User Group Policy - Logon Scripts

Group Policy - User Logon Scripts

Creating Logon Scripts to map network drives and map printers, have been around since the dawn of networking.  Microsoft's Group policy embraces this Logon Script concept by supplying not one but 4 settings:  Logon and Logoff policies are found in the User Configuration. In addition Windows Server 2003 Group Policies have Startup and Shutdown scripts, but these settings are found in the Computer Configuration section of Group Policy.

Windows Server 2003 Group Policy Topics

User Configuration

    Windows Settings

       Scripts (Logon / Logoff)

           Logon Scripts

           Logoff Scripts

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Scripts (Logon / Logoff)

There are several reasons that I am particularly interested in scripting policies.  Firstly, I use logon scripts as one of my 'Litmus Tests' to judge amateurs and professionals.  If you use Windows Server 2003 policies to assign VBScript Logon Scripts, then I consider you a professional, whereas if you prefer adding batch files to a user's property sheet, then I consider you an old fashioned 'Luddite'.

Next, I would like to identify three different tasks for logon scripts:

1. Set the scope of the logon script.  By that I mean which drives and which printers to map in the VBScript.
2. Write the script using VBScript or JScript.  See Logon Script Section.
3. Assign the Logon scripts via Windows Server 2003 Group Policies.  It is this assigning of the script, that I am going to explain on this page.

Troubleshooting Group Policies is tricky

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Logon Scripts

Presuming that you have written or copied the VBScripts, all we have to do in Group Policy is add the .VBS file to the appropriate dialog box.  I find that it is much better to copy the .VBS file into memory before you open the policy box, than to try and navigate once the dialog box is open.

My point is that I would prefer to right click and paste, rather than use the Open and Browse option.  See picture opposite.

If you do experiment with the 'Browse' and 'Look in' buttons, then you will see the very long path where Group Policies in general and Logon Scripts in particular are stored. \Windows\sysvol\sysvol\domain\policies.

Logoff Scripts

Professional administrators use these logoff scripts to remove network drives and to disconnect printers.  An up-and-coming use of Group Policies is to create logoff scripts is to delete temporary files and perform other house keeping tasks.  The script executes while the user logs off - I like it!  

• Group Policy Home    Also See Windows Logon Script Section          Next: Folder Redirection