Mapping network drive without using Scripts

[tazz]

Hi all

Is there another way of mapping network drives without using scripts?

I only ask because I have inherited a 2003 server network with XP workstations and I need to add an additional drive letter for teaching staff.

The only script that runs for teaching staff is a basic batch file which only appears to connect network printers.

Teachers have a mandatory profile - could it be hidden in there somewhere?

Thanks in advance!

[mattx]

You can via a custom ADM file but only would do that if I was paranoid about the command prompt - [ which I am not ]

[MK-2]

Why don't you want to use the batch file to do it?
If it runs for all staff and you need all staff to have the drive what would be the problem in adding "net use x: \\server\share" to it?

[tazz]

Hi - I do want to use a batch file to do it - but my predessor (who left 3 months before I started) didn't use that method.

I'm trying to fathom out how he set up network drive mapping in the first place so I can add a network drive, and eventually switch to script like everyone else.

[tazz]

Sorry MK-2 - I get what you mean now. I would still like to find out how he's done it though!

[mattx]

Well like I said in my original reply, he has most probably setup a customed ADM file - you will have to have a snoop around the group policies under the USER section.

[ajbritton]

If you are sharing a single mandatory profile then the easiest way would be to update that, as you suggested.

[ChrisH]

He will have added a persistant mapping as part of the man profile.

[tazz]

Thanks guys.

This is the first time I've gone near custom adms, but now I've clicked how they work so thanks - opens up a whole new range of tweaks for me.

It turns out there are 5 adm templates applied to the teacher group policy, but alas, not to do with network drive mapping.

I have added the drive mapping I needed in the printer script as MK-2 suggested to keep me going for now. I will investigate the mandatory profile in a bit more depth.

[LANLord]

I have been hunting for a Server 2k3 adm that I could add to my GPO for sometime since we are required to restrict net.exe to admins only. Scripts will be out of the question. So, if you could email or post your ADM files that you use to manage those drive mappings, that would be great. Feel free to "generic" the server info. I don't need that.

thanks in advance!

[mattx]

Checkout:

http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32446

[LANLord]

Yeah, I copied that one down and modified it for my system, but when I added it to the Admin Templates under the user, I got nothing but a blank stare from the GMPC. I looked at a couple 2003 ADM files and there doesn't seem to be a huge difference in thier construction so I am curious to know why it didn't show.

Any ideas of a formatting differnce between 2000 and 2k3?

thanks

[DMcCoy]

You might need to configure it to show policys that aren't fully managed (keys are not in Policy section of the registry)

[LANLord]

Awesome. Thanks Doc. Did the trick and works like a charm. I will not soon forget the power of the the "Show Policies....." check box!

Thanks again.