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Get File

Scripts > Get File

The Get File page accesses files previously uploaded from a managed machine. Files can be uploaded to the KServer using the Get File or Get File In Directory Path commands. The KServer stores uploaded files in a unique directory for each machine ID. Clicking the machine ID displays all uploaded files for that machine ID.

Note: This set of files is machine-specific. Use Manage Files Stored on Server to access files stored on the KServer that are not machine-specific.

  • Each file is displayed as a link. Click any filename to access that file.
  • Remove files by clicking the delete icon next to the file.

Example 1: Checking Large Number of Managed Machines Simultaneously

Get File is designed to support automated checks on a large number of managed machines simultaneously.

Note: If all you want to do is get a file from a managed machine as a one-time event then Remote Cntl > FTP is the simplest way.

Use Get File in conjunction with a script to perform some automated task on a set of managed machines. For example, if you have a utility that reads out some information unique to your client computers you can write a script to do the following:

  1. Send the utility to the managed machine using either the Write File script command or the Distribute File page.
  2. Execute the utility using either the script command Execute DOS Command or Execute File command and pipe the output to a text file, such as results.txt.
  3. Upload the file to the KServer using the Get File command.

Example 2: Comparing Versions of a File

As an option in the Get File script command, existing copies of uploaded files can be renamed with a .bak extension prior to the next upload of the file. This allows you to examine both the latest version of the file and the previous version. For example, use the IF-THEN-ELSE Script Editor to create a simple Get File script. The complete script displays in text format as follows when you click the Export Script... link on the script editor page:

  Get File
    Parameter 1 : c:\temp\info.txt
    Parameter 2 : news\info.txt
    Parameter 3 : 2
        OS Type : 0

Parameter 3 : 2 causes the following to occur if the file changes: save existing version, get file, and send alert. The first time the above script statement executes on a managed machine the agent sends c:\temp\info.txt to the KServer and the KServer stores it. The second time the above statement executes, the KServer renames the original copy of news\info.txt to news\info.txt.bak then uploads a fresh copy and saves it as news\info.txt.

Also as an option, an email alert can be sent when a change in the uploaded file has been detected, compared to the last time the same file was uploaded. The Get File command must have either the Overwrite existing file and send alert if file changed setting or the Save existing version, get file, and send alert if file changed setting selected.

Example 3: Get File Changes Alerts

To perform continuous health checks on managed machines, run the script on a recurring schedule and activate a Get File Changes alert using Monitor > Alerts. The VSA instantly notifies you of any changes to the results.

Troubleshooting Patch Installation Failures

When patch scan processing reports patch installations have failed, a KBxxxxxx.log and the WindowsUpdate.log are uploaded to the KServer. These logs can be reviewed using Scripts > Get File for a specific machine and can help you troubleshoot patch installation failures. The Reports > Logs > Script Log contains entries indicating these log files have been uploaded to the KServer for each machine.