Will logon scripts run without AD?

[iolair]

I've got a question about not using Active Directory. If you create standalone servers, and computers login to those standalone servers, will login scripts run on the clients, or are you required to create a domain controller. In other words, will logon scripts work in a workgroup environment?

Iolair MacWalter

 

[knight4713]

You will have to setup a logon script for each user on each machine in the workgroup.

Gointo the user's properties, on the profile tab, you can specify the logon script.

Do that for every user on each machine.

If you want to use the same script, you should be able to use a UNC path to the script.

\\servername\sharename\logonscript.bat

 

[markdmac]

The answer to your question is both yes and no.

In a workgroup, the user will log onto their local machien. As such, you can configure local Startup/Shutdown and Login/Logout scripts. Just open up MMC and add the Group Policy snap in.

Now for the part you probably don't want to know. Your users are just attaching to your server, so they are not going through an interactive login process like they would in a Domain environment. So, if you put a login script on your server, nothing would happen unless they actually loged in at the console.

The one exception to this would be if your users are connecting to your server via Terminal Services.

 

[iolair]

Thank you both for the answer. I was trying to avoid having to visit each workstation, but, to avoid AD, I guess it's the only way. I have only 52 machines, and I do have the time to do it gradually, so I'm okay.

All I'm doing via the script is mapping drives and connecting printers.

Thanks

Iolair MacWalter

 

[markdmac]

I'd personally go with AD. Aside from giving you a great educational process, it will simplify life later on.

If however you still want to avoid AD and would also like to avoid the shoe leather, you should check out SysInternals PSEXEC.EXE utility. Using it with some vbscripts could save you from visiting each workstation.

 

[GuyThomas]

I am with the others here, with 52 users a domain is must. Those who say its an enjoyable journey are also correct.

Do you are any colleagues have experience of other servers? If so the user account principles will be the same.

Here is a link to help you with Active Directory.

http://computerperformance.co.uk/w2k3/W2K3_AD3.htm

and to help with assigning those logon scripts.

http://computerperformance.co.uk/Logon/Logon_Script_Troubleshooting.htm

 

[knight4713]

Ditto that!

You will definitely learn a lot from AD.

Plus it will simplify your administration in the future.

 

[iolair]

Thanks. I'm a Novell CNE, so I'm very familiar with NDS and the concepts behind AD, but haven't played with it much yet. I do have a test server with it installed, but I have a lot to learn about how AD and DNS interact. I'll keep plugging away. Thanks for the encouragement.

Iolair MacWalter