Attention, MSP operatives! Q Labs reporting for duty. Yes, yes, try not to look too excited. We’re here to discuss how your junior agents can perform like seasoned veterans when managing user accounts. Do try to keep up, and please don’t spill coffee on your keyboard this time.

The Problem: Inconsistent Quality and Wasted Time

Let’s face it, shall we? When it comes to managing user accounts, most technicians are still fumbling about like they’re defusing a bomb with oven mitts on. What should be a swift, precise operation turns into a convoluted mission that would make even the most patient MI6 handler roll their eyes.

Consider this all-too-familiar scenario:

A client calls with a locked-out user account. Your rookie technician:

1. Locates the Active Directory server in your RMM
2. Initiates remote access
3. Hunts down domain admin credentials (likely stored in that password manager you’ve been begging them to use properly)
4. Logs into Windows
5. Navigates to Administrative Tools
6. Opens Active Directory Users and Computers
7. Browses through the organizational units
8. Finally locates the user
9. Double-clicks to open properties
10. Checks or unchecks the “Account is locked out” box
11. Clicks Apply, then OK
12. Reports back to the client

Good heavens. That’s a 5-minute operation at best, assuming everything goes smoothly (which it rarely does). Meanwhile, your senior technician completed the same task in 30 seconds using command-line tools.

The Solution: Command-Line Efficiency

Your RMM tools already give you direct access to the command line on endpoints. Why not use it? Here’s how your operatives should be handling these situations:

For checking if an account is locked out:

Copynet user username /domain

For unlocking an account:

Copynet user username /domain /active:yes

For locking an account:

Copynet user username /domain /active:no

For adding a user to a group:

Copynet group "Group Name" username /add /domain

See the difference? 30 seconds versus 5 minutes. Multiply that by the dozens of times your technicians perform these tasks weekly, and you’re looking at hours of recovered time that could be spent on more valuable missions.

Taking It Further: Automation via RMM

But why stop there? If we’ve learned anything from equipping field agents, it’s that the right tools make all the difference.

In Datto RMM

Create components that execute these commands with variable parameters, allowing even your most junior technicians to perform these tasks with the precision of a veteran:

1. Create a new component
2. Set up variables for username, domain, and action type
3. Add a PowerShell script that executes the appropriate net user command
4. Deploy to your technicians

In Ninja RMM

Similarly, in Ninja RMM, you can set up scripts that your technicians can execute with a few clicks:

1. Navigate to the Scripts section
2. Create a new script with parameters for username and action
3. Use the Run Script feature to execute on the appropriate domain controller

![Ninja RMM Script Example]

The Strategic Advantage: Beyond Time Savings

This isn’t merely about shaving minutes off tasks (though that alone would justify the effort). This approach provides several strategic advantages:

1. Consistency of Service: Junior technicians deliver the same quality of work as seniors
2. Enhanced Security: Technicians don’t need full admin access to perform specific tasks
3. Reduced Error Rate: Automation eliminates the “fat-finger” factor
4. Technician Empowerment: Your junior staff feel more capable and confident
5. Scalability: Senior technicians can focus on more complex, high-value work

That last point bears emphasizing. When your experienced operatives aren’t bogged down with mundane account management, they can tackle the missions that truly move the needle for your clients. After all, isn’t that the ultimate objective of any respectable MSP operation?

Advanced Maneuvers: Proactive Monitoring and Onboarding

For the truly elite MSP operations, don’t stop at reactive account management. Implement monitoring components that alert you when:

• Users are added to admin groups
• Admin accounts are accessed outside normal hours
• Multiple failed login attempts occur

Better yet, integrate user account management into your client onboarding automation. When a new agent joins the client’s team, your automation can:

1. Create the user account
2. Add to appropriate groups
3. Configure mailbox settings
4. Set up necessary applications
5. Generate temporary credentials
6. Send welcome email

All without a single technician lifting a finger. Now that’s efficiency Q Branch would approve of.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Operation

The mark of a truly sophisticated MSP isn’t just in the technologies you deploy, but in how efficiently your team operates behind the scenes. By leveraging these command-line techniques and RMM automation, you’ll transform your technicians from bumbling rookies to elite 00-Agents.

Remember, in our line of work, time saved is revenue earned. So do upgrade your toolkit, won’t you? Your clients—and your balance sheet—will thank you.

For more classified intelligence on MSP automation, infiltrate our Cleared Access program or book a strategic briefing with one of our specialists.

Q Labs specializes in equipping MSPs with automation tools and strategies to transform their operations. Our slightly exasperated experts are standing by to help you implement these techniques in your environment.