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Logon Scripts - With VBScript

Introduction Logon Scripts

In this section I will give you examples of how to build the VBScript to use in your logon script. I will help you chose which methods to use and which variables to change. There are two sections; one section specialises in mapped network drives, while the other section deals with scripts for printers . Please choose a Windows Logon Script to suit your particular task.

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Connect to Printers Logon Scripts

AddWindowsPrinterConnection - Join to UNC path
SetDefaultPrinter - Which printer will be the default
Add Multiple Printers - Add a second printer
EnumPrinterConnections - Extends other methods
RemovePrinterConnection - Deleting printer icons
Connect a Printer to a Computer - Policy Loopback
PowerShell Logon Script - Windows 7 Techniques
Troubleshooting Logon Scripts - VBScript or AD?

Introduction to Logon Scripts with VBScript

When I first saw Windows 2003, I investigated the new features. I wondered: 'How do I assign logon scripts to users?' I came up with two methods; the traditional NT 4.0 style or assigning VBScripts via Active Directory Group Policies. (The traditional method was via the User's Properties, Profile tab.)

I even took a I step back and asked the more fundamental question: 'What am I trying to achieve here?' The answer was, 'To provide users with the best environment for their work'. This lead me to investigate VBScript methods for providing mapped network drives and connecting to shared printers.

Good news. Scripting possibilities improve dramatically when you progress from the old DOS batch files, to the new WSH with its rich VBScript verbs. When you survey the big picture, you realize that Logon Scripts are only one of many jobs for WSH and VBScript. My point is that knowledge of these scripting objects, syntax and methods will help you automate other computer tasks. As a bonus, if you master assigning Logon Scripts by Group Policy, then you will see how to apply other settings using Group Policy (GPMC).

Example of a Logon Script

VBScript to map a network drive. Here are step-by-step instructions to create this logon script.

' MNDUserName.vbs
' VBScript to map a network drive to the UserName.
' Author Guy Thomas http://computerperformance.co.uk/
' Version 1.3 - April 24th 2010
' ----------------------------------------------------'
Option Explicit
Dim objNetwork
Dim strDriveLetter, strRemotePath, strUserName
strDriveLetter = "J:"
strRemotePath = "\\grand\home"

' Purpose of script to create a network object. (objNetwork)
' Then to apply the MapNetworkDrive method. Result J: drive
Set objNetwork = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Network")
' Here is where we extract the UserName
strUserName = objNetwork.UserName
objNetwork.MapNetworkDrive strDriveLetter, strRemotePath _
& "\" & strUserName

' Extra code just to add a message box
WScript.Echo " Launch Explorer, check: "& strDriveLetter
WScript.Quit

' End of MapNetworkDrive Example logon script.

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More Tasks for VBScript

WSH provides the objects, which our scripts then manipulate. Here are examples of the tasks that these objects and services can do for you:

Map network drives (Then assign to Logon Script)
Connect to printers (Then assign to Logon Script)
Manipulate Active Directory objects, e.g. Users passwords
Run basic functions such as CreateObject and GetObject
Modify environment variables e.g. Temp
Modify keys and values in the registry
Print a message to a Message Box on screen
Combine with WMI to measure and automate the operating system

What is WSH? (Windows Scripting Host)

Windows Scripting Host is aptly named; think of WSH as a butler who pampers their guests. When a logon script arrives from the dedicated server, WSH makes sure that all the objects and services that the script needs are available. It also checks discretely for security and passes the script to the appropriate script engine, for example, ActiveX.

WSH is ideal for non-interactive scripting jobs, such as logon configuration, administrative scripting, or machine automation. Let me take you on a journey where you create mapped network drives or printers. Together we will study examples of VBScripts, object, method and properties model.

Try PowerShell for Logon Scripts

You may have noticed that VBScript is being phased out in favour of PowerShell. Although PowerShell is used primarily for interrogating the OS, it's possible to employ cmdlets to configure the users' environment. The best method is to create a ComObject, which acts as a wrapper for familiar VBScript commands. Here is example of PowerShell's New-Object cmdlet manipulating MapNetworkDrive:

# PowerShell Logon 3 Script Example
Clear-Host
$Net = $(New-Object -ComObject WScript.Network)
$Net.MapNetworkDrive("X:", "\\alan\home")
$Net.objNetwork.EnumNetworkDrives
$Net

You could save the above commands into a .ps1 file. However, the tricky part is executing this .ps1 file as a logon script. I have more information here: PowerShell logon script and Group Policy.

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Window 8 Group Policy Drive Maps

The modern group policy method of drive mapping does not require any scripting. In Windows Server 2008 you can launch the Group Policy Management Console and configure Drive Maps by clicking with a mouse. See more on Windows 8 Group Policy Drive Maps.

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See more logon scripts examples

• Logon Script Home • Vbscript Map Network Drive Username • Multiple Mapped Network Drives

• Map Network Drive Script • Disconnect Network Drives • Map Network Drive Group

• ObjNetwork.MapNetworkDrive • Logon script group policy • EnumNetworkDrives