AnnDroyd

I've just installed SQL 2005 in preparation for the November update. I have a copy of the sims.mdf and sims.ldf files which I can attach to the new database, but how do you restore the contents of the master database? Come to think of it, how did the master database get created in the first place? For schools using MSDE, I believe they install a Capita customised version which has this in place, but if you start with a blank SQL installation, how does this data get created? Without it, you get a database connection error when trying to log in (user simsinit not recognised, or similar).

It can be deployed as part of a disk image (using ghost or similar). Obviously SIMS will update itself on first use if you have done an upgrade since the image was taken.

I understood that we needed to be on SQL 2005 before we could upgrade to the September/August version. That was why I wanted to do it!

SIMS currently runs on SQL 2000. We are required to upgrade to SQL 2005 as part of the next SIMS release. What is the best and/or easiest way to do this?

Doesn't Windows 2000/XP have some feature that disconnects network mappings if they're left idle for a period of time? If so, that could account for printers disappearing.

So can you use a web browser instead, and avoid opening extra ports?

I've never used Citrix Server, so could do with some expert opinions on this one... We have advisors that come into the school on a regular basis, and want to have access to databases stored at their office on Citrix sytems. Their IT people have requested that I open additional ports on our firewall in order to allow this to work. Am I correct in thinking that rather than using client software, they could configure their servers to allow web access? This would allow their advisors to access their systems remotely via a web browser and would eliminate the need to submit additional change requests.

How about running a script at log on or log off that deletes them all? http://217.180.28.46/ictforums/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=59&KW=

You don't have to use GPOs to do folder redirection. Just open the user profile's registry hive (ntuser.dat or .man) in regedit and modify the values under HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\current version\explorer\shell folders.

Do you use any disk quota software? Spaceguard SRM does this job very well but also has an option to deny certain file extensions. We don't allow students to save exe, mp3, or bat files for example. Since this is independent of policies is won't cause a problem is you want exes or bat files to be used within login scripts (which are run as the currently logged on user).

You wont' need to create subfolders for My Pictures, My Music, etc. Providing they have a drive mapped to their home directory, and appropriate folder redirection (changed in the registry for their profile or via policies) these folders will get created automatically when an application tries to access them. Rather than giving all users their own profile, have you considered sticking with a generic mandatory profile but just redirecting favourites to a folder with in their home directory? Might be easier to manage this way.

Does anyone use the Microsoft SQL Version of "Access-It"? We have a problem when we (try to) open the program. The system gives an error message saying the database password is incorrect. Presumably this is the password stored in the master database which is used to connect to the main database. The support people have checked this password and found it to be correct, so we've run out of ideas. Any suggestions?

Very much dependent on Ghost here too. We use it not only for creating and deployng images, but for remotely starting up and shutting down PCs at the end of the day, deploying AI packages and configuring computer name and domain memberships. Couldn't do the job without it.

Doesn't it cost? Xcopy is free!

Yes, it works on W2000. It even worked in a similar way on NT4. The command was slightly different and you had to create the empty folder structure first, but it could still be done.

Like I say, just use xcopy /o and copy the lot straight from one location to another. No need to be messing with backups, although if you have problems restoring from your backups you should sort this out subsequently, otherwise you could be in trouble if you have a disaster one day!

Create the required folder structure on the new server / hard drive, then use xcopy with the /o switch to copy files from the old to new location, retaining permissions and file ownership. Obviously you need to make a batch file to do this. Running DIR on your users folder than a bit of copy and pasting in excel will achieve this.

Do you have a connect.ini in your program files which redirects to the copy on drive s? If so, try replacing it with the drive S version so the laptop connects straight to the sql server rather than being passed from one connect.ini file to another.

Don't Veritas make a MSI package builder? As a possible alternative, what about using Ghost AI packages to install new software? This works on a before and after snapshot, so you're able to make very precise changes which you can't do with an MSI.

If I remember rightly, Net Support is quite an expensive bit of software. If I'd paid for it (rather than downloaded from Kazaa or something) then never received the license details, I'd be straight on the phone to them!

I hope you realise I was being flippant with that comment?!

Umm... "I've got a Windows XP Pro CD, but I've lost my product code. Could anyone on this forum let me have theirs? I did buy a legitimate copy - honest!"

We have produced a policy which is agreed to by myself and my colleagues entitled "IT Support Privacy and Confidentiality Policy". Basically it states that we don't look at their stuff, and if we see it accidentally, we ignore anything we read and don't act upon it in any way. If we NEED to open someone's home directory or mailbox, we only do it with their permission and record it in a log book stating who provided permission. Does anyone else have a policy and procedures simnilar to this?

Not sure if this is the right forum for this, but it seemed like the closest match. We need to install .net Framework 3.0 prior to the next SIMS update but I seem unable to find the full, redistributable version of this from anywhere. Any idea?