Windows Administration at the Command Line for Windows^® 2003, Windows^® XP, and Windows^® 2000: In the Field Results

by John Paul Mueller

• ISBN13: 9780470010006
• ISBN10: 0470010002
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-04-01
• Publisher: Sybex

Summary

The only complete reference for Windows command line utilities Instant results for time-crunched IT professionals The last thing you want as a busy systems administrator is to click endlessly through the Windows GUI every time you need to perform a simple task. Want a better solution? Windows Administration at the Command Line reacquaints you with the often-overlooked utilities accessible through the command line in Windows 2003, XP, and 2000. Locate files, check system status, secure and monitor systems, and best of all, save time by using scripts to automate your time-consuming management tasks. This practical book reveals all the command line utilities and puts them right at your fingertips. The only resource on the market with the complete set of Windows command line utilities, this hands-on reference gives you solutions that yield superior results compared to GUI-based utilities, increasing your productivity in the field. Inside you'll find: * The complete set of all Windows command line utilities * Real world scenarios that focus on practical applications * Information on third-party utilities and scripting techniques * Instructions for using the .NET Framework utilities * A preview of Windows Vista utilities including detailed instructions for using Monad and MSH * An appendix with 52 command line tricks and techniques In the Field Results Provides seasoned systems administrators with advanced tools, knowledge, and real-world skills to use on the job. Going beyond what the standard documentation or classroom training provides, these practical guides address the real situations IT professionals face every day, offering streamlined solutions to improve productivity.

Author Biography

John Paul Mueller, consultant, application developer, writer, and technical editor, has written over 300 articles and 68 books, including the recent Mastering Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition (Sybex 2006). His topics range from programming and operating systems to home security and accessibility. He has contributed articles to such magazines as DevSource, asp.netPro, InformIT, SQL Server Professional, Visual C++ Developer, Hard Core Visual Basic, and Visual Basic Developer. His Web site is www.mwt.net/~jmueller/.

