I'm learning PowerShell and I'm trying to build my own module library.
I've written a simple module XMLHelpers.psm1 and put in my folder $home/WindowsPowerShell/Modules.
When I do:
import-module full_path_to_XMLHelpers.psm1
It works. But when I do:
import-module XMLHelpers
It doesn't work and I get the error:
Import-Module : The specified module 'xmlhelpers' was not loaded because no valid module file was found in any module directory.
I've checked that the environment variable PSModulePath contains this folder. As it is a network folder, I've also tried to move it to a local folder and to modify PSModulePath but without success
$env:PSModulePath=$env:PSModulePath+";"+'C:\local'
Any idea on what could cause this issue?
The module needs to be placed in a folder with the same name as the module. In your case:
$home/WindowsPowerShell/Modules/XMLHelpers/
The full path would be:
$home/WindowsPowerShell/Modules/XMLHelpers/XMLHelpers.psm1
You would then be able to do:
import-module XMLHelpers
1.This will search XMLHelpers/XMLHelpers.psm1 in current folder
Import-Module (Resolve-Path('XMLHelpers'))
2.This will search XMLHelpers.psm1 in current folder
Import-Module (Resolve-Path('XMLHelpers.psm1'))
I think that the Import-Module is trying to find the module in the default directory C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\Modules.
Try to put the full path, or copy it to C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\Modules
I experienced the same error and tried numerous things before I succeeded. The solution was to prepend the path of the script to the relative path of the module like this:
// Note that .Path will only be available during script-execution
$ScriptPath = Split-Path $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path
Import-Module $ScriptPath\Modules\Builder.psm1
Btw you should take a look at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd878284(v=vs.85).aspx which states:
Beginning in Windows PowerShell 3.0, modules are imported automatically when any cmdlet or function in the module is used in a command. This feature works on any module in a directory that this included in the value of the PSModulePath environment variable ($env:PSModulePath)
I had this problem, but only in Visual Studio Code, not in ISE. Turns out I was using an x86 session in VSCode. I displayed the PowerShell Session Menu and switched to the x64 session, and all the modules began working without full paths. I am using Version 1.17.2, architecture x64 of VSCode. My modules were stored in the C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\Modules directory.
Some plugins require one to run as an Administrator and will not load unless one has those credentials active in the shell.
My finding with PS 5.0 on Windows 7: $ENV:PsModulePath has to end with a . This normally means it will load all modules in that path.
I'm not able to add a single module to $env:PsModulePath and get it to load with Import-Module ExampleModule. I have to use the full path to the module. e.g. C:\MyModules\ExampleModule. I am sure it used to work.
For example:
Say I have the modules:
C:\MyModules\ExampleModule
C:\MyModules\FishingModule
I need to add C:\MyModules\ to $env:PsModulePath, which will allow me to do
Import-Module ExampleModule
Import-Module FishingModule
If for some reason, I didn't want FishingModule, I thought I could add C:\MyModules\ExampleModule only (no trailing \), but this doesn't seem to work now. To load it, I have to Import-Module C:\MyModules\ExampleModule
Interestingly, in both cases, doing Get-Module -ListAvailable, shows the modules, but it won't import. Although, the module's cmdlets seem to work anyway.
AFAIK, to get the automatic import to work, one has to add the name of the function to FunctionsToExport in the manifest (.psd1) file. Adding FunctionsToExport = '*', breaks the auto load. You can still have Export-ModuleMember -Function * in the module file (.psm1).
These are my findings. Whether there's been a change or my computer is broken, remains to be seen. HTH
try with below on powershell:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
import-module [\path\]XMLHelpers.psm1
Instead of [] put the full path
Full explanation of this and that
First of all check Your account type,some imports are not allowed to normal partner accounts.
