Copy a file across network

Hello,

I am trying to make a batch file (or something similar) to copy the
'hosts' file to all of out computers on the network. When we add a machine
or printer to the network, we put the name in the 'hosts' file. We need to
update all of our machines (mixed bag of Win 95,98,2000 and XP) with this
updated file. The problem is, we are not sure how to automate this process.
Some suggestions would be appreciated.


--
TGF

Are you using a domain model? If so, a) you shouldn't need to do this - WINS
or DNS should be taking care of it for you b) if you want to do this, you
could copy the file to each user's computer via your login script.


TGF wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am trying to make a batch file (or something similar) to copy
> the 'hosts' file to all of out computers on the network. When we add
> a machine or printer to the network, we put the name in the 'hosts'
> file. We need to update all of our machines (mixed bag of Win
> 95,98,2000 and XP) with this updated file. The problem is, we are
> not sure how to automate this process. Some suggestions would be
> appreciated.

I'de have to agree with Lanwrench... if your using AD you would update your DNS servers centrally and would not need to push the hosts file out

If you simply must push out the hosts file... just create a .cmd file (equivalent to a batch file) which contains the copy commands needed to push the files out. The copy command under NT, 2000, and XP supports UNC file names to copy accross the network. Something like

copy "c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts \\remotecomputer\c$\windows\system32\drivers\etc\h osts

should work. Of course you will need have administrative rights to the admin share on the remote systems.