I have a simple batch file that uses the >> append output redictor. In Windows 2000 the batch file is acting as if I entered > and overwritting this output file. The simple form of the file is:

echo %computername%,%username% >> q:\usage.txt

Window 95/98/XP all seem to work fine and append the file. What's up with Windows 2000?

It works OK on my w2k.

M2

If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

I have SP4 with all the latest patches. Do you have the same?

I've got SP3 and no patches.

I doubt it's a SP issue.

The >> append has been stable in DOS and NT for a very long time. I can think of no reason / scenario which might prompt a change.

You could try a fresh copy of CMD.exe, but that sems far-fetched.

M2

If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

New Info.
I only fails / malfunctions over the network. If I redirect the file to the c:\ drive it work fine.

More new Info...
It seems to be a permissions problem. Giving "Everyone" full control fixed it. (Bad idea to leave it this way). So, I retraced the permissions and found that if the advanced special permission of "List Folder / Read Data” is removed it causes this problem. This was set to try and prevent people from looking at the logs but still allow them to append data.

I can't explain it but that's the way it seems to work.

Is there any way to hide this directory from users but still have them write to it for the audit log? Attrib to hidden will not work because, you just show hidden files and folders and your in.

I’m still testing so I’m not saying this is the fix just yet but it looks promising.

I don't have a network to try it with.

If this line is being run hours, or days, apart is there a chance that the usage.txt is being deleted between runs?

Try running the line twice in rapid succession.

Only two other things come to mind, equally Zappa-esque.

Try changing to the q: drive.

Try >>>

M2

If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.