Hi Miles.

For simple updates (i.e. no data conversion), we simply put a one-line batch file in the startup folder of the client machines with the following:

xcopy n:\directories\source_file.exe c:\destination_exe_directory\ /D

where "n:" is the server drive that you place the updated .EXE on and "c:" is the local drive.

The xcopy "/D" option only sends the file (or files) over that have a newer create_date than what is in the destination folder. You can learn more about this option by typing "xcopy /?" from a command line.

So every time one of the users starts up Windows, the batch file checks for newer files. If it finds them, it overwrites them to the local disk destination folder.

If an update does involve data conversion, we do the data conversion outside of normal business hours and then the morning boot-up will grab the new .EXE from the server.

Just another way to do this... I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Art Villa
Breakthrough Business Solutions, Inc.
Manhattan Beach, California
http://www.breakthroughbiz.com