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Powershell runs fine manually but not in Task Scheduler
I have a strange problem, and I am hoping someone will be able to point me to a solution. Below you will see a PowerShell script below that I am running The script works fine when it is run manually in PowerShell, but when I put it in the Windows Task Scheduler and it runs at the appointed time (5 am) the output is garbage You can see the script running below at 5am If it Right click on the task in the scheduler, and tell it to run, the script it runs normally and the output is fine I am guessing there is some switch or something that I am missing that will need to make this work, but I am hoping someone has an idea and can help me because I am lost Thanks Gary
stop expanding parentheses in a variable
Hello We have created a script using PowerShell and Box CLI to create groups in Box as a user request them. We have had success with the script until recently. We had a user request that failed $ClientName="Test-Group(Name)" $BoxClientOwnerName="$($ClientName)_Owner" $BoxLOWGRPRaw="$( Box groups:create --json $BoxClientOwnerName )" The script returns the error _Owner was unexpected at this time. If we enter the group name not as a variable, it will work $BoxLOWGRPRaw="$( Box groups:create --json "Test-Group(Name)" )" We believe that it is trying to expand the information in the () We have tried several different ways to create the group variable name, but have not had success yet. We have tried to use escape characters to stop the processing of the (), but no success. Could you please help us resolve this issue? Thank you**A Machine Learning Framework for PowerShell** *Focus: Neural Networks & Reinforcement Learning*
Hi PowerShell Community! 👋 I'm excited to share something I've been building that I believe fills a gap in our ecosystem: **VBAF (Visual Business Automation Framework) - A PowerShell Machine Learning Framework**. This is the first reinforcement learning and neural network framework implemented entirely in PowerShell, designed specifically for IT professionals, automation engineers, and scripters who want to explore ML concepts without leaving PowerShell. ## 🎯 **Why PowerShell for Machine Learning?** PowerShell is installed on every Windows machine and is the automation backbone for millions of IT professionals. But until now, we've never had: - A native neural network engine - A reinforcement learning framework - Multi-agent simulation capabilities - Real-time ML visualization dashboards **VBAF changes that.** ## 🔧 **What's Included:** **Neural Networks:** - Multi-layer perceptrons from scratch - Multiple activation functions (Sigmoid, ReLU, Tanh) - Backpropagation with convergence tracking - Training loops and performance metrics **Reinforcement Learning:** - Q-learning with epsilon-greedy exploration - Experience replay buffer - Reward shaping and policy optimization - Multi-agent environments **Business Automation:** - Company competition simulation - Market dynamics modeling - Resource optimization scenarios - Emergent agent behaviors **Visualization:** - Real-time training dashboards (WinForms) - Learning curve visualization - Network activation displays - 20-30 FPS performance ## 💻 **Quick Start:** ```powershell # Install from PowerShell Gallery Install-Module VBAF -Scope CurrentUser Import-Module VBAF # Train your first neural network (XOR problem) $network = New-VBAFNeuralNetwork -Architecture @(2,3,1) -LearningRate 0.1 $network.Train($xorData, 1000) $network.Predict(@(1,0)) # Create a Q-learning agent $agent = New-VBAFAgent -StateSize 10 -ActionCount 4 $agent.Learn($state, $action, $reward, $nextState) ``` ## 🎓 **Built for Learning:** VBAF is designed with transparency in mind. Unlike TensorFlow or PyTorch, you can: - Read every line of the implementation - Understand exactly how backpropagation works - See Q-learning updates in real-time - Modify algorithms to experiment Perfect for: - Teaching ML concepts to IT professionals - Understanding AI fundamentals - Building automation that learns and adapts - Prototyping RL solutions in familiar syntax ## 🌟 **Real-World Applications:** **IT Operations:** - Predictive server maintenance - Intelligent resource allocation - Log anomaly detection **Business Intelligence:** - Customer churn prediction - Inventory optimization - Dynamic pricing models **Process Automation:** - Adaptive helpdesk routing - Email prioritization by business impact - Workflow optimization ## 🔗 **Links:** - **GitHub:** https://github.com/JupyterPS/VBAF - **PowerShell Gallery:** `Install-Module VBAF` - **Documentation:** Included in module (`Get-VBAFExamples`) ## 🤝 **Community Collaboration:** This is a community project, and I'd love your feedback! Areas open for contribution: - Additional RL algorithms (PPO, A3C, DQN) - Performance optimizations - New business simulation scenarios - Documentation and tutorials - Visualization enhancements ## 🙏 **Why I Built This:** As an educator, I saw students struggle with Python ML examples. They wanted to understand AI concepts in the language they use daily - PowerShell. VBAF bridges that gap. PowerShell has always been about pushing boundaries and empowering IT professionals. I hope this framework becomes a useful tool for learning, experimentation, and building automation that adapts. **What do you think? What would YOU build with a PowerShell ML framework?** Looking forward to your feedback and ideas! #PowerShell #MachineLearning #Automation #ReinforcementLearning
