Category: Software

Script to split single file multiple contact VCF file into individual VCF files for each included contact (Import Android Contacts Export file into Microsoft Outlook)

C:Amie/ / Microsoft, Software

System Requirements:

  • Windows Scripting Host 5.6 or higher
  • Windows 95, NT 4, 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10
  • Windows Server NT 4, 2000, 2003, 2003 R2, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016

The Problem:

I did an export from the People / Contacts on Android which produced a single .VCF vContact file for all of the contacts. On attempting to import it into Outlook, Outlook ignored all but the first entry in the file.

Additionally, you may not want to import all of the contacts in the monolithic VCF.

The Fix

The VB Script file below will take the .VCF file and split it into individual .VCF files, one for each contact.

The script will create a sub-directory in the same folder that the script is executed from and all of the new .vcf files will be placed in here using the name of the user.

Download

  • No warranty is offered or implied for the use of this script. No liability is inferred for damages caused as a result of its use. Use it at your own risk
  • You may use the script for free for personal use
  • You may not redistribute this script. If you want to link to it, please link to this page.

Download: SplitVCard version 1.0.1 (2.57 KB)

Usage Instructions

You can either drag and drop the monolithic VCF file onto the SplitVCard.vbs file in Windows Explorer or use the command line syntax as follows to specify the path of the source file.

cscript.exe SplitVCard.vbs “C:\Bla\Bla\Bla\Contacts.vcf”

Release history

1.0.0 – 21/11/2016. Initial release

1.0.1 – 22/06/2017. Added some additional illegal character protections when writing individual files back to the file system for ?, / and \ characters

Limitations

As this is a VB Script file, the naming conventions are currently only setup for ASCII. If you wanted to use Unicode or another encoding, you will need to edit the script.

“The system image restore failed. Error details: Incorrect function (0x80070001)” when attempting to restore a Windows Server Backup / Windows Backup Image over the network from Windows Backup or bootable recovery media

C:Amie/ / Microsoft, Software, Windows Server

System Requirements:

  • Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10
  • Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016

The Problem:

If you attempt to restore a Windows Server Backup or Windows Backup recovery image (system state) from a bootable recovery media (either DVD, USB or a recovery partition) you receive the following error message

The system image restore failed.

Error details: Incorrect function (0x80070001)

More Info

Just to keep this simple. The limited amount of information available on-line on this error suggests that either the image is corrupt or you are having a network reliability issue.

These could be true. In my case, it wa the path length that I was using to recover the image from. I was recovering from

\\192.168.15.106\BackupFiles\Servers\2012 R2\WindowsImageBackup\<hostname>\…

It turns out that the entire path must be 110 or fewer characters otherwise it will fail with the 0x80070001 error.

A simple fix is to temporarily create the path \\192.168.15.106\BackupFiles\WindowsImageBackup on your share and then copy the <hostname> folder into it. This worked in my case.

Automatically Scripting Windows Startup Scripts and Shutdown Scripts using the Command Line

C:Amie/ / Microsoft, Programming, Software

System Requirements:

  • Windows 2000, XP Professional, Vista Business, 7 Professional, 7 Enterprise, 8 Professional, 8 Enterprise, 8.1 Professional, 8.1 Enterprise, 10 Professional, 10 Enterprise
  • Windows Server 2000, 2003, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016
  • Windows Scripting Host 5.8 or higher

The Problem:

It’s been a problem since 1999. You want to install a Startup or Shutdown Script on a local Windows machine without having to go through GPEdit.msc to manually populate the user interface necessary to install the script processing hook.

Well, now you can do it automatically!

More Info

So here is a VBScript api file which does the work for you to install either a Startup or Shutdown script from the command line. This installs the script as part of the Local Windows Group Policy processor, which on Domain Joined systems will be executed before Domain Logon Scripts.

  • No warranty is offered or implied. Use this script at your own risk
  • Please do not redistribute this script, please link to this page [Perma-link: http://www.c-amie.co.uk/qlink/?id=142]
  • You may not sell or profit from the use of this script
  • You may not bundle this script as part of an application deliverable or payload
If you found this useful, please consider making a donation or using the Amazon Affiliates Link to help support this site!

Download: AddLocalGpStartupScript.zip [4KB]

Usage

You can call the script from the Command Line or a bat (batch) file using the following syntax

cscript.exe AddLocalGpStartupScript.vbs <startup|shutdown> <path> <arguments>

You can view the help screen and examples at any time by calling

cscript.exe AddLocalGpStartupScript.vbs /?

