71-693 - Promotion not found for the Netherlands :-(

Today we all could register for the 71-693 Exam. That is everyone with an SME profile. Disappointing it was that I set the alarmclock at 6 AM (12:00 EST) to register for the exam. Only to get the following message: Promotion not found. (In green as it must be a good thing???)
Contacted Microsoft but they didn't have a clue either... Than wait until 8 AM to call Prometric.
Prometric was very busy this morning so I was on hold for about 20 - 25 minutes before a Customer Service Representative could talk to me. But they were not able to help me with the registration :-( They escalated this, but for the moment with no result.
We have to wait until 12 PM or 1 PM before this can be resolved. And by then the slots will be full.

Helmer has also posted on his blog and several people have responded that they were unable to register.

I'll update this post if something changes.

UPDATE:
Just phoned Prometric again. Escalation is started from Europe, but the escalation seems to be only an email message to Prometric in the United States. They will start to wake up (come into the office) around 2PM (14:00 CET) and start with a cup of coffee, talk about the weekend and then read the mails about this problem. And then start to fix it. This will probably take a few hours to investigate and fix so registration must be possible around 8PM (20:00 CET). I asked them what kind of escalation process this is, but they are bound by the rules which are created in the States.
There is nothing we can do but wait....

UPDATE 2:
A colleague called me that the problem was resolved and yes I was able to register....
So where all the people who I know were stressing to register for the exam....

New version installer template Version 1.2

Updated the installer template to a new version.
Changes are:

ADDED:
isApplicationInstalled : Check if an application is installed.
isApplicationInstalledGUID : Check if an application is installed by its Identifier.
Usefull when the Add Remove Programname is not unique
isProcessActive : Check if a process is active.
MODIFIED:
uninstallAppGUID : Fixed the exit code to be unique.

Download link: Install_Template-1.2.vbs

Changes are below:

'==========================================================================
'
' VBScript Source File -- Created with SAPIEN Technologies PrimalScript 2009
'
' NAME: Installer script template V1.2
' AUTHOR: Bas Steelooper , Steelooper Consulting
' DATE  : 08-12-2009
'
'  Modifications
'  V1.1
' ADDED:
'   uninstallAppGUID : Uninstall an application by its Identifier.
'       Usefull when the Add Remove Programname is not unique
' MODIFIED:
'  s_ForceUseCSCript : added variable forceCscriptSilent.
'       If set to TRUE the script will NOT notify the end user that it is being relaunched
'  s_ForceUseCSCript : WSHShell.run modified to hidden.
'       When relaunched the script now doesn't show a cscript window.
'
'  V1.2
' ADDED:
'   isApplicationInstalled : Check if an application is installed.
'   isApplicationInstalledGUID : Check if an application is installed by its Identifier.
'       Usefull when the Add Remove Programname is not unique
'   isProcessActive : Check if a process is active.
' MODIFIED:
'  uninstallAppGUID : Fixed the exit code to be unique.
'
'==========================================================================

........

Const APPVER            = "1.2"

........ 

Sub showHelp()
'===============================================================================
'# Purpose : show help information on how to use the script                    #
'#                                                                             #
'# Modified  in version 1.2                                                    #
'===============================================================================

.....

  If debug Then

.....

    WScript.Echo vbTab & "66600005" & vbTab & " : uninstallAppGUID is called without information" 'added in version 1.2
    WScript.Echo vbTab & "66600006" & vbTab & " : isProcessActive is called without information" 'added in version 1.2
    WScript.Echo vbTab & "66600007" & vbTab & " : isApplicationInstalled is called without information" 'added in version 1.2
    WScript.Echo vbTab & "66600008" & vbTab & " : isApplicationInstalledGUID is called without information" 'added in version 1.2
  End If

.....

End Sub

.........

Function isProcessActive(objWMIService, arrProcName)
'==============================================================================================================================
'# purpose : check if the processes passed to this service are active                                                         #
'# input : objWMIService : initialised object from GetObject("winmgmts:" & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\cimv2") #
'#         arrProcName : Array which contains the names of the processes to be checked                                        #
'#                       String which contains one name of a process to be checked                                            #
'#                                                                                                                            #
'#  Example: arrProcName = Array("outlook", "communicator", "winword", "excel", "powerpnt", "access")                         #
'#           isProcessActive objWMI, arrProcName                                                                              #

'#                                                                                                                            #
'# Added in version 1.2                                                                                                       #
'==============================================================================================================================
    writeLog "starting isProcessActive", "Starting isProcessActive", "isProcessActive"
 Dim colProcesses, strQuery, procName, first 
    strQuery = "Select * from Win32_Process where "
    first = True

 If IsArray( arrProcName ) Then
        For Each procName In arrProcName 
            If Not first Then
                strQuery = strQuery & "OR "
            End If
            strQuery = strQuery & "Name Like '%"& procName &"%' "
            first = false
        Next
    Else
        If arrProcName = "" Then
            writeLog "ERROR isProcessActive", "ERROR - Started isProcessActive with no Process te check " & _
            "- Terminiting script now with errorcode 66600006", "isProcessActive"
            WScript.Quit (66600006)
        Else
            strQuery = strQuery & "Name Like '%"& arrProcName &"%' "
        End if
    End If
 
 Set colProcesses = objWMIService.ExecQuery(strQuery)
 Dim Process
 isProcessActive = False
 For Each Process In colProcesses
  isProcessActive = True 
 Next
End Function 

..........