Running Un-attended Scripts via Task Scheduler
I am trying to get some of my PS Scripts that are required regularly to run un-attended on a server using Task Scheduler. I am aware that App Registrations seem to be the recommended way, but I am struggling to find the best way to plan and deploy a solution. For example, one of the jobs I want to automate is a search using Exchange get-messagetracev2, I have created a service account, given the account Delegate Full Access permissions to 31 shared mailboxes I need to report on. Basically, I need to know how many emails have been received during the previous week to each mailbox. Generate a csv, list the mailbox, start date - end date, number of emails received, then ideally either email 3 users the report, or send a Teams notification (using Workflow Bot) to send a notification that the report is ready and the file is attached. I must be using the least permissive method of doing this, looking for ways to achieve this with the lowest level of access and to understand the best config for the App Registration, can I use Delegate or must it be App permissions? Thanks in advanceGet-Secret fails when PowerShell script runs as a scheduled task.
I have a PowerShell backup script that connects to SMB shares, copies files from one share to the other share, and disconnects. Passwords used to connect to the shares are stored in a SecretStore. The user account that the script runs under is an unpriviledged Backup Operator that has access to the SMB shares. THe SecretStore was created under the same user context. I can run the script manually in the console, and it executes correctly. When I run the same script as a scheduled task, running under the same user account, the script stops when the Get-Secret cmdlet is called. Here is some pertinent information: PS C:\Users\incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup> $PSVersionTable Name Value ---- ----- PSVersion 5.1.14393.3471 PSEdition Desktop PSCompatibleVersions {1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0...} BuildVersion 10.0.14393.3471 CLRVersion 4.0.30319.42000 WSManStackVersion 3.0 PSRemotingProtocolVersion 2.3 SerializationVersion 1.1.0.1 PS C:\Users\incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup> Get-Module -ListAvailable Directory: C:\Program Files\WindowsPowerShell\Modules ModuleType Version Name ExportedCommands ---------- ------- ---- ---------------- Script 1.0.1 Microsoft.PowerShell.Operation.V... {Get-OperationValidation, Invoke-OperationValidation} Binary 1.1.2 Microsoft.PowerShell.SecretManag... {Register-SecretVault, Unregister-SecretVault, Get-SecretVault, Set-SecretVaultDefault...} Binary 1.0.6 Microsoft.PowerShell.SecretStore {Unlock-SecretStore, Set-SecretStorePassword, Get-SecretStoreConfiguration, Set-SecretStoreConfiguration...} PS C:\Users\incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup> Get-SCheduledTask | Format-List -Property * State : Ready Actions : {MSFT_TaskExecAction} Author : WIN-M95PVJLVDAB\incodebackup Date : 2026-01-27T15:28:35.7952875 Description : This task copies files out of the TUNET/datafile directory once a say to ARCHIBALD. Documentation : Principal : MSFT_TaskPrincipal2 SecurityDescriptor : Settings : MSFT_TaskSettings3 Source : TaskName : Daily TUNet Backup Copy TaskPath : \ Triggers : {MSFT_TaskDailyTrigger} URI : \Daily TUNet Backup Copy Version : PSComputerName : CimClass : Root/Microsoft/Windows/TaskScheduler:MSFT_ScheduledTask CimInstanceProperties : {Actions, Author, Date, Description...