3.4 #

Use the # command to execute a program that is external to the login script. The # command executes an external program and waits until it is finished running before continuing with other login script commands.

This command fails when

  • The given directory is invalid

  • Proper security rights are lacking

  • The executable file cannot be found

  • Insufficient workstation memory is available to load the file

IMPORTANT:Use the @ command instead of the # command to run an external program from a login script if that external program will remain open for any length of time. Otherwise, the login script remains open until that external program is closed. (Login scripts cannot be edited while they are open.)

Command Format

# [path] filename [parameter]

Replace path with a drive letter (Windows) or a valid path name (Linux) or, if you have specified NOSWAP on the command line or in the login script, you can replace variable with a full directory path beginning with the NetWare volume name.

Replace filename with an executable file (files that end in .exe, .com, or .bat, for example). It isn't necessary to include the extension, but doing so can speed up the execution of the external program.

Replace parameter with any parameters that must accompany the executable file.

Example

You can use Automatic Client Update (ACU) to update Novell Client software without having to physically visit each workstation and manually update the software.

ACU uses a text file that can be called from the login script. To call this file from the login script for a workstation running Novell Client for Windows NT/2000, place one of the following commands in the login script:

#Z:\PUBLIC\INSTALL\NTCLIENT\SETUPNW.EXE /ACU

or

#\\[SERVER]\[VOLUME]\PUBLIC\INSTALL\NTCLIENT\SETUPNW.EXE /ACU