Private Sub uninstallAppGUID( objWMIService, arrAppName )

.......

   writeLog "ERROR UNINSTALL","Error uninstalling because no parameter was set. exiting with errorcode 66600005", "uninstallAppGUID" 'fixed in version 1.2

.......

End Sub

Private Function isApplicationInstalled( objWMIService, arrAppName )
'==============================================================================================================================
'# purpose : check if the applications which are given in the input are installed                                             #
'# input : objWMIService : initialised object from GetObject("winmgmts:" & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\cimv2") #
'#         arrAppName : Array which contains the names of the applications to be checked                                      #
'#                      String which contains one name of a applications to be checked                                        #
'#                                                                                                                            #
'#  Example: arrCheckAppName = Array("Office 2003 Proofing", "Microsoft Office Proof", "visio viewer")                        #
'#           isApplicationInstalled objWMI, arrCheckAppName                                                                   #
'#                                                                                                                            #
'# Added in version 1.2                                                                                                       #
'==============================================================================================================================
    writeLog "starting isApplicationInstalled","starting to run the sub isApplicationInstalled", "isApplicationInstalled"
    Dim colSoftware, objSoftware, strQuery, first, strAppName
    strQuery = "Select * from Win32_Product Where "
    first = True
    on error resume next
    If IsArray( arrAppName ) Then
        For Each strAppName In arrAppName 
            If Not first Then
                strQuery = strQuery & "OR "
            End If
            strQuery = strQuery & "Name Like '%"& strAppName &"%' "
            first = false
        Next
    Else
        If arrAppName = "" Then
            writeLog "ERROR CHECK","Error checking because no parameter was set. exiting with errorcode 66600007", "isApplicationInstalled"
            WScript.Quit (66600007)
        End if
        strQuery = strQuery & "Name Like '%"& arrAppName &"%' "
    End If
    Set colSoftware = objWMIService.ExecQuery (strQuery)
 on error resume next
    isApplicationInstalled = False 
    For Each objSoftware in colSoftware
        writeLog "checking application","Now checking " & objSoftware.Name, "isApplicationInstalled"
        isApplicationInstalled = True 
    Next
    on error goto 0
End Function

Private Function isApplicationInstalledGUID( objWMIService, arrAppName )
'==============================================================================================================================
'# purpose : check if the applications which are given in the input are installed                                             #
'# input : objWMIService : initialised object from GetObject("winmgmts:" & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\cimv2") #
'#         arrAppName : Array which contains the names of the applications to be checked                                      #
'#                      String which contains one name of a applications to be checked                                        #
'#                                                                                                                            #
'#  Example: arrCheckAppName = Array("{34E9AA45-3D13-4DBD-8BC9-7F06AB39B090}", "{34666A45-3D13-4DBD-8BC9-7F0612345690}")      #
'#           isApplicationInstalledGUID objWMI, arrCheckAppName                                                               #
'#                                                                                                                            #
'# Added in version 1.2                                                                                                       #
'============================================================================================================================== 
 writeLog "starting isApplicationInstalledGUID","starting to run the sub isApplicationInstalledGUID", "isApplicationInstalledGUID"
 Dim colSoftware, objSoftware, strQuery, first, strAppName
 strQuery = "Select * from Win32_Product Where "
 first = True
 
 If IsArray( arrAppName ) Then
  For Each strAppName In arrAppName 
   If Not first Then
    strQuery = strQuery & "OR "
   End If
   strQuery = strQuery & "IdentifyingNumber = '%"& strAppName &"%' "
   first = false
  Next
 Else
  If arrAppName = "" Then
   writeLog "ERROR CHECK","Error checking because no parameter was set. exiting with errorcode 66600008", "isApplicationInstalledGUID"
   WScript.Quit (66600008)
  End if
  strQuery = strQuery & "IdentifyingNumber = '%"& arrAppName &"%' "
 End If
 Set colSoftware = objWMIService.ExecQuery (strQuery)
 on error resume next
    isApplicationInstalled = False 
    For Each objSoftware in colSoftware
        writeLog "checking application","Now checking " & objSoftware.Name, "isApplicationInstalledGUID"
        isApplicationInstalled = True 
    Next
 on error goto 0
End Function

Use it freely if you want. But please post here if you do.

Sys internals AD Explorer bypasses security settings in AD

I recently found that the AD Explorer tool from Sysinternals has a different way of handling the display of OU structures.

In an active directory an OU is setup with security rights so that only administrators can view the contents. If you fire up Active Directory Users and Computers this won't show the contents of this folder as suspected.

Since I also use alternative tools to do thing I also us AD Explorer. Since a collegue had trouble seeing the contents of hte OU, I found that I was able to view the contents of the OU. This is strange since we have similar user rights.

I haven't found out yet why AD explorer behaves different apposed to the native tooling. Especially since Microsoft acquired Systinternals and the tools are placed on technet.