} CimSystemProperties : Microsoft.Management.Infrastructure.CimSystemProperties I execute Start-Transcript early in the script execution, and because of the crash(?), it is short enough to included in its entirety: ********************** Windows PowerShell transcript start Start time: 20260127190002 Username: WIN-M95PVJLVDAB\incodebackup RunAs User: WIN-M95PVJLVDAB\incodebackup Machine: WIN-M95PVJLVDAB (Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.14393.0) Host Application: C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NonInteractive -File C:\Users\Incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup\Copy-TUNetBackup.ps1 -daily -test Process ID: 2084 PSVersion: 5.1.14393.3471 PSEdition: Desktop PSCompatibleVersions: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 5.1.14393.3471 BuildVersion: 10.0.14393.3471 CLRVersion: 4.0.30319.42000 WSManStackVersion: 3.0 PSRemotingProtocolVersion: 2.3 SerializationVersion: 1.1.0.1 ********************** Transcript started, output file is C:\Users\Incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup\daily_2026-01-27_190002.log 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 940 TUNet backup script started. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 941 Copy-TUNetBackup.ps1 Version: 6.0F 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 942 Parameter qhourly: False 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 943 Parameter hourly: False 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 944 Parameter daily: True 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 945 Parameter purge: False 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 946 Parameter archive: False 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 947 Parameter test: True 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1035 Creating mutex object. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1037 Creating semaphore object. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1058 Mutex timeout set: 300000 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1072 Attempting to acquire mutex to enter semaphore... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1074 ...got the mutex! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1075 Attempting to enter the semaphore... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1077 ... got the semaphore! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 719 Release-Mutex: Attempting to release mutex... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 721 Release-Mutex: ...done. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1090 Using TEST values for source and destination paths. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1109 TUnet Source: \\192.168.100.46\Netbackup\Netbackup\Tantalus\test_src\datafile 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1110 ARCHIE Dest: \\192.168.100.46\Netbackup\Netbackup\Tantalus\test_dest\datafile 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1114 Attempt to acquire mutex to mount network shares... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1116 ...got the mutex! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1117 Opening SecretStore vault...! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1120 ... vault opened! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1121 Checking connection to \\192.168.100.46\Netbackup\Netbackup\Tantalus ... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1126 ...not connected to \\192.168.100.46\Netbackup\Netbackup\Tantalus . 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1127 Get FULTON\incodebackup password... ********************** Windows PowerShell transcript end End time: 20260127190002 ********************** Now I will show you the script around line 1127 where it goes out into the weeds: Write-Log -Level "INFO" -Message "$(__LINE__) Opening SecretStore vault...!" $pw = Import-CliXml -Path '.\TUNet-Backup-Vault.xml' -Verbose Unlock-SecretStore -Password $pw Write-Log -Level "INFO" -Message "$(__LINE__) ... vault opened!" # # Statements omitted # Write-Log -Level "INFO" -Message "$(__LINE__) Get $archie_un password..." try { $pw = Get-Secret -Name $archie_un -Verbose -Debug } catch { $err_msg = "Get-Secret exception. Name: $archie_un Exception: $($_.Exception.Message)" Write-Log -Level "FATAL" -Message "$(__LINE__) $err_msg" throw $err_msg } Write-Log -Level "INFO" -Message "$(__LINE__) ...done!" I was able to unlock the SecretStore, but Get-Secret fails. The very odd thing, besides not getting my password out the SecretStore, is that there is no exception posted by Powershell. I have no information at all about why my attempt did not work. If Get-Secret exited, then I would expect one of the two possible log messages printed in the transcript, but as you can see, the transcript ended. Note: the entire script body is encapsulated in a try{} block, which has an associated finally{} block, which contains other logging commands that execute when the finally{} block is entered, but in scheduled task instance, nothing. If anyone can tell me how to make Get-Secret work, that would be great, but I'll settle very gratefully for some way to get more information from this system to try to figure out why it is not, that would be most helpful. Additional information supplied on request.Get-Secret fails when Powershell script runs in a scheduled task.
