[gshaw]

I know this pops up quite a bit but might have a slight twist for us so here goes...

Basically all our students are part-time and until now we've been OK with a shared area and machine-based logins. However time has caught up and getting some more "inquisitive " students means it's probably time to implement logins. Also with VLE finally making strides I'd like to be using the LDAP authentication to keep everything tidy.

So basically what I need a bit of software to do is...

- take a CSV-exported list from our MIS software that has the following info firstname, lastname, studentID

- automatically create a username by combining the firstname and lastname e.g. joe.bloggs

- automatically handle any duplicates e.g. adding a number on the end etc and notifying of these at the end

- set the password as the student ID, never expire, cannot be changed

- set group membership

- set mandatory profile path

Anyone know of such software that fits the bill? So far I've looked at the Wisesoft speadsheet (nice but CSV import seems to be a pain, PowerShell cmdlets (got 1/2 way there then got stuck with the duplicates and also profile path setting) and a few others that seemed to do 1/2 the job...

Info much appreciated as always

[jamesb]

VBScript can do all of this quite happily.

Hey Scripting Guy! How Can I Create Users from a CSV File?

A bit of string parsing, and adding some statements to assign variables to the right attributes on each user and you're done.

[plexer]

We use ad bulk import from Active Directory Tools, Active Directory Software

Ben

[gshaw]

Originally Posted by jamesb

VBScript can do all of this quite happily.

Hey Scripting Guy! How Can I Create Users from a CSV File?

A bit of string parsing, and adding some statements to assign variables to the right attributes on each user and you're done.

What about duplicates though? String parsing... sounds a bit too close to programming for me

[jamesb]

Its not that difficult. A few StrLeft commands, and for duplicates just throw in some error checking which adds a number after the username if the script kicks back with 'object already exists'.

Edit: Having said that the bulk user creation tool that plexer recommends is probably going to be easier.

[Cools]

Im with ben on this..
Active Directory Tools, Active Directory Software
so easy and no farting about..

[Hedghog]

I agree with the others either a VBscript or AD import. Since SIMS tends to output in an excel CSV file I tend to juggle name etc in that (I've got a template that does it) then import the correct data.

Cheers

Peter

[DAckroyd]

Originally Posted by plexer

We use ad bulk import from Active Directory Tools, Active Directory Software

Ben

Is this program worth $99? also is it avalible in UK pricing and if not how do you buy it for the school?

[gshaw]

There's another one I've just been recommended called AD Infinitum, so far quickest and cleanest interface of the ones I've tested... just need to see if it can do the custom passwords now...

Edit: none of these so far have been bright enough to auto generate the login or object names... no need for a program if I have to do the hard work in the CSV file... all I want to supply it with is a first name, last name and password then auto generate the rest... am I missing something here

[plexer]

Depends on your username format I suppose.

Yes the programs should provide you with a customisable template I suppose for the username however stirng editing like that is so easy in excel anyway.

Ben

[DAckroyd]

Originally Posted by gshaw

There's another one I've just been recommended called AD Infinitum, so far quickest and cleanest interface of the ones I've tested... just need to see if it can do the custom passwords now...

Edit: none of these so far have been bright enough to auto generate the login or object names... no need for a program if I have to do the hard work in the CSV file... all I want to supply it with is a first name, last name and password then auto generate the rest... am I missing something here

you can just do a concotonate in one cell and fill down - 2mins work if the file is otherwise prepared

[terrorvis]

Active User Manager??

Active User Manager

Its free..

[DAckroyd]

Originally Posted by terrorvis

Active User Manager??

Active User Manager

Its free..

I'm pretty sure this is what we have on our current domain but we don't use at the moment - am I being dopy or does this not create the user Dir?

[Cools]

have a look at ...
JustLDAP Bulk Import Sample

[terrorvis]

Originally Posted by DAckroyd

I'm pretty sure this is what we have on our current domain but we don't use at the moment - am I being dopy or does this not create the user Dir?

If you go into action and preferences, you can change the user defaults. This allows you to create home directories, set permissions, quotas, profile directories, and even create a file structure to set in place.

Although I tend to just place \\server\share\%username% in the users home directory field in standard Users and Computers, then it creates the home directory anyway.

I'm pretty sure AUM will do everything you want it to. Check the user guide for more clarification.