Update:
Today I was unable to access the same OU. The only thing changed is that all members are now changed with security rights to only be visible to administrators. Looks like that when an object in an OU is visible to the user, AD Explorer will open the OU to show this object (and all others)

New version installer template 1.1

Updated the installer template to a new version.
Changes are:

ADDED:
uninstallAppGUID : Uninstall an application by is Identifier.
Usefull when the Add Remove Programname is not unique
MODIFIED:
s_ForceUseCSCript : added variable forceCscriptSilent.
If set to TRUE the script will NOT notify the end user that it is being relaunched
s_ForceUseCSCript : WSHShell.run modified to hidden.
When relaunched the script now doesn't show a cscript window.

'==========================================================================
'
' VBScript Source File -- Created with SAPIEN Technologies PrimalScript 2009
'
' NAME: Installer script template V1.1
' AUTHOR: Bas Steelooper , Steelooper Consulting
' DATE  : 07-12-2009
'
' COMMENT: This is the installer script template
'           Create a foler to hold the install sources and this script
'           Following folder structure:
'             
'           APPLICATION-XYZ
'                   |------ INSTALLATION-SOURCES
'                   |               |--- ..........
'                   |
'                   \------ install_Template.vbs
'             
'   Modify the following functions to your needs            
'           parseCommandLineArguments
'               If additional commandline options are required
'           showHelp
'               If additional commandline options are possible describe them here
'           runTask
'               The installtion tasks
'           
'           Start from SMS/SCCM with commandline  "cscript install_Template.vbs [-debug] [logfolder]"
'
'  Modifications
'  V1.1
' ADDED: 
'   uninstallAppGUID : Uninstall an application by is Identifier. 
'       Usefull when the Add Remove Programname is not unique
' MODIFIED:
'  s_ForceUseCSCript : added variable forceCscriptSilent. 
'       If set to TRUE the script will NOT notify the end user that it is being relaunched
'  s_ForceUseCSCript : WSHShell.run modified to hidden. 
'       When relaunched the script now doesn't show a cscript window.
'
'==========================================================================

'=========================
'# Constants declaration #
'=========================
Const FILENAME          = "install_Template.vbs"
Const APPNAME           = "Tempalte-Installer"
Const APPDESCRIPTION    = "This is the installer script template"
Const APPVER            = "1.1"
Const COPYYEAR          = "2009"
Const AUTHOR            = "Bas Steelooper"
Const COMPANYNAME       = "Steelooper Consulting"

'constants for registry editing
Const HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT  = &H80000000
Const HKEY_CURRENT_USER  = &H80000001
Const HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE = &H80000002
Const HKEY_USERS         = &H80000003
Const HKEY_PERFORMANCE_DATA = &H80000004
Const HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG= &H80000005
Const HKEY_DYN_DATA      = &H80000006

'constants for textfiles
Const FORREADING        = 1
Const FORWRITING        = 2
Const FORAPPENDING      = 8

'constants for eventlog
Const SUCCESS           = 0
Const ERRORL            = 1
Const WARNING           = 2
Const INFORMATION        = 4

'constants for disk access
Const HARD_DISK          = 3
Const CONVERT_GB         = 1073741824

'Constants for MSI
const msiUILevelNoChange = 0 'Does not change UI level.
const msiUILevelDefault  = 1 'Uses default UI level.
const msiUILevelNone     = 2 'Silent installation.
const msiUILevelBasic    = 3 'Simple progress and error handling.
const msiUILevelReduced  = 4 'Authored UI and wizard dialog boxes suppressed.
const msiUILevelFull     = 5 'Authored UI with wizards, progress, and errors.
const msiUILevelHideCancel = 32 'If combined with the msiUILevelBasic value, the installer shows progress dialog boxes but does not display a Cancel button on the dialog box to prevent users from canceling the installation.
const msiUILevelProgressOnly = 64 'If combined with the msiUILevelBasic value, the installer displays progress dialog boxes but does not display any modal dialog boxes or error dialog boxes.
const msiUILevelEndDialog = 128 'If combined with any above value, the installer displays a modal dialog box at the end of a successful installation or if there has been an error. No dialog box is displayed if the user cancels.

'=========================
'# Variables declaration #
'=========================
Dim WshShell, scriptPath, objWMI, objProcess, objFSO, strPath
Dim hostname, logFile ,debug

'=========================
'# Object initialization #
'=========================
set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
Set objWMI = GetObject("winmgmts:" & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\cimv2")
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set oReg=GetObject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\default:StdRegProv")
hostname = WshShell.ExpandEnvironmentStrings("%COMPUTERNAME%")

'=============================
'# Determine script location #
'=============================
scriptPath = left(Wscript.scriptFullName, (len(Wscript.scriptFullName) - len(WScript.ScriptName)))

'=============================================================
'#Check if script is invoked by cscript engine, force if not #
'=============================================================
Const forceCscriptSilent = False
s_ForceUseCScript

'================================================================
'# Parse the commandline parameters and start the actual script #
'================================================================
parseCommandLineArguments

'=========================
'# Functions declaration #
'=========================

Sub parseCommandLineArguments ()
'====================================================================
'# Purpose : Parse the command line parameters                      #
'# Input :                                                          #
'====================================================================
Dim noUninstall, onlyProof, noProof, logFolder 
debug = False
logFolder = WshShell.ExpandEnvironmentStrings("%SystemRoot%") & "\temp\"
For Each argument In WScript.Arguments  
Select Case argument
Case "-debug" 
debug = True
Case Else
If StrComp(Right(argument,1), "\") <> 0 Then
logFolder = argument & "\"
End If
If Not objFSO.FolderExists( logFolder ) Then
WScript.Quit(80040005)
End If
End Select 
Next

