.exe" stcli "C:\program files\stcli\srvany.exe"

Echo "Starting Service"
REM Starting Service
net start stcli
net start schedule

REM Schedule time for start stop of seti service
AT 16:00 /every:M,T,W,Th,F "c:\program files\stcli\runsti.bat"
AT 08:00 /every:M,T,W,Th,F "c:\program files\stcli\stopsti.bat"

Now what I need is the Parameters for this Registry Push that will run this script, or another delivery method.

Right now this

[HKEY_LOCAL_users\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Runonce]
"stclirunonce"="c:\\program files\\stcli\\install.bat"

Is going to run a script that is in the directory that the script creates...
Actually how about this, you can put the single "install.bat" in a common shared directory and then add this

[HKEY_LOCAL_users\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Runonce]
"stclirunonce"="$:\\directory\\to\\the\\common\\drive\\install.bat"

That might actually work! But now how to Push the RUNONCE onto the clients.....






SHUX

 

[SoulAssassin]

<< Here is the (almost) working install script:

net use R: \\servername\folder <-----need to change that to your specific needs

net use R: \\servername\folder /DELETE <----Need some input on this as this command doesnt dissconnect the "R:" drive when done

SHUX >>



Either use:

net use r: /delete [think about it logically there's no need to include the share info, just the drive letter]

or

net use R: \\servername\folder /persistant:no [use when originally mapping drive]

which will clear it on logout, the first way is obviously preferred

Thinking about the other things, dammit, I need to start packing....I have to catch a plane in the morning. I start working on that, then keep refreshing the forum as a I walk past the pc.

 

[Shuxclams]

The reason it wont install from a UNC is because the install script copys all the files from the local installation folder, the way around that is to use the "NET USE $: \\servername\folder" command that houses the files that are delivered to the "C:\program files\stcli" directory. Now if I can find the command that will disconnect them from that drive automagically and find a way to deliver it to the end users. I like the idea of the batch file, could be this

Echo "Register Services"
REM Register Services
regedit /s "$:\directory\to\the\common\drive\stclirunonce.reg"

if the stclirunonce.reg contains this

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_users\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Runonce]
"stclirunonce"="$:\\directory\\to\\the\\common\\drive\\install.bat"




Again, I am all ears,





SHUX

 

[Shuxclams]

NET USE R: /DELETE does the trick







SHUX

 

[Smoke]

I'm excited following this and I don't understand a damn thing you all are talking about. But I sense progress!

And when we are done, we definitely need to archive this work so the next large assimilation will be easier.

/me goes to look up the name of the CEO at the new local CALL CENTER. :Q

 

[Migroo]

Smokie is right, its going well and we would do well to archive this material.

Well done guys, TA is proud of you all.

 

[Shuxclams]

OK try this to get the computer accounts..


in CMD type:
NET VIEW > C:\folder\filename.txt

It will kick out a file like this

Server Name Remark


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\\SCARIE2
\\SCARIEIAIN
\\SCARIEMAIN
\\SCARIEMONSTERII
\\SCARIEQUEUE
\\SCARIESEAN
\\SCARIESERVER
The command completed successfully.

All you'll need is thecomputer names:

\\SCARIE2
\\SCARIEIAIN
\\SCARIEMAIN
\\SCARIEMONSTERII
\\SCARIEQUEUE
\\SCARIESEAN
\\SCARIESERVER

The command should work the same for NT.

So now the question is we get the output with all the computer names and create a batchfile that is run with XNET START?








SHUX

 

[IndyJaws]

<< I'm excited following this and I don't understand a damn thing you all are talking about. But I sense progress! And when we are done, we definitely need to archive this work so the next large assimilation will be easier. /me goes to look up the name of the CEO at the new local CALL CENTER. :Q >>


Agreed! It's fun to see everyone get involved in this project!