I have a PowerShell backup script that connects to SMB shares, copies files from one share to the other share, and disconnects. Passwords used to connect to the shares are stored in a SecretStore. The user account that the script runs under is an unpriviledged Backup Operator that has access to the SMB shares. THe SecretStore was created under the same user context. I can run the script manually in the console, and it executes correctly. When I run the same script as a scheduled task, running under the same user account, the script stops when the Get-Secret cmdlet is called. Here is some pertinent information: PS C:\Users\incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup> $PSVersionTable Name Value ---- ----- PSVersion 5.1.14393.3471 PSEdition Desktop PSCompatibleVersions {1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0...} BuildVersion 10.0.14393.3471 CLRVersion 4.0.30319.42000 WSManStackVersion 3.0 PSRemotingProtocolVersion 2.3 SerializationVersion 1.1.0.1 PS C:\Users\incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup> Get-Module -ListAvailable Directory: C:\Program Files\WindowsPowerShell\Modules ModuleType Version Name ExportedCommands ---------- ------- ---- ---------------- Script 1.0.1 Microsoft.PowerShell.Operation.V... {Get-OperationValidation, Invoke-OperationValidation} Binary 1.1.2 Microsoft.PowerShell.SecretManag... {Register-SecretVault, Unregister-SecretVault, Get-SecretVault, Set-SecretVaultDefault...} Binary 1.0.6 Microsoft.PowerShell.SecretStore {Unlock-SecretStore, Set-SecretStorePassword, Get-SecretStoreConfiguration, Set-SecretStoreConfiguration...} PS C:\Users\incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup> Get-SCheduledTask | Format-List -Property * State : Ready Actions : {MSFT_TaskExecAction} Author : WIN-M95PVJLVDAB\incodebackup Date : 2026-01-27T15:28:35.7952875 Description : This task copies files out of the TUNET/datafile directory once a say to ARCHIBALD. Documentation : Principal : MSFT_TaskPrincipal2 SecurityDescriptor : Settings : MSFT_TaskSettings3 Source : TaskName : Daily TUNet Backup Copy TaskPath : \ Triggers : {MSFT_TaskDailyTrigger} URI : \Daily TUNet Backup Copy Version : PSComputerName : CimClass : Root/Microsoft/Windows/TaskScheduler:MSFT_ScheduledTask CimInstanceProperties : {Actions, Author, Date, Description...} CimSystemProperties : Microsoft.Management.Infrastructure.CimSystemProperties I execute Start-Transcript early in the script execution, and because of the crash(?), it is short enough to included in its entirety: ********************** Windows PowerShell transcript start Start time: 20260127190002 Username: WIN-M95PVJLVDAB\incodebackup RunAs User: WIN-M95PVJLVDAB\incodebackup Machine: WIN-M95PVJLVDAB (Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.14393.0) Host Application: C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NonInteractive -File C:\Users\Incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup\Copy-TUNetBackup.ps1 -daily -test Process ID: 2084 PSVersion: 5.1.14393.3471 PSEdition: Desktop PSCompatibleVersions: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 5.1.14393.3471 BuildVersion: 10.0.14393.3471 CLRVersion: 4.0.30319.42000 WSManStackVersion: 3.0 PSRemotingProtocolVersion: 2.3 SerializationVersion: 1.1.0.1 ********************** Transcript started, output file is C:\Users\Incodebackup\Documents\Scripts\TUNet_Backup\daily_2026-01-27_190002.log 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 940 TUNet backup script started. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 941 Copy-TUNetBackup.ps1 Version: 6.0F 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 942 Parameter qhourly: False 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 943 Parameter hourly: False 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 944 Parameter daily: True 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 945 Parameter purge: False 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 946 Parameter archive: False 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 947 Parameter test: True 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1035 Creating mutex object. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1037 Creating semaphore object. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1058 Mutex timeout set: 300000 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1072 Attempting to acquire mutex to enter semaphore... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1074 ...got the mutex! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1075 Attempting to enter the semaphore... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1077 ... got the semaphore! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 719 Release-Mutex: Attempting to release mutex... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 721 Release-Mutex: ...done. