Introduction to CSVDE
Import
The purpose of this page is to show you how to bulk import user accounts into Active Directory. Here are scenarios where CSVDE will save you work:
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To create hundreds of new users in a Windows Server
2003 or 2000 domain.
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To import hundreds of NT 4.0 users into a brand
new Active Directory domain.
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To migrate directory services from Exchange 5.5 into
Active Directory.
Topics for CSVDE Import
Why begin with Export?
When you use CSVDE -i to import user accounts, you make changes that will be difficult to
reverse. For instance, you may import unsuitable usernames, but then you cannot
find those users in Active Directory. In frustration, you delete
existing users as well as the imported test accounts. In export mode, you can
do no harm to Active Directory, also CSVDE -f filename.csv will help build up your
understanding of the switches.
The secrets of successful importing are:
1) Practice with export first! So that you learn the switches, and
obtain the precise spelling of LDAP fields, for example sAMAccountName is
correct, sAMAaccountNames has two mistakes and would cause the import to fail.
2) Create a good .CSV file. Master the LDAP fields in the first row.
3) Use VBScript to enable accounts and set the password. This overcomes
the main limitation of CSVDE namely that you cannot import passwords, nor can
you alter accounts in anyway. See here for
a VBScript to reset passwords.
Mastering bulk import will save you time when you
need to create hundreds of user accounts. CSVDE would be the method of choice if you have the users in a
spreadsheet.
Example 1: Importing data with -i -f filename
To import a file into Active Directory use the CSVDE -i which
tells it to import. -f users.csv is the filename.
So the complete command is CSVDE -i -f users.csv Note the space
between the command and each switch. The first line, referred to as the
header, should have a list of the field names. For example, DN, FirstName,
Surname.
Preparation: Open the text file with the users, and
add LDAP attributes to the top row.
Command: CSVDE -i -f usersi.csv
Example 2: Using the -k to force an import
Command: CSVDE -i -k -f usersi.csv
Example 3: A CSV file with the LDAP attributes in the top row.
Preparation: If you wish to use this example below, firstly copy and
paste it into notepad. Then change the attributes to match your
circumstances. For example, change WonderDom to your domain name, and
change the OU=Worcester to OU=yourOU. I suggest importing the
file into Excel, making your changes, then exporting it as a
.CSV file.
dn,sAMAccountName,userPrincipalName,telephoneNumber,department,userAccountControl,objectClass
"CN=Peter Graham,OU=Worcester,DC=WonderDom",Peterg,Peterg@WonderDom.com,891-1239,Production,512,user
"CN=Janie Bourne,OU=Worcester,DC=WonderDom",Janieb,Janieb@WonderDom.com,891-1239,Production,512,user
"CN=Edgar Dunn,OU=Worcester,DC=WonderDom",Edgard,Edgard@WonderDom.com,891-1230,Production,512,user
"CN=Belinda Hart,OU=Worcester,DC=WonderDom",Belindah,Belindah@WonderDom.com,891-1231,Production,512,user
"CN=May Jamieson,OU=Worcester,DC=WonderDom",Mayj,Mayj@WonderDom.com,891-1232,Production,512,user
"CN=Leroy Ota,OU=Worcester,DC=WonderDom",Leroyo,Leroyo@WonderDom.com,891-1233,Production,512,user
Command CSVDE -i -k -f user3.csv
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Check that you understand LDAP attributes and
syntax: DC=domain, DC=COM.
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Make sure that Excel is not open at the .csv you are trying
to create.
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Take care with your Find and Replace.
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Check out the Error Messages.
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Use the log switch: -j C:\
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Experiment with different syntax. Try a different output filename.
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Contact Guy Thomas - see email address below.
Try another bulk import See
more detailed examples in your eBook |