Examples

Writes http://www.c-amie.co.uk/ to the file C:\LogFile.log during startup

cscript.exe AddLocalGpStartupScript.vbs startup "cmd.exe" "/c echo http://www.c-amie.co.uk>>C:\LogFile.log"

Opens C:\LogFile.log in Notepad during shutdown

cscript.exe AddLocalGpStartupScript.vbs shutdown "notepad.exe" "C:\LogFile.log"

Calls D:\Scripts\MyScript.cmd with no arguments during shutdown

cscript.exe AddLocalGpStartupScript.vbs shutdown "D:\Scripts\MyScript.cmd"

Executes the PowerShell Script C:\MyPsScript.ps1, ignoring the System Execution Policy during startup

cscript.exe AddLocalGpStartupScript.vbs startup "powershell.exe" "-ExecutionPolicy bypass -windowstyle hidden -file C:\MyPsScript.ps1"

Performing a Test

If you want a simple test to find out if it works, try the following which writes a log trace to two text files on the root of C Drive:

cscript.exe //NoLogo AddLocalGpStartupScript.vbs startup cmd.exe "/c echo %date% %time% startup>> c:\startup.log"

cscript.exe //NoLogo AddLocalGpStartupScript.vbs shutdown cmd.exe "/c echo %date% %time% shutdown>> c:\shutdown.log"

Why isn’t there a Logon and Logoff Script Version?

There is actually one and it doesn’t work. The process of installing the Logon Script isn’t quite a simple as the process for a Startup Script because it has to be written into the registry on each user account. Consequently, until such a time that I have the will to automate this part, while it performs the installation legally, it doesn’t execute unless you go in and press the apply button on the Logon Script UI.

Windows 10 Registry Paths for Privacy Settings

C:Amie/ / Microsoft, Software, Windows Deployment

System Requirements:

  • Windows 10 build 1511, 1607, 1703

The Problem:

If you are trying to tame Windows 10 Privacy settings using the registry (say for the creation of a secure by default base image), at the time of writing there doesn’t appear to be a good mapping reference between the Registry keys and the toggle buttons on the Windows 10 Privacy interface.

More Info

The table below outlines the registry locations for known entries found in the Privacy section of the Windows 10 Settings app.

The article was originally written for Windows 10 build 1511. It has subsequently been updated for build 1607. Specific entreis related to build 1511 are indicated by “[b1511]”. New items found in build 1607 are indicated by “[b1607]”. New items found in build 1703 are indicated by “[b1703]”.