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1090 Using TEST values for source and destination paths. 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1109 TUnet Source: \\192.168.100.46\Netbackup\Netbackup\Tantalus\test_src\datafile 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1110 ARCHIE Dest: \\192.168.100.46\Netbackup\Netbackup\Tantalus\test_dest\datafile 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1114 Attempt to acquire mutex to mount network shares... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1116 ...got the mutex! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1117 Opening SecretStore vault...! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1120 ... vault opened! 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1121 Checking connection to \\192.168.100.46\Netbackup\Netbackup\Tantalus ... 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1126 ...not connected to \\192.168.100.46\Netbackup\Netbackup\Tantalus . 2026/01/27 19:00:02 INFO 1127 Get FULTON\incodebackup password... ********************** Windows PowerShell transcript end End time: 20260127190002 ********************** Now I will show you the script around line 1127 where it goes out into the weeds: Write-Log -Level "INFO" -Message "$(__LINE__) Opening SecretStore vault...!" $pw = Import-CliXml -Path '.\TUNet-Backup-Vault.xml' -Verbose Unlock-SecretStore -Password $pw Write-Log -Level "INFO" -Message "$(__LINE__) ... vault opened!" # # Statements omitted # Write-Log -Level "INFO" -Message "$(__LINE__) Get $archie_un password..." try { $pw = Get-Secret -Name $archie_un -Verbose -Debug } catch { $err_msg = "Get-Secret exception. Name: $archie_un Exception: $($_.Exception.Message)" Write-Log -Level "FATAL" -Message "$(__LINE__) $err_msg" throw $err_msg } Write-Log -Level "INFO" -Message "$(__LINE__) ...done!" I was able to unlock the SecretStore, but Get-Secret fails. The very odd thing, besides not getting my password out the SecretStore, is that there is no exception posted by Powershell. I have no information at all about why my attempt did not work. If Get-Secret exited, then I would expect one of the two possible log messages printed in the transcript, but as you can see, the transcript ended. Note: the entire script body is encapsulated in a try{} block, which has an associated finally{} block, which contains other logging commands that execute when the finally{} block is entered, but in scheduled task instance, nothing. If anyone can tell me how to make Get-Secret work, that would be great, but I'll settle very gratefully for some way to get more information from this system to try to figure out why it is not, that would be most helpful. Additional information supplied on request.
Build PowerShell as "framework-dependent"
Before I start a time expensive and maybe unsuccessful attempt: Is it relatively easily possible to compile PowerShell from the source and make it "framework-dependent" instead of "self-contained"? In doing so, PowerShell could be de-coupled from the .NET runtime (which is most probably already installed), and maybe an even newer runtime version could be used (currently, PowerShell has no .NET 10 packed and I have to wait for a release that supports it)...
Set-PnpSensitivityLabel cmdlet not found after installing module
Hi All! I've been working on a script to set sensitivity labels for all files in a SharePoint folder. I'm using the cmdlet "Set-PnPSensitivityLabel" but it isn't found. I've uninstalled pnp.powershell. I've reinstalled it. I've updated it. I've imported it. (Repeated these steps twice) The cmdlet is still not found. I've listed all the cmdlets in the module and it is not being installed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.Get-PnPListItem retrieving no files from SharePoint folder with files
Hello! Can anyone assist with this script? I'm fairly new to PowerShell and it's likely something simple I don't know, yet. # Install PnP PowerShell module if not already installed # Install-Module PnP.PowerShell -Force # Define SharePoint site URL, folder path, and the sensitivity label to apply $SiteUrl = "https://XXXXXXXXXX.sharepoint.com/" $FolderPath = "/sites/IT/Shared%20Documents/General/Azure%20SSO" # Example: "/Documents/ConfidentialData" $SensitivityLabelId = "7e01211f-294a-4f47-9efd-aebe45f12d17" # The GUID of your sensitivity label # Connect to SharePoint Online Connect-PnPOnline -Url $SiteUrl -ClientID "XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX" # This will open a browser for authentication # Get all files in the specified folder Write-Host "Getting Files..." $Files = Get-PnPListItem -List "Documents" -FolderServerRelativeUrl $FolderPath | Where-Object { $_.FileSystemObjectType -eq "File" } Write-Host "Files found $Files" # Loop through each file and apply the sensitivity label foreach ($File in $Files) { Write-Host "Applying label to: $($File.FieldValues.FileRef)" Set-PnPSensitivityLabel -ListItem $File -SensitivityLabelId $SensitivityLabelId } Write-Host "Sensitivity label application complete." The line $Files = Get-PnPListItem -List "Documents" -FolderServerRelativeUrl $FolderPath | Where-Object { $_.FileSystemObjectType -eq "File" } retrieves no files so it just skips the following loop and ends with no errors. I added the line Write-Host "Files found $Files" to verify that it was not finding anything.Error trying to Connect-PnPOnline
