I recently came across a framework script called Boxstarter (www.boxstarter.org) which is an automation framework. The best way to describe it as a wrapper that goes around another executable but can handle various higher level functions.
The Benefits:
- You only need 1 line of code to start the automation process sweet!
- It is actively being updated by the creator (Matt Wrock) I know why he rocks! 😀
- It handles Restarts like a Pro, and it was very simple to setup.
- Uses Chocolatey framework for the installations and Boxstarter as wrapper to invoke and perform other functions such as restarts if needed.
I have my example script perform the following functions:
1. Enable Automatic Logon with Reboots, so if the server finishes updating and requires a restart it will restart and log back on continuing where it left off *almost*.
2. Enable and Disable various Windows Settings
3. Enable Remote Desktop
4. Disable UAC
5. Install Microsoft Updates (deemed as Critical/Important)
Example Script Code:
# Boxstarter options
$Boxstarter.RebootOk=$true # Allow reboots?
$Boxstarter.NoPassword=$false # Is this a machine with no login password?
$Boxstarter.AutoLogin=$true # Save my password securely and auto-login after a reboot
# Basic setup
Update-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
Set-WindowsExplorerOptions -EnableShowHiddenFilesFoldersDrives -EnableShowProtectedOSFiles -EnableShowFileExtensions -EnableShowFullPathInTitleBar
Enable-RemoteDesktop
Disable-UAC
# Update Windows and reboot if necessary
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptEula
if (Test-PendingReboot) { Invoke-Reboot }
How to run the code:
1. via an elevated command prompt or cmd.exe “run as administrator” type or paste the following url into the window and press enter. Yes I wasn’t kidding Matt Wrock made it so we only need 1 stinking line of code. Now that is awesome. Remember this is just an example you can make this 1 line of code do a lot more.
START http://boxstarter.org/package/url?http://cloudrigs.com/downloads/auto3.txt
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