On Error Resume Next
Set logFile = objFSO.CreateTextFile(logfolder & hostname & "-" & APPNAME &"-trace.log", FORAPPENDING, True)
If Err.Number = 70 Or  Err.Number = 46 Then
WScript.Echo "not running as administrator....."
logfolder = WshShell.ExpandEnvironmentStrings("%temp%") & "\"
WScript.Echo logfolder
Set logFile = objFSO.CreateTextFile(logfolder & hostname & "-" & APPNAME &"-trace.log", FORAPPENDING, True)
writeLog "LogfileError", "ERROR|Not running as administrator", "parseCommandLineArguments"
End If
On Error GoTo 0
'===================
'# Show the banner #
'===================
scriptBanner

'======================
'# Show the Help info #
'======================
showHelp 

'======================================================
'# Start the main app                                 #
'# if additional arguments are possible add them here #
'======================================================
Call runTask(  )

'======================
'# Cleanup and exit   #
'======================
'Close the logfile
logFile.Close
'quit with exitcode 0
WScript.quit
'quit with exitcode 3010 (For SCCM if reboot is required)
WScript.quit(3010)
End Sub

Sub showHelp()
'===============================================================================
'# Purpose : show help information on how to use the script                    #
'===============================================================================
wscript.echo "usage: cscript " & FILENAME & " [-debug] [-nouninstall] [-onlyproof] [logfolder]"
wscript.echo vbTab & "-debug" & vbTab & vbTab & "Show debug information"
wscript.echo vbTab & "logfolder" & vbTab & "Alterantive logfolder"
wscript.echo vbTab & "Default logfolder is c:\windows\temp"
WScript.Echo ""
WScript.Echo "Possible error codes: "
If debug Then
WScript.Echo vbTab & "66600001" & vbTab & " : patchApp is called without information"
WScript.Echo vbTab & "66600002" & vbTab & " : installApp is called without information"
WScript.Echo vbTab & "66600003" & vbTab & " : killProcesses is called without information"
WScript.Echo vbTab & "66600004" & vbTab & " : uninstallApp is called without information"
End If
WScript.Echo vbTab & "80040005" & vbTab & " : Logfolder not accessible"
WScript.Echo ""
WScript.Echo "To see the returncode you start the script form a command prompt"
Wscript.Echo "and issue the command:"
WScript.Echo vbTab & "echo %errorlevel%"
End Sub

Sub runTask( )
'==============================================================================================================================
'# purpose : the actual script to run.                                                                                        #
'==============================================================================================================================
writeLog    "start Runtask", "runTask started with the following parramenters " & _
"*debug = " & debug, "runtask"
Dim arrRemoveApps, arrKillProcesses, strDiskSize, strKeyPath, strValueName, strValue, strCMD, dwordValue 

'===================================================
'# Optional: Not in use with SCCM                  #
'# Disckspace check for use when not in SMS / SCCM #
'===================================================
Set objLogicalDisk = objWMI.Get("Win32_LogicalDisk.DeviceID='c:'") 
strDiskSize = (objLogicalDisk.FreeSpace / CONVERT_GB) 
If strDiskSize < 2 Then 
writeLog "checkDiskSize", "ERROR : Disksize is less than required. Why am I running???" & _
" If I am not started from SCCM this line should be changed." & _
" If run from SMS/SCCM the minimal disc requirement must be set!!!!", "runtask"
'Solve in SMS / SCCM When not in SMS / SCCM uncomment the following line
'wscript.Quit(666) 
End If

'===========================================
'# Kill some Running processes if required #
'===========================================
arrKillProcesses = Array("dummy123","dummy234","dummy567")
killProcesses objWMI, arrKillProcesses

'===============================================
'# Uninstalling some obsolete applications     #
'===============================================
'By application name from Add Remove Programs
arrRemoveApps = Array("Dummy123", "Dummy234", "Dummy456")
uninstallApp objWMI, arrRemoveApps

'By GUID (Product ID)
arrRemoveApps = Array("{34E9AA45-3D13-4DBD-8BC9-7F06AB39B090}", "{34666A45-3D13-4DBD-8BC9-7F0612345690}")
uninstallAppGUID objWMI, arrRemoveApps

'============================================
'# Installing the application by executable #
'============================================
writeLog "startInstall","Starting installation of Application XYZ", "runtask"
strCMD = scriptPath & "APPLICATIONSOURCE\setup.exe"
WshShell.Run strCMD, 2, True

'==========================================
'# Installing the application by msi file #
'==========================================
'With an MST file
installApp "APPLICATION-SOURCES\myapp.msi", "APPLICATIONSOURCE\myapp.mst", "LAUNCHEDBYSETUPEXE=1"
'Without an MST file
installApp "APPLICATION-SOURCES\myapp.msi", "", "LAUNCHEDBYSETUPEXE=1"
'Without properties
installApp "APPLICATION-SOURCES\myapp.msi", "APPLICATIONSOURCE\myapp.mst", ""