Tab Entry Key Path [HKCU\…] Key(s) Value(s)
General
Let aps use my advertising ID for experiences across apps (turning this off will reset your ID)
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo Enabled
Id 		[0|1]
<delete>
General
Turn on SmartScreenFilter to check web content (URLs) that Windows Store apps use
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppHost EnableWebContentEvaluation [0|1]
General
Send Microsoft info about how I write to help us improve typing and writing in the future
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Input\TIPC Enabled [0|1]
General
Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list
 Control Panel\International\User Profile HttpAcceptLanguageOptOut [0|1]
General
[b1703] Let windows track app launches to improve start and search results
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced Start_TrackProgs [0|1]
Location
Location On/Off
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{BFA794E4-F964-4FDB-90F6-51056BFE4B44} Value
 [Allow|Deny]
Location On/Off
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Sensor\Permissions\{BFA794E4-F964-4FDB-90F6-51056BFE4B44} SensorPermissionState [0|1]
[b1607] Location On/Off
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{BFA794E4-F964-4FDB-90F6-51056BFE4B44} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Location
[b1511] <there is no UI element to globally control this>
[b1607] Location Service
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{E6AD100E-5F4E-44CD-BE0F-2265D88D14F5} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Location Service
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{E6AD100E-5F4E-44CD-BE0F-2265D88D14F5} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Camera
Camera On/Off
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{E5323777-F976-4f5b-9B55-B94699C46E44} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Camera On/Off
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{E5323777-F976-4f5b-9B55-B94699C46E44} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Microphone
Mic On/Off
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{2EEF81BE-33FA-4800-9670-1CD474972C3F} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Mic On/Off
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{2EEF81BE-33FA-4800-9670-1CD474972C3F} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Speech, inking & typing
Disable Cortana
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search CortanaEnabled [0|1]
Account Info
Let apps access my name, picture and other account info
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{C1D23ACC-752B-43E5-8448-8D0E519CD6D6} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Let apps access my name, picture and other account info
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{C1D23ACC-752B-43E5-8448-8D0E519CD6D6} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Contacts
[b1511] <there is no UI element to globally control this>
[b1607] Let apps access my contacts
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{7D7E8402-7C54-4821-A34E-AEEFD62DED93} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Let apps access my contacts
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{7D7E8402-7C54-4821-A34E-AEEFD62DED93} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Calendar
Let apps access my calendar
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{D89823BA-7180-4B81-B50C-7E471E6121A3} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607]Let apps access my calendar
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{D89823BA-7180-4B81-B50C-7E471E6121A3} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Call history
Let apps access my call history
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{8BC668CF-7728-45BD-93F8-CF2B3B41D7AB} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Let apps access my call history
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{8BC668CF-7728-45BD-93F8-CF2B3B41D7AB} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Email
Let apps access and send email
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{9231CB4C-BF57-4AF3-8C55-FDA7BFCC04C5} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Let apps access my call history
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{9231CB4C-BF57-4AF3-8C55-FDA7BFCC04C5} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Messaging
Let apps read or send messages (text or MMS)
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{992AFA70-6F47-4148-B3E9-3003349C1548} Value [Allow|Deny]
Radios
Let apps control radios
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{A8804298-2D5F-42E3-9531-9C8C39EB29CE} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Let apps control radios
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{A8804298-2D5F-42E3-9531-9C8C39EB29CE} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Sync with devices
Let your apps automatically share and sync info with wireless devices tat don’t explicitly pair with your PC, tablet or phone
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\LooselyCoupled Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Let your apps automatically share and sync info with wireless devices tat don’t explicitly pair with your PC, tablet or phone
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\LooselyCoupled InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
LooselyCoupled
Feedback & diagnostics
Windows should ask for my feedback
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Siuf\Rules PeriodInNanoSeconds
NumberOfSIUFInPeriod 		0/<n>
0/<n>
Feedback & diagnostics
Send your device data to Microsoft
 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection AllowTelemetry [0|1|2|3]
Messaging
[b1607] Let apps read or send messages (text or MMS)
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{21157C1F-2651-4CC1-90CA-1F28B02263F6} Value [Allow|Deny]
Messaging
[b1607] Let apps read or send messages (text or MMS)
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{992AFA70-6F47-4148-B3E9-3003349C1548} Value [Allow|Deny]
Notifications
[b1607] Let apps access my notifications
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{52079E78-A92B-413F-B213-E8FE35712E72} Value
InitialAppValue
Type 		[Allow|Deny]
Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Background apps
[b1607] Let apps run in the background
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications GlobalUserDisabled [0|1]
App diagnostics
[b1703] Let apps access diagnostic information
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{2297E4E2-5DBE-466D-A12B-0F8286F0D9CA} Value
InitialAppValue
Type 		[Allow|Deny]
Unspecified
InterfaceClass
Tasks [b1703] Tasks SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{E390DF20-07DF-446D-B962-F5C953062741} Value
InitialAppValue
Type 		[Allow|Deny]
Unspecified
InterfaceClass

 

The following list additional configuration settings found in the registry that have unknown consequences on the UI.

Tab Entry Key Path [HKCU\…] Key(s) Value(s)
n/a
[b1607] ???? Possibly something to do with app access to Phone Call history
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{235B668D-B2AC-4864-B49C-ED1084F6C9D3} Value [Allow|Deny]
[b1607] Let apps access my name, picture and other account info
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{235B668D-B2AC-4864-B49C-ED1084F6C9D3} InitialAppValue
Type		 Unspecified
InterfaceClass
n/a
[b1607] ????
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{8c501030-f8c2-40b2-8b3b-e6605788ff39} Value
InitialAppValue
Type 		[Allow|Deny]
Unspecified
InterfaceClass
n/a
Has something to do with Device Access
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{9D9E0118-1807-4F2E-96E4-2CE57142E196} Value [Allow|Deny]
n/a
Has something to do with Device Access
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{B19F89AF-E3EB-444B-8DEA-202575A71599} Value [Allow|Deny]
n/a
[b1511] Has something to do with Device Access
[b1607] Appears deprecated
 SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{E83AF229-8640-4D18-A213-E22675EBB2C3} Value [Allow|Deny]
Location
[b1607] General location. apps that cannot use my precise location can still use my general location, such as city, postcode or region.
 ? ? ?
n.a [b1703] Unknown SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceAccess\Global\{00EEBD44-EB0F-4A94-A2D4-D5C4ED5FA66D} Value [Allow|Deny]