By creating a simple dial-up script file, you can automate the repetitive tasks of entering your Username, Password, and Connection Type every time you log on to the PPS modem pool. This page will give you step-by-step instructions as to how to go about creating your own script, as well as setting it up to work with your pre-existing dial-up connection.
Before creating a script, make sure that your Dial-Up Connection is installed correctly and is functioning properly. If you are a PPS employee who does NOT have an account, or who would like software and instructions on installing a Dial-Up Connection and getting connected to the Internet, please call Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh at 665-2230 and we will make arrangements to set-up an account for you..
Step #2: Creating a Dial-Up Script
In order to create a dial-up script file, you must first open up a text editor (such as Notepad). You can do this by left-clicking the Start button, then going to the Programs menu, and then to the Accessories sub-menu. and finally, click on Notepad. From there, you now have 2 choices:
Depending on which script you want to create, follow the appropriate step below. Obviously, the latter of these is more secure, but the first is more convenient. Pick your choice!
Step #2A: Creating a Fully-Automatic Script
In creating a fully-automatic script, you should type in the following into Notepad:
proc main
waitfor "ogin:"
transmit "USERNAME@HOST_ADDRESS<cr>"
waitfor "assword:"
transmit "YOUR_PASSWORD<cr>"
waitfor "Service"
transmit "ppp<cr>"
endproc
Then, replace USERNAME with your username and HOST_ADDRESS with the server you are connecting to. For example, if the username is 'elmohama' and the server is 'oberon', then that particular line should read:
transmit "elmohama@oberon<cr>"
Next, simply replace YOUR_PASSWORD with your password. If my password was '123456', then that line would read:
transmit "123456<cr>"
Finally, you are ready for Step #3. Keep in mind that after you have finished with the entire procedure listed on this page and are ready to connect to the Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh modem pool, you do NOT have to enter a username or password in the connection dialogue box. Any username or password that you DO enter will be disregarded.
Step #2B: Creating a Password-Verifying Script
In creating a password-verifying script, you should type in the following into Notepad:
proc main
waitfor "ogin:"
transmit "USERNAME@HOST<cr>"
waitfor "assword:"
transmit $PASSWORD
waitfor "Service"
transmit "ppp<cr>"
endproc
Then, replace USERNAME with your username and HOST_ADDRESS with the server you are connecting to. For example, if the username is 'elmohama' and the server is 'oberon', then that particular line should read:
transmit "elmohama@oberon<cr>"
Finally, you are ready for Step #3. Keep in mind that after you have finished with the entire procedure listed on this page and are ready to connect to the Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh modem pool, you do not have to enter a username in the dialogue box. However, you must enter your password in the dialogue box when prompted each and every time you initiate a connection.
Step #3: Saving and Naming your Script File
Now, go to the File menu, and select Save As. Then, type in "C:\windows\ckpscript.scp" and select Save as Type to be All Files, then press the Save button. After the saving is complete, exit Notepad.
Step #4: Verify that the Dial-Up Scripting Tool is Installed
Press the Start button, then Programs and Accessories. If you see a small icon labeled "Dial-Up Scripting Tool," then you are ready to proceed to Step #5. If you do not see that program, chances are that it is not installed. You can install the scripting tool by first inserting the Windows 95 CD into your CD-ROM drive, and then press the Start button, followed by moving the cursor to Settings, and then opening the Control Panel. From there, double-click on the Add/Remove Programs icon and select the Windows Set-up tab. Now, click on the Have Disk button. Assuming that the drive letter of your CD-ROM is "D:", enter "D:\Admin\Apptools\Dscript" and press the OK button (if your CD-ROM drive letter is not "D:", then replace "D:" with the correct letter for your CD-ROM drive). The scripting tool and SLIP/CSLIP drivers will now be installed.
Step #5: Link Your New Script to a Dial-Up Profile
Finally, press the Start button, then Programs and Accessories. Now, select the icon labeled "Dial-Up Scripting Tool," and the program will then open, resembling this picture:
Upon opening the program, your current dial-up connection profile will be listed. Simply highlight your dial-up connection profile, and type in the following in the File Name dialogue: "C:\windows\ckpscript.scp" and make sure that the Start terminal screen minimized selection is checked. After clicking on Apply, and then Close, your Dial-Up script will be used every time you use your dial-up connection. Depending on which type of script you created, you either don't type in anything and are automatically connected to the modem pool once you double-click on your connection icon and press return, or, you are only required to enter your password in the appropriate Password box after double-clicking on your connection icon, and then press return.
Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh
January 28, 1997