Powershell script does not work if executed from c program?

Question

I have a powershell script that works fine if I run it from an admin powershell. However, if I call on the powershell script in a c program, ran as admin, using the system() function, some parts of it do not work. More specifically the copy unattend.xml, and sysprep.exe commands. I have posted the powershell script and the c program script. How can I get this to work?

POWERSHELL SCRIPT:

#Set working directory to scripts location.
$scriptpath = $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path
$Switcheroo = Split-Path $scriptpath
Set-Location $Switcheroo
#Set error options
$Error.clear()
$ErrorActionPreference = “Inquire”

Write-Host "Running part 2."
#1
& "DISKPART" /s $Switcheroo\DskPrtRmv.txt
TIMEOUT /T 3

#2
if ($? -eq "True")
{
    Copy-Item $Switcheroo\unattend.xml $env:windir\System32\Sysprep
    TIMEOUT /T 3 

    #3
    if ($? -eq "True")
    {
        SCHTASKS /Delete /TN "Switcheroo" /f
        TIMEOUT /T 3
    }
    elseif ($? -ne "True")
    {
        Write-Host Failed to copy unattend.xml
        exit (22)
    }

        #4
        if ($? -eq "True")
        {
            rm log.txt
            TIMEOUT /T 3
        }
        elseif ($? -ne "True")
        {
            Write-Host Failed to delete the schedued task
            exit (32)
        }

            #5
            if ($? -eq "True")
            {
                & "$env:windir\System32\Sysprep\sysprep.exe" /generalize /oobe /shutdown /unattend:unattend.xml
            }
            elseif ($? -ne "True")
            {
                Write-Host Failed to remove the log.txt
                exit (42)
            }
                #6
                if ($? -ne "True")
                {
                    Write-Host Sysprep failed.
                    exit (52)
                }
}
elseif ($? -ne "True")
{
    Write-Host Failed to run DskPrtRmv
    exit (12)
}

C CODE:

/* 
* File:   main.c
* Author: Andrew
*
* Created on June 1, 2012, 2:39 PM
*/

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

FILE *fp;

int main() 
{
    printf("Switcheroo in progress...\n");

    if ((fp=fopen("chk.bin", "rb")) == NULL)
    {
        //Run powershell script Part1.ps1 and set its return value to the int i variable.
        int i = system("powershell -executionpolicy unrestricted -file \"Part1.ps1\"");
        if (i == 0)
        {
            //Set up the log file that the computer will check upon reboot.
            char buffer[2] = {'0'};
            fp = fopen("chk.bin", "wb");
            fwrite (buffer , 1 , sizeof(buffer) , fp );
        }
        else if (i != 0)
        {
            //Print the error returned from powershell script Part1.ps1
            printf("Part1 Error: %d \n", i);
            system("PAUSE");
        }
    }
    else if (fp = fopen("chk.bin", "rb"))
    {
        //Run powershell script Part2.ps1 and set its return value to the int j variable.
        int j = system("powershell -executionpolicy unrestricted -file \"Part2.ps1\"");
        if (j == 0)
        {
            printf("Switcheroo has finished successfully.\n");
            remove("chk.bin");
        }
        else if (j != 0)
        {
            //Print the error returned from powershell script Part2.ps1
            printf("Part2 Error: %d \n", j);
            system("PAUSE");
        }
    }
}

When I run the powershell script in my c program copy unattend.xml does not return any errors, yet I have no copy in sysprep folder. No errors, just doesn't copy. If I run the powershell script from my c program and use it in my cmd prompt, it works. — arynhard
– arynhard, Commented Jun 3, 2012 at 6:51
If I change the output dir to my desktop, the program works fine. It is only an issue when I try to access \Windows\System32\Sysprep — arynhard
– arynhard, Commented Jun 3, 2012 at 7:02

JPBlanc · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-03 07:02:36Z

4

What is the architecture of operating system on the computer on which your are testing ?

When you compile your C program do you target 32 bits or 64 bits exe ?

Your trouble can be explained by the fact that your OS is 64 bits and your program 32 bits, so it executes a 32 bits version of PowerShell and this generates some trouble.

If so, you can solve your problem spawning a 64 bits PowerShell from a 32 bits C exe using.

c:\windows\sysnative\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe

answered Jun 3, 2012 at 7:02

JPBlanc

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4 Comments

arynhard Over a year ago

I am using mingw to compile in netbeans. My os is 64 bits, and I compile in 32. Is you above example the location of the 64 bit powershell?

arynhard Over a year ago

I do not have \Windows\sysnative folder. only system32 and sysWOW64: SysWOW64 does have the shell, I will try it.

JPBlanc Over a year ago

Don't look for sysnative. It's virtual and used by the OS. If your OS is 64 bits and your exe 32 bits, just try it.

arynhard Over a year ago

Worked perfectly thank you! If I need to run it on a 32 bit os I would need to use my original command correct?

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