'==========================================
'# Patch the application With an msp file #
'==========================================
'With properties
patchApp "APPLICATIONSOURCE\myapp.msp", "MYPROPERTIE=TRUE"
'Without properties
patchApp "APPLICATIONSOURCE\myapp.msp", ""

'========================================
'# Remove legacy folder from Start Menu #
'========================================
strPath = WshShell.ExpandEnvironmentStrings("%ALLUSERSPROFILE%")&"\Start Menu\Programs\" & "My Dummy String"
If objFSO.FolderExists (strPath) Then
writeLog "delete folder","Deleting the obsolete folder", "runtask"
objFSO.DeleteFolder(strPath)
End If


'===================================
'# Write something To the registry #
'===================================
strKeyPath = "SOFTWARE\Getronics\Consulting"
strValueName = "Bas"
strValue = "Steelooper"
dwordValue = "2009"
'Write an String value
oReg.SetStringValue HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, strKeyPath, strValueName, strValue
'Write an DWord value
oReg.SetDwordValue HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, strKeyPath, strValueName, dwordValue

'====================================
'# Read something from the registry #
'====================================
strKeyPath = "SOFTWARE\Getronics\Consulting"
strValueName = "Bas"
strValue = ""
dwordValue = ""
'Read an String value into strValue
oReg.getStringValue HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, strKeyPath, strValueName, strValue
'Read an DWord value into dwordValue
oReg.getDwordValue HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, strKeyPath, strValueName, dwordValue

'=========================================
'# Finished processing all install tasks #
'=========================================
writeLog "Finished runTask","Finished processing the runtask sequence", "runtask"
End Sub

Private Sub uninstallApp( objWMIService, arrAppName )
'==============================================================================================================================
'# purpose : uninstall the applications which are given in the input                                                          #
'# input : objWMIService : initialised object from GetObject("winmgmts:" & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\cimv2") #
'#         arrAppName : Array which contains the names of the applications to be uninstalled                                  #
'#                      String which contains one name of a applications to be uninstalled                                    #
'#                                                                                                                            #
'#  Example: arrRemoveApps = Array("Office 2003 Proofing", "Microsoft Office Proof", "visio viewer")                          #
'#           uninstallApp objWMI, arrRemoveApps                                                                               #
'==============================================================================================================================
writeLog "starting uninstallApp","starting to run the sub uninstallApp", "uninstallApp"
Dim colSoftware, objSoftware, strQuery, first, strAppName
strQuery = "Select * from Win32_Product Where "
first = True
on error resume next
If IsArray( arrAppName ) Then
For Each strAppName In arrAppName 
If Not first Then
strQuery = strQuery & "OR "
End If
strQuery = strQuery & "Name Like '%"& strAppName &"%' "
first = false
Next
Else
If arrAppName = "" Then
writeLog "ERROR UNINSTALL","Error uninstalling because no parameter was set. exiting with errorcode 66600004", "uninstallApp"
WScript.Quit (66600004)
End if
strQuery = strQuery & "Name Like '%"& arrAppName &"%' "
End If
Set colSoftware = objWMIService.ExecQuery (strQuery)
For Each objSoftware in colSoftware
writeLog "uninstalling","Now uninstalling " & objSoftware.Name, "uninstallApp"
objSoftware.Uninstall()
Next
on error goto 0
End Sub

Private Sub uninstallAppGUID( objWMIService, arrAppName )
'==============================================================================================================================
'# purpose : uninstall the applications which are given in the input                                                          #
'# input : objWMIService : initialised object from GetObject("winmgmts:" & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\cimv2") #
'#         arrAppName : Array which contains the names of the applications to be uninstalled                                  #
'#                      String which contains one name of a applications to be uninstalled                                    #
'#                                                                                                                            #
'#  Example: arrRemoveApps = Array("{34E9AA45-3D13-4DBD-8BC9-7F06AB39B090}", "{34666A45-3D13-4DBD-8BC9-7F0612345690}")        #
'#           uninstallAppGUID objWMI, arrRemoveApps                                                                           #
'==============================================================================================================================
writeLog "starting uninstallApp","starting to run the sub uninstallApp", "uninstallApp"
Dim colSoftware, objSoftware, strQuery, first, strAppName
strQuery = "Select * from Win32_Product Where "
first = True

If IsArray( arrAppName ) Then
For Each strAppName In arrAppName 
If Not first Then
strQuery = strQuery & "OR "
End If
strQuery = strQuery & "IdentifyingNumber = '%"& strAppName &"%' "
first = false
Next
Else
If arrAppName = "" Then
writeLog "ERROR UNINSTALL","Error uninstalling because no parameter was set. exiting with errorcode 66600004", "uninstallApp"
WScript.Quit (66600004)
End if
strQuery = strQuery & "IdentifyingNumber = '%"& arrAppName &"%' "
End If
Set colSoftware = objWMIService.ExecQuery (strQuery)
on error resume next
For Each objSoftware in colSoftware
writeLog "uninstalling","Now uninstalling " & objSoftware.Name, "uninstallApp"
objSoftware.Uninstall()
Next
on error goto 0
End Sub

