Scripts > Distribute File

Show me an explanation of the items on this page.

The Distribute File function sends files stored on your VSA server to remote machines. It is ideal for mass distribution of configuration files, such as virus foot prints, or maintaining the latest version of executables on all machines. The VSA checks the integrity of the file every full check-in. If the file is ever deleted, corrupted, or an updated version is available on the VSA, the VSA sends down a new copy prior to any script execution. Use it in conjunction with recurring scripts to run batch commands on remote machines.

The script command "Write File" performs the same action as Distribute File. Each time a script executes the "Write File" command, the agent checks to see if the file is already there or not. If not, the file is written. "Write File" is better than Distribute File for sending executable files you plan to run on remote machines via scripts.

How often are the files written to the remote machines?

Files are only written if they are missing from or corrupted on the remote machine.

One of the first steps in every Agent's full check-in process is to validate the integrity of all files in the Distribute File list. if the file was never there or was deleted the VSA sends down a copy of the file to the remote machine.

If the file is present, it is compared to the same file on the VSA server. If the file is corrupted, or an updated version is available on the VSA, the VSA sends down a new copy.

Where do the files in the drop down list come from?

These are the same files you see when accessing Managed Files... from inside the script editor. Private files are listed with (Priv) in front of the filename.

Click the Managed Files... link on the Distribute File page to add or remove files from this list.

When I cancel a file distribution is the file deleted?

Files are not deleted from either the server or remote machines by clicking Cancel or Cancel All.

Cancelling a file distribution just removes it from the Distribute File list for the selected machine. The Agent no longer performs Integrity checking on that file during a full check-in.

Another administrator has set up file distribution on several machines. Why can't I see them in the list?

The only files listed are private managed files or shared managed files. If another administrator chooses to distribute a private file you will not see it.

Master Administrators see all file distributions. Instead of the (Priv) prefix, (admin name) is listed.

Explanation of items on this page

Select server file

Select a file to distribute to remote machines from this list. All your shared and private files from the Script Editor's Managed Files... function appear in this list.

Specify full path and filename to store file on remote machine.

Enter a location to write the file at for the selected remote machines. The Browse... button is there as a convenience to more easily locate correct paths. Click it to get the standard Windows file browser dialog.

REMEMBER: Clicking the Browse... button allows you to browse directories on your own machine, NOT the remote machines.

Manage Files... link

Clicking the Manage Files... link opens a new window with the script editor's Manage Files function. Go here to add, update, or remove files stored on the VSA server.

Distribute

Click the Distribute button to tell the VSA to start distribution management of the file selected in Select server file and write it to the location specified in Specify full path and filename to store file on remote machine. This effects all checked remote machines.

Cancel

Click the Cancel button to remove the distribution of the file selected in Select server file from all checked remote machines.

WARNING: Cancel and Cancel All do NOT delete the file from either the remote machines or the server. These functions simply stop the integrity check and update process from occurring at each full check-in.

Cancel All

Cancel All removes all file distributions from all checked remote machines.

Removing and modifying individual distributions

To the left of each distribution item listed, are two icons. Clicking these icons takes action on only that single listed item. Click to cancel that file distribution. Click to edit the destination path on the remote machine.