Remote Windows Server Automation

mikew · Post by **mikew** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:24 pm

I'm new to MS and have spent a lot of time looking around this forum for info and advice on automating tasks on a remote Windows Server.

I'm looking for some advice on the best way of automating tasks on a server which is always on but I'm not usually logged onto.

I've been trying to automate some simple tasks e.g. backing up a database on Access, importing a CSV file into Access etc etc. My scripts work perfectly when I'm logged into the server but not when I'm not logged in.

The main issue seems to be with the waitwindowopen command, I guess because I'm not logged in this never appears. I've tried running a compiled version under the task scheduler and logging in as part of the routine but can't seem to crack it.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to run MS on a remote server ??

Thanks

MikeW

gdyvig · Post by **gdyvig** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:00 pm

Hi mikew,

Do you have Macro Scheduler installed on the remote server, or is it installed on your local machine?

If it is installed on the remote server the GUI must be displayed. If you access the server using Remote Desktop (mstsc.exe) and then close or minimize the remote desktop the GUI portions of the macro will not be able to run even if logged in. One way around that is to set up the server to auto login, this can be done with the Microsoft PowerToy TweakUI if you are allowed to use it. If the macro does not need the GUI, you can set it up to run as a Windows Service (using SRVANY). The Enterprise version of Macro Scheduler also has an autologon feature that works provided the server allows it.

Gale

mikew · Post by **mikew** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:06 pm

Hi Gale,

MS is installed on the server so I will try your suggestion TWEAKUI.

thanks for you help.

MikeW

mikew · Post by **mikew** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 11:40 pm

TweakUI wont run on my server cos its asking for the 64 bit version ??.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone else who is successfully automating stuff on a remote windows server.

gdyvig · Post by **gdyvig** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 1:23 am

Hi mikew,

This has 64bit versions for up to Windows Server 2003.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324737

You may have to go to a 2 computer solution:

http://www.mjtnet.com/blog/2006/03/20/r ... e-desktop/

Known autologon issues:

http://www.mjtnet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3188

Are you sure the problems you are trying to solve require access to the GUI. If not, set up a service that starts automatically on login.

Gale