Hi! I'm using PowerShell in VSC to run the following script: # Install PnP PowerShell module if not already installed # Install-Module PnP.PowerShell -Force # Define SharePoint site URL, folder path, and the sensitivity label to apply $SiteUrl = "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite" $FolderPath = "Shared Documents/YourFolder" # Example: "Documents/ConfidentialData" $SensitivityLabelId = "YourSensitivityLabelId" # The GUID of your sensitivity label # Connect to SharePoint Online Connect-PnPOnline -Url $SiteUrl -UseWebLogin # This will open a browser for authentication # Get all files in the specified folder $Files = Get-PnPListItem -List "Documents" -Folder $FolderPath | Where-Object { $_.FileSystemObjectType -eq "File" } # Loop through each file and apply the sensitivity label foreach ($File in $Files) { Write-Host "Applying label to: $($File.FieldValues.FileRef)" Set-PnPSensitivityLabel -ListItem $File -SensitivityLabelId $SensitivityLabelId } Write-Host "Sensitivity label application complete." I keep getting this error, "OperationStopped: Unable to load DLL 'msalruntime' or one of its dependencies: The specified module could not be found. (0x8007007E) See https://aka.ms/msal-net-wam#troubleshooting" I'm using: ExchangeOnlineManagement version 3.9.0 PnP.Powershell version 3.1.0 VSC version 1.107 PowerShell version 7.5.3.0 I've tried changing Connect-PnpOnline from "UseWebLogin" to "Interactive" (that asks for an Entra ID App Reg and says it's not supported). Any idea where this going wrong?How to disable automatic updates in Debug Diagnostics 2.1 using PowerShell
Greetings all. I am writing a PowerShell script to do an unattended install of Debug Diagnostics Tool version 2.2.0.14. The installer is an x64 .msi. The unattended install works fine, but I am unable to find the correct switch/command to disable automatic updates for the tool. Here is the latest code I tried: Execute-MSI -Action 'Install' -Path "<filepath>\DebugDiagx64.msi" -Parameters "/qn /norestart ALLUSERS=2 DISABLE_AUTOUPDATES=1" Other switches I have tried for disabling updates includes DISABLE_UPDATES=1, UPDATES=0 and UPDATES=FALSE. None of these work. Updates can be disabled manually through the Options & Settings GUI. Screenshots for this are attached. I really need a way to disable the automatic updates through PowerShell during an unattended installation through SCCM . Thanks.How to disable automatic updates in Debug Diagnostics 2.1 using PowerShell
Greetings all. I am writing a PowerShell script to do an unattended install of Debug Diagnostics Tool version 2.2.0.14. The installer is an x64 .msi. The unattended install works fine, but I am unable to find the correct switch/command to disable automatic updates for the tool. Here is the latest code I tried: Execute-MSI -Action 'Install' -Path "<filepath>\DebugDiagx64.msi" -Parameters "/qn /norestart ALLUSERS=2 DISABLE_AUTOUPDATES=1" Other switches I have tried for disabling updates includes DISABLE_UPDATES=1, UPDATES=0 and UPDATES=FALSE. None of these work. Updates can be disabled manually through the Options & Settings GUI. Screenshots for this are attached. I really need a way to disable the automatic updates through PowerShell during an unattended installation. Thanks.Map vmdk to guest volume
I have a Hyper-V cluster and want PowerShell to give me a list of what vmdk file is assigned to which volume mount point in the virtual machine OS (Windows). Example: vmdk file mount point ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C:\ClusterStorage\Data1\VM\ComputerA\Virtual Hard Disks\OSDisk.vhdx C:\ C:\ClusterStorage\Data1\VM\ComputerA\Virtual Hard Disks\MainMount.vhdx M:\ C:\ClusterStorage\Data1\VM\ComputerA\Virtual Hard Disks\Temp.vhdx M:\Temp The vmdks for C: and M: are mapped to drives in the guest, whereas Temp.vhdx is mounted in a folder under M:\. The main challenge for me is actually to find the correct elements that allow me to link a VMDK to a disk inside the virtual machine OS. The ones I found so far are: Get-Disk gives me numbers for adapter, port, target, and LUN, and Get-VMHardDiskDrive returns numbers for controller and location, which I guess link to target and LUN. But I'm pretty unsure whether it's safe to use these properties... Get-Disk returns a path, and I think I can use this to map the result of a win32_mountpoint CIM query to it to get the volume mount point... Does anyone have some valuable information for me on this?
