I have a server with a network share that's in one domain - Machine and Domain A.

Into that share I need to do a scheduled copy from three other machines , each in different domains (B , C and D) . No trusts exist between these domains and can't be set up [1]

The files I'm copying are basically backups of certain files from that server.

The machine in domain B has a backup utility that lets me specify the destination in UNC format and also provide credentials for that domain , so that works just fine and runs automatically as planned.

The machines in domains B and C don't have this option. I can run a scheduled backup to their local hard drives but not to a network share. I could map a network drive to the share in Domain A which works fine while that user is logged on , but not when they aren't.

A batch file with the copy commands to move the data from local to network folders won't do the trick , as again you lose access to the network location when that user is logged off.

Any suggestions on a handy little tool to do this , or something really obvious I might have missed [2]

[1] I know that would make life easier , but for various reasons it's not an option.

[2] I seem to have developed hayfever and can't see or think straight at the mo.

The machine in domain B has a backup utility that lets me specify the destination in UNC format and also provide credentials for that domain , so that works just fine and runs automatically as planned.

. Presumably that means your backup from B => A is potentially sorted out?

But then I don't get it.

You say "The machine in domain B has a backup utility..." and then say "The machines in domains B and C don't have this option." Have I misunderstood something or have you got your domains mixed up? :confused:

Either way, the only way I can think of doing it is with some kind of script (assuming we can sort out the user logged in and scheduling problem out). But that means having clear passwords in script files. Is that OK or deemed too much of a security risk?

. Presumably that means your backup from B => A is potentially sorted out?

But then I don't get it.

You say "The machine in domain B has a backup utility..." and then say "The machines in domains B and C don't have this option." Have I misunderstood something or have you got your domains mixed up? :confused:

Either way, the only way I can think of doing it is with some kind of script (assuming we can sort out the user logged in and scheduling problem out). But that means having clear passwords in script files. Is that OK or deemed too much of a security risk?

Doh , should have been C and D.

a scheduled task running a cmd script something like this?

net use x: \\server_C\share /user:[domain\username] [password]

xcopy [sourcefiles] x:\[destinationfiles] /s /e /y

net use x: /d

But that means having clear passwords in script files. Is that OK or deemed too much of a security risk?

I think it's the only way. You could limit access on the script files.

a scheduled task running a cmd script something like this?

net use x: \\server_C\share /user:[domain\username] [password]

xcopy [sourcefiles] x:\[destinationfiles] /s /e /y

net use x: /d

Cheers

Guess it's OK then

maybe robocopy is the better option than Xcopy

maybe robocopy is the better option than Xcopy

I'd use Robocopy as it's a lot more reliable then doing a plain xcopy, has a number of switches to use and can also create logfiles. IIRC, you can find it on the Win2K support tools CD (works with XP fine too).