BTW, I checked one of the machines I installed the script on to see if it was running (service should have started at 4:00 PM) at 4:30. CPU utilization was only about 4%, so I don't think it was running I was on my way out of work for an appointment, so I didn't have time to look into it. If I have time this weekend, I'll install it on a few more machines and see if it kicks in. I may be wrong, but if I install it during the weekend, shouldn't the service start immediately?

 

[IndyJaws]

<< OK try this to get the computer accounts.. in CMD type: NET VIEW > C:\folder\filename.txt It will kick out a file like this Server Name Remark ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \\SCARIE2 \\SCARIEIAIN \\SCARIEMAIN \\SCARIEMONSTERII \\SCARIEQUEUE \\SCARIESEAN \\SCARIESERVER The command completed successfully. All you'll need is thecomputer names: \\SCARIE2 \\SCARIEIAIN \\SCARIEMAIN \\SCARIEMONSTERII \\SCARIEQUEUE \\SCARIESEAN \\SCARIESERVER The command should work the same for NT. So now the question is we get the output with all the computer names and create a batchfile that is run with XNET START? SHUX >>


I will give that a try when I go in. We are running 2K w/ Active Directory, so I will try Soul Assasin's suggestion as well.

 

[Shuxclams]

<< I'll install it on a few more machines and see if it kicks in. I may be wrong, but if I install it during the weekend, shouldn't the service start immediately? >>

it should be running, is the "-proxy XX.XX.XX.XX:5517" set correctly? Yousaid that it showed up on your SETIQ though.... hmm.


OK, I have an idea. A script that will install and share the files on your PC, then we some how get them to trigger the PUSHinstall.bat and whammy......

Setup.bat

Echo OFF
IF NOT EXIST "c:\INSTALL" mkdir "c:\INSTALL"
mkdir "C:\INSTALL\program"

Echo "sharing"
REM Sharing the install folders
NET SHARE INSTALL=C:\INSTALL /UNLIMITED
NET SHARE INSTALL=C:\INSTALL\program /UNLIMITED

Echo "Copying"
REM Copying files to folders
copy "PUSHinstall.bat" "C:\INSTALL"
copy "INSTSRV.EXE" "C:\INSTALL\program"
copy "SRVANY.EXE" "C:\INSTALL\program"
copy "stcli.exe" "C:\INSTALL\program"
copy "RUNSTI.BAT" "C:\INSTALL\program"
copy "STOPSTI.BAT" "C:\INSTALL\program"
copy "SCHEDULE.REG" "C:\INSTALL\program"
copy "Setserv.reg" "C:\INSTALL\program"
copy "user_info.sah" "C:\INSTALL\program"

I will *.rar the files so where ever you download it to it will automatically create and copy to C:\Install and share it out.

12/28/2001 12:14p 1,038 install.BAT
08/30/1996 02:02p 37,888 INSTSRV.EXE
12/28/2001 03:47p 1,239 PUSHInstall.bat
09/08/2001 05:12p 15 RUNSTI.BAT
11/13/1999 11:38p 101 SCHEDULE.REG
09/08/2001 05:45p 232 Setserv.reg
12/28/2001 03:56p 639 Setup.bat
08/30/1996 02:11p 13,312 SRVANY.EXE
09/08/2001 04:51p 192,512 stcli.exe
09/08/2001 05:12p 14 STOPSTI.BAT
09/08/2001 04:52p 376 user_info.sah

So what there will be is a \\IndyJaws\INSTALL folder with the install script:

Echo OFF
IF NOT EXIST "c:\program files" mkdir "c:\program files"
mkdir "C:\program files\stcli"
Attrib +h "C:\program files\stcli"