Private Sub killProcesses ( objWMIService, arrKillProc )
'==============================================================================================================================
'# purpose : kill the processes which are passed to the function                                                              #
'# input : objWMIService : initialised object from GetObject("winmgmts:" & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\cimv2") #
'#         arrKillProc : Array which contains the names of the processes to be terminated                                     #
'#                       String which contains one name of a process to be terminated                                         #
'#                                                                                                                            #
'#  Example: arrKillProcesses = Array("outlook", "communicator", "winword", "excel", "powerpnt", "access")                    #
'#           killProcesses objWMI, arrKillProcesses                                                                           #
'==============================================================================================================================
writeLog "starting killProcesses", "Starting killProcesses", "killProcesses"

Dim colSoftware, objSoftware, strQuery, first, procName
strQuery = "Select * from Win32_Process where "
first = True

If IsArray( arrKillProc ) Then
For Each procName In arrKillProc 
If Not first Then
strQuery = strQuery & "OR "
End If
strQuery = strQuery & "Name Like '%"& procName &"%' "
first = false
Next
Else
If arrKillProc = "" Then
writeLog "ERROR killProcesses", "ERROR - Started killProcesses with no Process te kill " & _
"- Terminiting script now with errorcode 66600003", "killProcesses"
WScript.Quit (66600003)
Else
strQuery = strQuery & "Name Like '%"& procName &"%' "
End if
End If

Set colProcess = objWMIService.ExecQuery (strQuery)
For Each objProcess in colProcess
writeLog "running killProcesses", "Killing process : " & objProcess.name, "killProcesses"
objProcess.Terminate()
Next
End Sub

Private Sub installApp( strMSI, strMST, properties )
'==========================================================================================================================
'# purpose : Install an application by directly using the Windows Installer API instead of using msiexec                  #
'# input : strMSI : path to the msi file to install located in a subfolder of this scriptfile                             #
'#         strMST : path to the mst file used transform the install located in a subfolder of this scriptfile             #
'#         properties : String containing additional properties to pass on to the installation                            #
'#                      Standard the following are added  ALLUSERS=TRUE REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS                             #
'#                             ALLUSERS=TRUE > if the application is scripted per user. this will install for all users   #
'#                             REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS > Make sure that the installation will not reboot the machine        #
'#                                                                                                                        #
'#  Example: installApp "ProofingExtra\PROOF_DE\Proof.msi", "ProofingExtra\PROOF_DE\Proof.mst", "LAUNCHEDBYSETUPEXE=1"    #
'==========================================================================================================================
writeLog "starting installApp","starting to run the sub installApp", "installApp"
If IsEmpty(strMSI) Or strMSI = "" Then
writeLog "ERROR INSTALL","Error installing because no msi parameter was set. exiting with errorcode 66600002", "installApp"
WScript.Quit(66600002)
End if
Dim objInstaller
set objInstaller = createobject("WindowsInstaller.Installer")
objInstaller.uilevel = msiUILevelNone
If strMST <> "" then
writeLog "Start installation","starting the installation of MSI File: '" & strMSI & "' with Transform file : '" & strMST & "'", "installApp"
writeLog "Start installation","Applying the properties: 'ALLUSERS=TRUE REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS " & strMST & "'", "installApp"
objInstaller.InstallProduct scriptPath & strMSI, "TRANSFORMS=" & scriptPath & strMST & " ALLUSERS=TRUE REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS " & properties  
Else
writeLog "Start installation","starting the installation of MSI File: " & strMSI, "installApp"
writeLog "Start installation","Applying the properties: 'ALLUSERS=TRUE REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS " & strMST & "'", "installApp"
objInstaller.InstallProduct  scriptPath & strMSI, "ALLUSERS=TRUE REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS " & properties  
End If
writeLog "Finished installation","Finished the installation of MSI : '" & strMSI & "'", "installApp"
End Sub

Private Sub patchApp( strMSP, properties )
'====================================================================================================================
'# purpose : Patch an application by directlu using the Windows Installer API instead of using msiexec              #
'# input : strMSP : path to the msp file to install located in a subfolder of this scriptfile                       #
'#         properties : String containing additional properties to pass on to the installation                      #
'#                      Standard the following are added  REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS                                     #
'#                             REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS > Make sure that the installation will not reboot the machine  #
'#                                                                                                                  #
'#  Example : patchApp "ProofingExtra\SP2\proofsp2-de-de.msp", ""                                                   #
'====================================================================================================================
writeLog "starting patchApp","starting to run the sub patchApp", "patchApp"
If IsEmpty(strMSP) Or strMSP = "" Then
writeLog "ERROR PATCHING","Error patching because no msp parameter was set. exiting with errorcode 66600001", "patchApp"
WScript.Quit(66600001)
End If
Dim objInstaller
Set objInstaller = createobject("WindowsInstaller.Installer")
objInstaller.uilevel = msiUILevelNone
writeLog "Start installation","starting the installation of MSP File: " & strMSP, "patchApp"
writeLog "Start installation","Applying the properties: 'REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS " & strMST & "'", "patchApp"
objInstaller.ApplyPatch scriptPath & strMSP, "", 0,  " REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS " & properties
writeLog "Finished installation","Finished the installation of MSP : '" & strMSP & "'", "patchApp"
End Sub

