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Automated Reboots

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10 replies

by r-d-m

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Can anyone advise what is the best method to schedule an automated reboot? Using the native scheduler, its tied to user account and everytime the password expires, the scheduler needs to be updated too. Any help will be appreciated.

10 replies

by kfellows

A couple of thoughts:

1. Are you using this to deploy patches? If not, why so much rebooting?

2. Use a "service" account that doesn't expire the password. Even a 3rd party application will have this issue.

I have also used the PSTools from Winternals to create multiple batch jobs to reboot select computers and then schedule it. PSTools are free.

by r-d-m

Unfortunately having an account with NO password expiry is not an option. Due to our "security" requirements we can not have any accounts as such. Thanks for the reply!

by breydel

You could use an admin account with a password that does not expire to schedule these jobs.

Alternatively (I would advise this option), you can create a new account specifically for (and limited to) this purpose with the password set to never expire.

by r-d-m

Unfortunately having an account with NO password expiry is not an option. Due to our "security" requirements we can not have any accounts as such. Thanks for the reply!

by breydel

That would seem an unrealistic expectation but if you can live with it...

You wouldn't happen to have a UPS with Powerchute installed by chance ?

I am asking as Powerchute has a function to schedule server reboots...

by jepott

I like the Windows ME answer!! Although it does pose a problem with the 'scheduled' reboot... it does more of a multiple forced random reboot!!

Anyway, I have to agree with Breydel and suggest that you set up an account for the specific reason of doing the reboot - make sure it hass limited capability and you set the password to never change.... also, make sure you have a very difficult password on it (since it never changes) for security purposes. Hope you get your issue resolved.

JEPott

by r-d-m

Unfortunately having an account with NO password expiry is not an option. Due to our "security" requirements we can not have any accounts as such. Thanks for the reply!

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