Related
I have a machine i would like to install a module on, specifically SwisPowerShell for working with SolarWinds. Internet is disabled on it so i cant use install-module, so i manually downloaded the .nupkg from another machine and went through the steps of unpacking the files into the correct folders. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/gallery/how-to/working-with-packages/manual-download?view=powershell-7.2. all the .dll files and the windows powershell datafile i have tried in both directories "C:\Program Files\WindowsPowerShell\Modules\SwisPowerShell\3.1.0.343" and "C:\Users\username\Documents\WindowsPowerShell\Modules\SwisPowerShell\3.1.0.343". Importing the module with "import-module -name SwisPowerShell -Global -force -Verbose" shows that everything loads correctly, but then running "get-module SwisPowerShell -Verbose" returns nothing. even loading each dll individually with "add-type -path "C:...\somefile.dll" shows nothing. running "get-module -ListAvailable" shows the module in both (or either) directories as they should be. using "get-help cmdletname" and "get-command cmdletname" shows the correct cmdlet definitions. trying to run any of the cmdlets returns "The term 'connect-swis' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function... yada yadda" for all of the cmdlets. its like powershell sees the files but refuses to use them. Am i missing a step that tells powershell that this is a valid module to use? could it be blocked somehow? what extra steps does install-module do that a manual install does not that i could try?
Try running process monitor while installing on another machine. You might find out it's doing some registry changes too.
I have a custom PowerShell module with two cmdlets. I have it successfully, but manually, deployed on my machine. However, I deployed it by placing the binary file and module manifest in a location, and then registering the module. I also had to manually write an Import-Module command into my 'all users' profile.
Now I am sure I can deploy this module with Publish-Module, but how do I get the Install-Module to write the Import-Module statement to the profile file?
As of PowerShell 3.0, a module is automatically imported when a command from the module is invoked. This was a brilliant on Microsoft's part; however, it did require that modules are located in a location where PowerShell looks for modules by default. Makes sense. You can see those locations by running the following command:
$env:PSModulePath -split ';'
Is there a reason you'd rather not use one of the paths stored in the above environmental variable? That said, I'd keep your code out of the "C:\Windows\System32..." path. The other options are better: "C:\Program Files\PowerShell\Modules" (AllUsers) and "C:\Users\tommymaynard\Documents\PowerShell\Modules" (CurrentUser). Depending on your PowerShell version/OS, those path could be different. You won't need to write an Import-Module command into a $PROFILE script if you get the module into a preferred location. Maybe you already know this, but maybe not.
You're not going to get Install-Module to write to any of the $PROFILE scripts.
$PROFILE | Select-Object -Property *
Well, not by default anyway. You could write your own Install-Module function, that runs PowerShellGet's Install-Module function, and includes writing to various $PROFILE scripts. The problem is that you'll need to include logic so you don't blow away the contents of someone's $PROFILE script if it's not empty, and only append to it.
Seriously though, this is turning into a lot of work, when you could drop the module into a location where PowerShell can find it on its own.
Edit: It just occurred to me, you can add a value/path to the $env:PSModulePath environmental variable. It's a single string with semi-colon delimiters:
$env:PSModulePath.GetType().Name
Therefore, it'd look like this:
$env:PSModulePath += ';C:\Another\Path'
That's great and all, but again how might you stage this, right? It takes you back to the write-to-all-the-$PROFILE-scripts problem,... although you may be able to update the variable via Group Policy Preferences. Again, probably better to just relocate your module.
I am new to powershell so this may just be me not understanding something.
I am writing a tool in powershell and have the tool working in c:\Users\Documents\WindowsPowerShell\Modules.
What I would like is the ability to copy the tool to a USB stick and run it from the USB stick.
How can I get the tool to run if its not in the PSModulePath environment variable path?
Or how can I add the USB stick added to the PSModulePath path?
Thanks for the help.
I have a solution that works by placing the following in a .ps1 script and using that to import the dependent modules and call the first function.
#find local directory
$LocalDir = Split-Path $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path -Parent
#prove correct directory found.
Write-Host "Starting module load: $($MyInvocation.MyCommand) in directory = $LocalDir"
#load modules
Import-Module $LocalDir/Module –Force
#call first function
firstfunction
I could not get $PSScriptRoot to work but the Split-Path $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path –Parent code has the advantage in that it also works in ISE.
I then placed the dependent modules in directories below the .ps1 script.