Sub s_Error(i,s)
'========================================================================
'# Purpose : Show errors generated by engine and abort script operation #
'# Input : i : err.number (integer)                                     #
'#         s : err.description (string)                                 #
'========================================================================

wscript.echo "ERROR!"
wscript.echo "The error code was : " & i
wscript.echo "The error code in hex : " & Hex(i)
wscript.echo "The error description : " & s
wscript.quit

End Sub

Sub writeLog(strEvent, strDescription, strLocation )
'====================================================================
'# Purpose : Write logging to a file.                               #
'# Input : strEvent : The event to log to file                      #
'#         strDescription : The description to log to file          #
'#         strLocation : the location where the logging came from   #
'====================================================================
Dim strDate, strTime
strDate = parsedigits(DAY(date()),2) & "-" & _ 
parsedigits(MONTH(date()),2) & "-" & _ 
parsedigits(YEAR(date()),2)
strTime = parsedigits(Hour(Now),2) & ":" & _
parsedigits(minute(Now),2) & ":" & _
parsedigits(Second(Now),2)
logFile.WriteLine(strTime & "|" & strDate & "|" & strLocation & "|" & strEvent & "|" & strDescription)
if debug then wscript.echo(strTime & "|" & strDate & "|" & strLocation & "|" & strEvent & "|" & strDescription)    
End Sub

Sub scriptBanner()
'====================================================================
'# Purpose : show the banner and copyright of the script            #
'# Input :                                                          #
'====================================================================
wscript.echo APPNAME & " - " & APPDESCRIPTION & "."
wscript.echo "Copyright (c) " & COPYYEAR & " - " & COMPANYNAME & " - " & AUTHOR 
wscript.echo ""
writeLog "APPNAME", APPNAME & " - " & APPDESCRIPTION & ".", "scriptBanner"
writeLog "APPNAME", "Copyright (c) " & COPYYEAR & " - " & COMPANYNAME & " - " & AUTHOR, "scriptBanner"
writeLog "", "", ""
End Sub

Function parsedigits(valuetoparse, totalDigits) 
'====================================================================
'# Purpose : Return a value which is the number of digits required  #
'# Input : valuetoparse : The values which must be parsed           #
'#         totalDigits : The number of digits required to fill      #
'#                                                                  #
'# example : parsedigits(2,2) returns 02                            #
'#           parsedigits(2,1) returns 2                             #
'#           parsedigits(2,3) returns 002                           #
'====================================================================
if totalDigits > len(valuetoparse) then 
parsedigits = String(totalDigits-len(valuetoparse),"0") & valuetoparse 
else 
parsedigits = valuetoparse
end if 
End Function 

Sub s_ForceUseCScript()
'********************************************
' Purpose: Force script to use cscript engine
'********************************************
dim strScriptEngine, exitcode
strScriptEngine = Right(WScript.FullName,len(WScript.FullName) - instrrev(WScript.FullName,"\"))
If Not LCase(strScriptEngine) = "cscript.exe" And Not LCase(strScriptEngine) = "primalhost.dll" Then
If Not forceCscriptSilent Then
WshShell.Popup "Script is not invoked uder cscript engine. Relaunching under cscript...",5,"WSCRIPT"
End If
dim strArguments
strArguments = ""
For Each arg In WScript.Arguments
If arg & "\" <> scriptPath Then strArguments = strArguments & " " & arg
Next
exitcode = WshShell.Run( "cmd.exe /C " &  WshShell.ExpandEnvironmentStrings("%SystemRoot%") & "\system32\cscript.exe //NOLOGO " & Chr(34) & WScript.scriptFullName & Chr(34) & strArguments, 0, True)
WScript.Quit(exitcode)
End If

End Sub

'GENERIC INFORMATION

'REGISTRY
'Initialise registry
'    sComputer = "." '(Localhost)
'    Set oRegistry = GetObject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate}//" & _
'        sComputer & "/root/default:StdRegProv")

'Functions for registry editing
'    GetBinaryValue             - reads regisry value of BINARY type
'    GetDWORDValue             - reads registry value of DWORD type
'    GetExpandedStringValue     - reads registry value of EXPANDED STRING type
'    GetMultiStringValue     - reads registry value of MULTI STRING type
'    GetStringValue             - reads registry value of STRING type
'    CreateKey                 - creates registry key
'    SetBinaryValue             - writes registry value of BINARY type
'    SetDWORDValue             - writes registry value of DWORD type
'    SetExpandedStringValue     - writes registry value of EXPANDED STRING type
'    SetMultiStringValue     - writes registry value of MULTI STRING type
'    SetStringValue             - writes registry value of STRING type
'    DeleteKey                 - deletes registry key
'    DeleteValue             - deleting registry value
'    EnumKey                 - enumerates registry key
'    EnumValues                 - enumerates registry value
'    CheckAccess             - checks permissions on registry key

'WINDOWS INSTALLER
'initialisatie Windows Installer
'    Set objInstaller = createobject("WindowsInstaller.Installer")