Set Force a user to change password on next logon via Powershell
I have created a script to try and change the user setting 'force password change at next login'. I wish to do this without having to change their password. I have tried both user authentication (using a global admin account) and application authentication (via Client Secret). When I run the script in either authentication context I get access denied when it comes to updating the user. The script was to read in a csv file and do this but I have simplified a script to the following to show the basic concept of the commands I am trying to run and the authentication process. $secureSecret = ConvertTo-SecureString "xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" -AsPlainText -Force $credential = New-Object PSCredential("xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx", $secureSecret) Connect-MgGraph -TenantId "xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxs" -ClientSecretCredential $credential Get-MgUser -UserId "email address removed for privacy reasons" -Property "userPrincipalName,userType,onPremisesSyncEnabled" Update-MgUser -UserId "email address removed for privacy reasons" -PasswordProfile @{ForceChangePasswordNextSignIn = $true} In the application I have created I have assigned the permissions I believe would be required to support this action (I added Directory.ReadWrite.All, just in case) The read user works fine but I get the error below when trying to update Update-MgUser_UpdateExpanded: Insufficient privileges to complete the operation. Status: 403 (Forbidden) ErrorCode: Authorization_RequestDenied Date: 2025-10-15T13:36:46 I have tried this is two different 365 tenants but both fail with the same error. The tenant is a cloud only with no synchronisation from on-premise. I have tried many iterations but have reached the dead end point. Is it possible to force a password reset via a PowerShell script and if so what am I doing wrong with my permissions? TIAStop hardcoding secrets! Now what?!
Yeah, we all know this right “STOP DOING THIS”, “STOP DOING THAT!” Yeah… that’s nice, but now what?! When you are already in the PowerShell field for some time and have created some scripts you might have been running into this topic; ‘How to deal with secrets’. There are of course solutions like KeyVault, SecureString and secret providers with API’s which help you to store the secrets you have in a secure environment. Things like this might look familiar; $password = "P@ssw0rd123!" $apiKey = "sk-1234567890abcdef" $connectionString = "Server=myserver;Database=mydb;User=admin;Password=SuperSecret123;" But what if I told you there’s a better way? A way that’s: Secure by default Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS) Works with multiple backends (local, Azure Key Vault, HashiCorp Vault) Standardized across your entire team Built right into PowerShell 7+ (with some extra module support) That way forward is called ‘PowerShell SecretManagement”! What is SecretManagement? Think of PowerShell SecretManagement as the universal remote control for your secrets. With this remote control you can handle credentials for different systems while you just get one unified interface. It doesn’t matter if that secret is stored: In your local machine In an Azure KeyVault In HashiCorp Vault In KeePass, LastPass etc. The mindset remains the same ‘One remote control, to control them all’. The architecture behind it looks a bit like below; Explaination: SecretManagement “The interface where you code against” SecretStore “The default storage where your secrets live” Getting Started Let’s get started! Start PowerShell 7+ and run the code below Install-Module Microsoft.PowerShell.SecretManagement -Repository PSGallery -Force Install-Module Microsoft.PowerShell.SecretStore -Repository PSGallery -Force Now we have the required modules installed form the PowerShell Gallery it’s time to create our first vault. Register-SecretVault -name "LocalTestVault" It will ask you for the module. Enter the name “Microsoft.PowerShell.SecretStore”. (If you want you can also specify this value directly in the CMDLet by specifying the -ModuleName parameter. You should end up with something like below: First secrets Now we have the vault set-up it’s time to add some content to it. Follow the steps below to create the first secret in the vault Run the command below to create the first secret Set-Secret -Name "TestSecret" -Secret "SuperDuperSecureSecretString" If you haven’t specified the password it will now ask for one! You should end up with something like below; Cool right? On my personal blog I have the full post where I also show how to change, delete, and store complex objects. You can find it here: https://bartpasmans.tech/powershell-stop-hardcoding-secrets-now-what/ Happy scripting!New-MgBookingBusinessService | Turn Customer Information Questions Off
