claudetools/SSH_ACCESS_SETUP.md

SSH Passwordless Access Setup

Problem: Automated deployments require password entry, causing delays and requiring manual intervention.

Solution: One-time SSH key setup enables fully automated deployments forever.

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Quick Setup (One Command)

Run this PowerShell command once with your RMM password:

cd D:\ClaudeTools
.\setup-ssh-keys.ps1

When prompted for password, enter your RMM password. You'll enter it 3 times total (for pscp, mkdir, and key install).

After this ONE-TIME setup:

• deploy.ps1 will work without ANY prompts
• pscp commands work automatically
• plink commands work automatically
• No more 4-hour debugging sessions due to deployment issues

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What It Does

1. Generates SSH key pair (already done: ~/.ssh/id_rsa)
2. Copies public key to RMM server
3. Configures authorized_keys for guru user
4. Tests passwordless access

Total time: 30 seconds

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Alternative: Manual Setup

If you prefer to do it manually:

# 1. Copy public key to RMM server
pscp %USERPROFILE%\.ssh\id_rsa.pub guru@172.16.3.30:/tmp/claude_key.pub

# 2. SSH to RMM and install key
plink guru@172.16.3.30
mkdir -p ~/.ssh
chmod 700 ~/.ssh
cat /tmp/claude_key.pub >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
rm /tmp/claude_key.pub
exit

# 3. Test passwordless access
plink -batch guru@172.16.3.30 "echo 'Success!'"

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Verification

After setup, this command should work WITHOUT password prompt:

plink -batch guru@172.16.3.30 "echo 'Passwordless SSH working!'"

Expected output: Passwordless SSH working!

If it prompts for password: Setup failed, re-run setup-ssh-keys.ps1

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Why This Matters

Before SSH keys:

• Every deploy.ps1 run requires 3-5 password entries
• Cannot run automated deployments
• Manual file copying required
• High risk of deploying wrong files
• 4+ hours wasted debugging version mismatches

After SSH keys:

• .\deploy.ps1 - ONE command, ZERO prompts
• Fully automated version checking
• Automatic file deployment
• Service restart without intervention
• Post-deployment verification
• Total deployment time: 30 seconds

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Security Notes

SSH Key Location: C:\Users\MikeSwanson\.ssh\id_rsa (private key) Public Key Location: C:\Users\MikeSwanson\.ssh\id_rsa.pub

Key Type: RSA 4096-bit Passphrase: None (enables automation) Access: Only your Windows user account can read the private key RMM Access: Only guru@172.16.3.30 can use this key

Note: The private key file has restricted permissions. Keep it secure.

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Troubleshooting

"FATAL ERROR: Cannot answer interactive prompts in batch mode"

• SSH keys not installed yet
• Run setup-ssh-keys.ps1 to install them

"Permission denied (publickey,password)"

• authorized_keys file has wrong permissions
• On RMM: chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

"Could not resolve hostname"

• Network issue
• Verify RMM server is reachable: ping 172.16.3.30

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Next Steps

1. Run setup script: .\setup-ssh-keys.ps1
2. Verify it works: plink -batch guru@172.16.3.30 "whoami"
3. Deploy safeguards: .\deploy.ps1
4. Never waste 4 hours again

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Status: SSH key generated ✓ Action Required: Run setup-ssh-keys.ps1 once to install on RMM server Time Required: 30 seconds Password Entries: 3 (one-time only) Future Password Entries: 0 (automated forever)