Echo "Downloading"
REM Downloading
REM NOTE: You must configure the "servername" and "folder"
net use R: \\servername\INSTALL <-- need to put your UNC name where "servername is
copy "R:\program\setserv.reg" "c:\program files\stcli" <-- need to adjust the proxy settings in "AppParameters" to fit your IP scheme.
copy "R:\program\schedule.reg" "c:\program files\stcli"
copy "R:\program\stcli.exe" "c:\program files\stcli"
copy "R:\program\user_info.sah" "C:\program files\stcli\" <--need to copy your user_info.sah over this one, or I will have lots of extra Wu's
copy "R:\program\instsrv.exe" "C:\program files\stcli\"
copy "R:\program\srvany.exe" "C:\program files\stcli\"
copy "R:\program\runsti.bat" "C:\program files\stcli\"
copy "R:\program\stopsti.bat" "C:\program files\stcli\"
net use R: /DELETE

Echo "Register Services"
REM Register Services
regedit /s "c:\program files\stcli\setserv.reg"
regedit /s "c:\program files\stcli\schedule.reg"
"C:\program files\stcli\instsrv.exe" stcli "C:\program files\stcli\srvany.exe"

Echo "Starting Service"
REM Starting Service
net start stcli
net start schedule

REM Schedule time for start stop of seti service
AT 16:00 /every:M,T,W,Th,F "c:\program files\stcli\runsti.bat"
AT 08:00 /every:M,T,W,Th,F "c:\program files\stcli\stopsti.bat"


All that will need to be adjusted is the parts in BOLD


If this installed on a server perhapes that *EVERYONE* is connected to, the link in the start menu idea has wings...










SHUX

 

[Shuxclams]

Unless you can create a directory on the local PC's with a *.BAT and *REG file that did something like this I am kinda getting brain dead.

*.BAT

Echo OFF
IF NOT EXIST "c:\temp" mkdir "C:\temp"
mkdir "c:\temp\runonceSTI

Echo "Copying"
REM Copying files to folders
copy "stclirunonce.reg" "c:\temp\runonceSTI"

Echo "connecting"
REM Creating shared drive
NET USE R: \\IndyJaws\INSTALL /UNLIMITED

Echo "Register Services"
REM Register Services
regedit /s "c:\temp\runonceSTI\stclirunonce.reg"


*.REG

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_users\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Runonce]
"stclirunonce"="R:\\IndyJaws\\INSTALL\\PUSHinstall.bat"











SHUX

 

[Shuxclams]

The LAN install can be found HERE, feel free to mess around with it.













SHUX

 

[SoulAssassin]

<< OK try this to get the computer accounts..



The command should work the same for NT.

So now the question is we get the output with all the computer names and create a batchfile that is run with XNET START?

>>



Dammit, I knew this too... Yes, this will work for NT or 2K.

So we get the output w the computer names and we can either create a big bad batch file that stops/starts the services on each individual machine or w go w the AT option and have it automatically scheduled. Given that IndyJaws probably likes to take a day off now and then, if he's not going to run it 24x7 then the AT job will probably work better than the xnet. If he's going to run it all the time then it wouldn't hurt to have the ability to stop them if necessary. The other thing we will need the list for is to have a list of machines to push out the runonce to at once.

[later than evening]

Ok, I just spent the last 45 minutes reading up on regedit.exe, regini.exe and such. I don't think there's a way to add the key remotely via a batch file. There's a pretty good article on technet about remotely distributing registry changes here. Our choices at this point appear to be to have IndyJaws either do an xcopy to the all users startup folder, as I previously stated you can put an if exist statement in there to check to see if the seti dir already exists which would prevent it from trying to install twice. Leave that out there for a couple days, verify all machines have started crunching via setiq, touch the ones that haven't or we start messing with group policies which is not something I'm comfortable doing on someone elses domain. The last option has to do w IndyJaws manually adding the key via the regedit gui. I don't want to speak on his behalf but unless I had large amounts of time to kill, there are better ways to spend your time.


This is by no means a brick wall, it will just be a more manual process than we had hoped.

I'll try to talk to some of the guys I work with and see if I can find out anything better. I did see a couple 3rd party shareware/demo utils out there that say they will let you do it, but I didn't look too hard at them.