'Functions for Windows Installer Object
'    AddSource - Adds a source to the list of valid network sources in the sourcelist.
'    AdvertiseProduct - Advertises an installation package.
'    AdvertiseScript - Advertises an installation package.
'    ApplyPatch - Invokes an installation and sets the PATCH property to the path of the patch package for each product listed by the patch package as eligible to receive the patch.
'    ApplyMultiplePatches - Applies one or more patches to products eligible to receive the patch. Sets the PATCH property to the path of the patch packages provided.
'    ClearSourceList - Removes all network sources from the sourcelist.
'    CollectUserInfo - Invokes a user interface wizard sequence that collects and stores both user information and the product code.
'    ConfigureFeature - Configures the installed state of a product feature.
'    ConfigureProduct - Installs or uninstalls a product.
'    CreateAdvertiseScript - Generates an advertise script.
'    CreateRecord - Returns a new Record object with the requested number of fields.
'    EnableLog - Enables logging of the selected message type for all subsequent installation sessions in the current process space.
'    ExtractPatchXMLData - Extracts information from a patch as an XML string.
'    FileHash - Takes the path to a file and returns a 128-bit hash of that file.
'    FileSignatureInfo - Takes the path to a file and returns a SAFEARRAY of bytes that represents the hash or the encoded certificate.
'    FileSize - Returns the size of the specified file.
'    FileVersion - Returns the version string or language string of the specified path.
'    ForceSourceListResolution - Forces the installer to search the source list for a valid product source the next time a source is required.
'    InstallProduct - Opens an installer package and initializes an installation session.
'    LastErrorRecord - Returns a Record object that contains error parameters for the most recent error from the function that produced the error record.
'    OpenDatabase - Opens an existing database or creates a new one.
'    OpenPackage - Opens an installer package for use with functions that access the product database and install engine.
'    OpenProduct - Opens an installer package for an installed product using the product code.
'    ProvideAssembly - Returns the installed path of an assembly.
'    ProvideComponent - Returns the full component path and performs any necessary installation.
'    ProvideQualifiedComponent - Returns the full component path and performs any necessary installation.
'    RegistryValue - Reads information about a specified registry key of value.
'    ReinstallFeature - Reinstalls features or corrects problems with installed features.
'    ReinstallProduct - Reinstalls a product or corrects installation problems in an installed product.
'    RemovePatches - Removes one or more patches to products eligible to receive the patch.
'    UseFeature - Increments the usage count for a particular feature and returns the installation state for that feature.

'Properties for Windows Installer Object
'    ClientsEx - Read-only - Returns a RecordList object that lists products that use a specified installed component.
'        Windows Installer 4.5 and earlier:  Not supported.
'    ComponentClients - Read-only - Returns a StringList object enumerating the set of clients of a specified component.
'    ComponentPath - Read-only - Returns the full path to an installed component.
'    ComponentPathEx - Read-only - Returns a RecordList object that gives the full path of a specified installed component.
'        Windows Installer 4.5 and earlier:  Not supported.
'    ComponentQualifiers - Read-only - Returns a StringList object enumerating the set of registered qualifiers for the specified component.
'    Components - Read-only - Returns a StringList object enumerating the set of installed components for all products.
'    ComponentsEx - Read-only - Returns a RecordList object that lists installed components.
'        Windows Installer 4.5 and earlier:  Not supported.
'    Environment - Read-only - The string value for an environment variable of the current process.
'    FeatureParent - Read-only - Specifies the parent feature of a feature.
'    Features - Read-only - Returns a StringList object enumerating the set of published features for the specified product.
'    FeatureState - Read-only - Returns the installed state of a feature.
'    FeatureUsageCount - Read-only - Returns the number of times that the feature has been used.
'    FeatureUsageDate - Read-only - Returns the date that the specified feature was last used.
'    FileAttributes - Read-only - Returns a number that represents the combined file attributes for the designated path to a file or folder.
'    Patches - Read-only - Returns a StringList object that contains all the patches applied to the product.
'    PatchesEx - Read-only - Enumerates a collection of Patch objects.
'    PatchFiles - Read-only - Returns a StringList object that contains a list of files that can be updated by the provided list of patches.
'    PatchInfo - Read-only - Returns information about a patch.
'    PatchTransforms - Read-only - Returns the semicolon delimited list of transforms that are in the specified patch package and applied to the specified product.
'    ProductElevated - Read-only - Returns True if the product is managed or False if the product is not managed.
'    ProductInfo - Read-only - Returns the value of the specified attribute for an installed or published product.
'    ProductInfoFromScript - Read-only - Returns the value of the specified attribute that is stored in an advertise script.
'    Products - Read-only - Returns a StringList object enumerating the set of all products installed or advertised for the current user and machine.
'    ProductsEx - Read-only - Enumerates a collection of Product objects.
'    ProductState - Read-only - Returns the install state information for a product.
'    QualifierDescription - Read-only - Returns a text string that describes the qualified component.
'    RelatedProducts - Read-only - Returns a StringList object enumerating the set of all products installed or advertised for the current user and machine with a specified UpgradeCode property in their property table.
'    ShortcutTarget - Read-only - Examines a shortcut and returns its product, feature name and component if available.
'    SummaryInformation - Read-only - Returns a SummaryInfo object that can be used to examine, update and add properties to the summary information stream of a package or transform.
'    UILevel - Read-Write - Indicates the type of user interface to be used when opening and processing subsequent packages within the current process space.
'    Version - Read-only - Returns the string representation of the current version of Windows Installer

Use it freely if you want. But please post here if you do.