If you want your script to be portable, you will have to carry around the dependent module with you as well. However, in your script, you can make sure to add the full path to the module's parent directory on your USB to the PSModulePath as a process-level environment variable:
$portableModuleDirectory = [System.IO.DirectoryInfo]'./relative/path/to/dependent/module'
$env:PSModulePath += ";$(Split-Path -Parent $portableModuleDirectory.FullName)"
Import-Module ModuleName
However, this is cumbersome to have to do. The best solution here would be to host your own internal nuget feed to push your package to, so you can install the module on any machine you need it on from your network, if you can't upload it to the public PowerShell Gallery (which you should host your own feed/squid proxy for business needs).
I'm new at working with Powershell (Version 4.0).
I created different modules:
My-Modules
My-Tools
My-HelpfullCommands
In each module directory I have the .psd1 file where I set the FunctionsToExport='My-*' . In the same directory is a .psm1 file with different functions in it.
For Example in the "My-Modules.psm1":
My-GetAvailabilityGroup
My-LastSqlBackup
New-SMOConnection
And in the "My-Tools.psm1":
My-BackupRestoreFromAg
My-GetDbSize
New-SMOConnection
When I check the available commands with Get-Command -Name My-* I find the expected 4 commands.
BUT: When I check Get-Command -Name *SMO*I find the New-SMOConnection two times. Once from the module My-Tools and once from the module My-Modules.
When I try to execute the New-SMOConnection I get the error message New-SMOconnection : The term 'New-SMOconnection' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function... (you know the ObjectNotFound message ;-) )
So, my question is:
Is it possible to "remove" the New-SMOConnection functions, so that they are not visible anymore?
Another question:
Why do the New-SMOConnection functions even show up with Get-Command?
Shouldn't the FunctionsToExport only export the functions that start with My-?
Yes, you can do this using the Remove-Item cmdlet:
Remove-Item -Path Function:New-SMOConnection
I removed all my modules from the directory and opened ISE again to verify that the New-SMOConnection command is gone. Created then a new Module (My-HelpfullCommands) with only the New-SMOConnection in it. In all the other modules, I removed the New-SMOConnection function and copied them back into the modules directory.
Now the New-SMOConnection is declared only once and I can use it for all my modules.
Everything seems to work as expected.
Next I plan to add all my littel helper functions into the "My-HelpfullCommands" module.
I am working with powershell on a server and want to use it to stop and start a task in the task scheduler. I run this command "Import-Module TaskScheduler" but get an error:
Import-Module : The specified module 'TaskScheduler' was not loaded because no valid module file was found in any module directory.
Any idea of the problem?
The most likely case is that you've got your module installed to a personal location, and not a system location. If you're running it inside of a scheduled task, or have it installed for a particular user (and are running as someone else), then you'll need to make sure that the module is in the "right" location.
$env:PSModulePath
Will show the current module paths. There should be at least 2. One will be in your user directory, and the other will be in $pshome\Modules.
If you want to be lazy, you can put a module there. If you want to be thorough, you can create a new directory, change PSModulePath (outside of PowerShell, so it sticks from one PowerShell instance to the next) to include this directory. This is the "official" way.
On a personal note, since you're probably using the very old TaskScheduler module I wrote in the PowerShellPack, I'm sorry that my installer drops them into user directories, and not global directories. While user directories are the common case, global directories should have been an option.
I had the same issue and my module was in the correct location, and everything was named according to the expected convention. After a bit of frustration I figured out the issue: the window that I was trying to import the module in was launched before I created the module. When I launched a new instance of Powershell, it loaded. So hopefully this might help someone else who is having this same issue and can't figure out why.
You can also add the location of the Powershell modules to the module path:
$env:PSModulePath=$env:PSModulePath + ";" + "F:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\110\Tools\PowerShell\Modules"
Or you can add logic to an existing script:
$module_path = $env:PSModulePath
if (-not($module_path -match "F:\\Program Files (x86)\\Microsoft SQL Server\\110\\Tools\\PowerShell\\Modules")) {
if (Test-Path("F:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\110\Tools\PowerShell\Modules")) {
$env:PSModulePath=$env:PSModulePath + ";" + "F:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\110\Tools\PowerShell\Modules"
}
else {
write-host "sqlps not in default location - this can cause errors" -foregroundcolor yellow
}
}
import-module "sqlps" -DisableNameChecking