New Macro Capabilities are Available! The Viewfile command has been enhanced to allow multiple-file retrieval in a single command line. As a result, you can easily find and retrieve sets of files from client systems.

In addition, there are new ways to combine VBScripts with macros, allowing a macro to execute a VBScript on the client side, then retrieve the results and continue processing with those results.

1.0 Introduction

Macros provide the powerful business advantage behind iSupport! They allow the individual primitive functions of iSupport to be combined together with conditional operators to form programmable test sequences. Using macros, a technician can diagnose and fix problems with a click of the mouse, without having to reinvent a solution on-the-fly every time the problem is encountered.

This approach ensures that a uniform, consistent repair is performed in the shortest possible period of time, whether handled by an automated agent system, a live remote technician, or an onsite technician equipped with a memory stick. This approach plays a critical role in computer repair operations and gives a huge competitive edge to companies that make use of it.

Instructions for creating iSupport macros are given below. Any text editor can be used to create a macro.

When using and creating macros make sure that you understand what the macro will do under all conditions. Improper use of a macro could cause undesired results and could destroy the correct operational environment of the client's PC. Test a new macro completely before using it. Use the printvar macro command to review the contents of results (especially before deleting files or removing folders) prior to running the macro.

Note: Roaring Pine is not responsible for the use of any macro — even if provided by Roaring Pine — or for any legal, financial or other implications resulting from the use of any macro. The use of any and all macros is the complete and sole responsibility of the user.

2.0 Creating iSupport Macros

Administer iSupport Agent for the location of the macro files:

1. From the Agent Main Display, select Options and then choose the iSupport tab.
2. Under Base Macro Folder, enter the full path of the base folder where your macros will be stored.
3. Then click on OK to exit Options.

Macros are files that are stored in folders. Name the folders and macros using descriptive titles — these will be displayed when selecting the macro to execute. Organize your macros into sets under your folders. Use as many folders and macros as you need. Use Windows Explorer to create the folders and to administer your macros. The macro folders are created as a hierarchical structure with the base folder being the folder specified in the Option setting above. Do not use these folders for anything other than storing your macro sets. The base macro folder can be on your network. The structure you define will be displayed when you click on the Macro button within the iSupport application. Locate the macro you want to execute and double click to start it running.

All macro files are text-formatted files. Use an ASCII text editor to create and maintain them. All macro files must have an extension of 'rmc' (e.g., CheckOSversion.rmc) and be stored in one (or more) of the folders set up as described above.

Macro files contain one or more lines of operations to be performed, or comments. Each operation to be performed is on a separate line. If statements and associated blocks cannot be embedded. Note that variable checks are case sensitive. Goto statements must refer to a label that is beyond the Goto statement (no jumping back). Each line has the general format of:

1. Primitive|command or Varn= Primitive|command
2. # comment
3. STOP
4. IF Varn = string ... ENDIF [conditional block]
5. IF Varn <> string ... ENDIF [conditional block]
6. IF Varn [=|<>] string ELSE ... ENDIF [conditional block]
7. Goto <label>
8. <label>:

3.0 Macro Primitives

Please Contact Us to receive the complete Macro User Guide. Thank you for your interest in iSupport automation products.