Sean Wallbridge
Another standard (and neat NotePad trick) at itgroove.
Pop-up Change Control prompts for servers.
Here’s the deal…
Installation
1. On every server, you place the (TWO) txt files (compressed in the ZIP), in the All UsersStartup folder (I’ve put a copy of these files on my Blog at: /wp-content/uploads/brainlitter/brainlitterarchive/sharepoint/SharePointDox/Change%20Control%20Text%20Files/CopyToAllUsersStartUp.zip.
- Windows Server 2003 and older – it would be C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuAll ProgramsStartUp
- Windows Server 2008 – it is now in C:UsersAll UsersStart MenuAll ProgramsStartUp
- Alternatively, really, the best way to get to that folder is to use the variables provided: %ALLUSERSPROFILE%Start MenuAll ProgramsStartUp
2. Take 2 minutes to modify the ADMIN_NOTICE.txt file, to include the purpose of the local server, to help anyone coming along that needs to know why it is important not to much with that box.
Daily Use
1. On every login, you’ll be prompted then, by two Notepad files.
a. ADMIN_NOTICE.txt – This warns anyone logging on that this machine is a SERVER and that they should proceed with care AND that they should complete the change management section of the SERVER_CHANGES file. Although we are all well intentioned, this is a good local reminder but more importantly, for any 3rd party vendors on the system as well.
b. SERVER_CHANGES.txt – This is the neat part. Because the text file has a .LOG line at the top of, this tells Notepad that immediately upon opening, to append the DATE/TIME at the bottom of the file, which then forces the visitor (you, or a vendor) to enter some text and save the file, every time someone logs in.
Best practice is to make sure you have included:
- i. Your initials
- ii. A brief description of what your intentions are
Don’t forget Major Change too! (www.majorchange.com) for all your Change Control needs.