I'm trying to turn off the stock Customer information questions except for customer email but cannot find how to do it? Any support is much appreciated. Below is what I've recently tried... # Prompt for Booking Business ID $bookingBusinessId = Read-Host "Enter the Booking Business ID (e.g., email address removed for privacy reasons)" # Prompt for default duration in minutes $defaultDurationMinutes = Read-Host "Enter default appointment duration in minutes (e.g., 15)" $defaultDuration = [TimeSpan]::FromMinutes([double]$defaultDurationMinutes) # Post-buffer stays at 5 minutes $postBuffer = [TimeSpan]::FromMinutes(5) # Hardcoded Excel file path $excelFilePath = "C:\Users\apettit\OneDrive - Eau Claire Area School District\Downloads\adamtestconferencedata.xlsx" # Prompt for worksheet/tab name $sheetName = Read-Host "Enter the worksheet/tab name to read data from" # Import Excel data using Import-Excel (requires ImportExcel module) if (-not (Get-Module -ListAvailable -Name ImportExcel)) { Install-Module -Name ImportExcel -Scope CurrentUser -Force } Import-Module ImportExcel $staffEmails = Import-Excel -Path $excelFilePath -WorksheetName $sheetName # Retrieve all staff members for the booking business Write-Host "Fetching all staff members for booking business ID: $bookingBusinessId" $allStaff = Get-MgBookingBusinessStaffMember -BookingBusinessId $bookingBusinessId if (-not $allStaff) { Write-Error "No staff members found for the booking business ID: $bookingBusinessId" return } # Retrieve all custom questions Write-Host "Fetching all custom questions for booking business ID: $bookingBusinessId" $allCustomQuestions = Get-MgBookingBusinessCustomQuestion -BookingBusinessId $bookingBusinessId if (-not $allCustomQuestions) { Write-Error "No custom questions found for the booking business ID: $bookingBusinessId" return } # Loop through each staff member from Excel automatically Write-Host "Creating individual booking services for each staff member..." foreach ($row in $staffEmails) { $email = $row.emailAddress.Trim().ToLower() # Automatically match staff from Booking Business $matchingStaff = $allStaff | Where-Object { $_.AdditionalProperties["emailAddress"] -and ($_.AdditionalProperties["emailAddress"].Trim().ToLower() -eq $email) } if ($matchingStaff) { $staffId = $matchingStaff.Id $displayName = $matchingStaff.AdditionalProperties["displayName"] Write-Host "Automatically creating service for: ${displayName} ($email)" -ForegroundColor Cyan try { # Prepare custom questions $customQuestions = $allCustomQuestions | ForEach-Object -Begin { $isLast = $false } -Process { $isLast = ($_.Id -eq $allCustomQuestions[-1].Id) $questionAssignment = New-Object Microsoft.Graph.PowerShell.Models.MicrosoftGraphBookingQuestionAssignment $questionAssignment.QuestionId = $_.Id $questionAssignment.IsRequired = if ($isLast) { $false } else { $true } $questionAssignment } # Prepare the reminder $defaultReminder = New-Object Microsoft.Graph.PowerShell.Models.MicrosoftGraphBookingReminder $defaultReminder.Message = "Don't forget! Family Teacher Conferences are tomorrow, and we are excited to visit with you! If you wish to change the meeting type (virtual, in-person, hybrid, or phone), please let the teacher know as soon as possible!" $defaultReminder.Offset = [TimeSpan]::FromDays(1) $defaultReminder.Recipients = @("customer") # Prepare service parameters $serviceParams = @{ BookingBusinessId = $bookingBusinessId DisplayName = "${displayName} Family Conference" Description = "Family Teacher Conference with ${displayName}" StaffMemberIds = @($staffId) # Assign specific staff member DefaultDuration = $defaultDuration DefaultPrice = 0.00 DefaultPriceType = "free" CustomQuestions = $customQuestions PostBuffer = $postBuffer IsLocationOnline = $true IsCustomerAllowedToManageBooking = $true DefaultReminder = $defaultReminder AdditionalInformation = @" Please arrive on time for your conferences as we will be sticking to a tight schedule. If you wish to change the meeting type (virtual, in-person, hybrid, or phone), please let the teacher know as soon as possible. If you require a translator, please submit a request at this form: https://forms.office.com/r/ "@ # Appears in the customer confirmation email } # Log service parameters Write-Host "Service Parameters for ${displayName}:" -ForegroundColor Blue $serviceParams.GetEnumerator() | ForEach-Object { Write-Host "$($_.Key): $($_.Value)" } # Create the booking service New-MgBookingBusinessService @serviceParams Write-Host "Booking service successfully created for ${displayName}!" -ForegroundColor Green } catch { Write-Error "Failed to create booking service for ${displayName}: $_" } } else { Write-Warning "No match found for email: $email" } }