Table of Contents

Introduction	xxi
Part 1 Standard Windows Utilities	1	(236)
Using the Command Line Effectively	3	(16)
Understanding Why the Command Line Is So Important	4	(2)
The Command Line Made Easy	6	(2)
Using Utilities Directly	6	(2)
Writing Scripts	8	(1)
Scheduling Tasks	8	(1)
Relying on Third Party Utilities	8	(1)
Viewing the Commands by Purpose	8	(2)
Data specific	9	(1)
System Status	9	(1)
File and Resource Management	10	(1)
Security and System Monitoring	10	(1)
Developer and Low-level Tasks	10	(1)
Active Directory	11	(1)
Services	11	(1)
Task Scheduling	12	(1)
Updating Your Current Utilities at the Microsoft Download Center	12	(1)
Configuring the Command Window	12	(4)
Setting the Window Options	13	(1)
Changing the Font	13	(1)
Choosing a Window Layout	14	(1)
Defining the Text Colors	15	(1)
Placing a Command Prompt at Your Fingertips	15	(1)
Understanding Internal Commands	16	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	17	(2)
Completing Data-Specific Tasks	19	(44)
Creating and Modifying Data Files and Directories	20	(23)
Opening Remote Directories with the Append Utility	20	(1)
Copying Files with the Copy Command	21	(2)
Removing Files with the Del and Erase Commands	23	(1)
Removing a Directory Tree with the DelTree Command	24	(1)
Modifying Files with the Edlin Utility	25	(1)
Repairing System Databases with the ESEnTUtl Utility	25	(5)
Decompressing Files with the Expand Utility	30	(1)
Creating Directories with the MD and MkDir Commands	31	(1)
Moving Files and Renaming Files and Directories with the Move Command	32	(1)
Setting and Viewing Application Paths with the Path Command	33	(1)
Storing and Retrieving Directories with the PushD and PopD Commands	34	(1)
Recovering Lost Files with the Recover Utility	35	(1)
Removing a Directory with the RD and RmDir Commands	35	(1)
Renaming a File or Directory with the Ren and Rename Commands	36	(1)
Replacing Existing Files with the Replace Utility	36	(1)
Sorting File Content with the Sort Utility	37	(1)
Associating a Folder to a Drive with the Subst Utility	38	(1)
Displaying a Directory Structure with the Tree Utility	39	(1)
Validating File Operations with the Verify Command	40	(1)
Performing Bulk File Transfers with the XCopy Utility	40	(3)
Displaying Data Files	43	(7)
Working with Line Printers	43	(2)
Printing Data Files with the Print Utility	45	(1)
Outputting Data Files with the Type Command	46	(3)
Performing a Formatted Printout with Notepad	49	(1)
Determining File and Directory Status	50	(4)
Determining the Current Directory and Changing Directories with the CD and ChDir Commands	50	(1)
Comparing Two Files with the Comp Utility	50	(1)
Performing Advanced File Comparison with the FC Utility	51	(1)
Working with File Associations and Types	52	(2)
Performing Backups with the NTBackup Utility	54	(2)
Working with ODBC Data Sources	56	(3)
Configuring the ODBC Environment with the ODBCConf Utility	56	(2)
Creating an ODBC Data Source at the Command Line	58	(1)
Managing the Windows Registry	59	(2)
Modifying the Registry with the RegEdit Utility	59	(1)
Scripting Registry Entries with the RegIni Utility	60	(1)
Adding and Removing Servers with the RegSvr32 Utility	61	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	61	(2)
Discovering the System Status	63	(34)
Getting System Status Information	63	(18)
Obtaining Driver Information with the DriverQuery Utility	64	(1)
Obtaining DirectX Status with the DXDiag Utility	65	(1)
Monitoring the File System with the FSUtil Utility	66	(8)
Managing Volume Labels with the Label Utility	74	(1)
Determining Memory Status with the Mem Utility	74	(2)
Obtaining General System Information with the MSInfo32 Utility	76	(2)
Managing Environment Variables with the Set Command	78	(3)
Determining the Operating System Version with the Ver Command	81	(1)
Getting Volume Information with the Vol Command	81	(1)
Viewing the Volume Shadow Service Data with the VSSAdmin Utility	81	(1)
Recording System Status Information	81	(5)
Managing System Events with the EventCreate Utility	82	(1)
Triggering System Events with the EventTriggers Utility	83	(3)
Working with Performance Information	86	(9)
Adding Performance Counters with the LodCtr Utility	87	(1)
Managing Performance Logs and Alerts with the LogMan Utility	88	(3)
Viewing the Results of Changes with the PerfMon Utility	91	(1)
Reconfiguring Performance Logs with the ReLog Utility	92	(1)
Tracking Performance with the TypePerf Utility	93	(1)
Removing Performance Counters with the UnlodCtr Utility	94	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	95	(2)
Locating Files and Other Resources	97	(38)
Locating Files	97	(8)
Finding Files and Directories with the Dir Command	98	(2)
Detecting Shared Open Files with the OpenFiles Utility	100	(2)
Locating Information in Files with the Find and FindStr Utilities	102	(3)
Monitoring Files	105	(9)
Changing File and Directory Attributes with the Attrib Utility	105	(2)
Changing File and Directory Access with the CACLs Utility	107	(2)
Determining File and Directory Status with the ChkDsk Utility	109	(1)
Performing Boot Time Disk Checks with the ChkNTFS Utility	110	(1)
Encrypting Data with the Cipher Utility	111	(2)
Compressing Data with the Compact Utility	113	(1)
Working with Other Resources	114	(18)
Converting Program Groups with the GrpConv Utility	114	(1)
Managing Power Settings with the PowerCfg Utility	115	(4)
Working with Terminal Server	119	(4)
Working with Remote Access Server	123	(3)
Setting Up a Telephony Client with the TCMSetup Utility	126	(1)
Communicating with Telnet	126	(4)
Managing the System Time with the W32Tm Utility	130	(2)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	132	(3)
Securing and Monitoring a System	135	(62)
Working with the Network	136	(35)
Managing the ATM Call Manager with the ATMAdm Utility	136	(1)
Getting the Media Access Control Information with the GetMAC Utility	136	(1)
Getting the NetWare Routing Information with the IPXRoute Utility	137	(1)
Managing WinHTTP Proxy Configuration with the ProxyCfg Utility	138	(1)
Managing the Network with the Net Utility	139	(13)
Discovering TCP/IP Diagnostic Tools	152	(19)
Managing FTP Servers with the FTP Utility	171	(1)
Working with Users	172	(5)
Monitoring Users with the AuditUsr Utility	172	(1)
Configuring Profiles the CMStP Utility	173	(1)
Obtaining Group Policy Results with the GPResult Utility	174	(1)
Managing Group Policies with the GPUpdate Utility	175	(1)
Sending Messages with the Msg Utility	176	(1)
Virus and External Intrusion Protection	177	(6)
Removing Viruses with the BlastCln Utility	177	(1)
Managing the File System with the FltMC Utility	178	(2)
Detect and Remove Malicious Software with the MRT Utility	180	(1)
Verifying System Files with the SFC Utility	181	(1)
Verifying Drivers with the Verifier Utility	181	(2)
Configuring the System Setup	183	(5)
Managing the Boot Configuration with the BootCfg Utility	183	(2)
Configuring Local Security Policies with the SecEdit Utility	185	(1)
Add and Removing Applications with the SysOCMgr Utility	186	(1)
Getting System Configuration Information with the SystemInfo Utility	187	(1)
Interacting with the Internet	188	(3)
Converting IIS Logs with the ConvLog Utility	188	(1)
Monitoring and Managing IIS with the IISReset Utility	189	(1)
Working with IP Version 6	190	(1)
Working with General Applications	191	(3)
Terminating Tasks with the TaskKill Utility	191	(2)
Listing Applications and Services with the TaskList Utility	193	(1)
Converting Event Trace Logs with the TraceRpt Utility	194	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	195	(2)
Using Developer and Low Level Utilities	197	(40)
Working with Automated System Recovery	197	(4)
Backing Up and Restoring System Data with the ASR_Fmt Utility	200	(1)
Working with Logical Disks Using the ASR_LDM Utility	200	(1)
Working with Protected Files Using the ASR_PFU Utility	200	(1)
Using the Start Command	201	(2)
Performing Disk Maintenance	203	(15)
Managing Removable Storage with the RSM Utility	203	(6)
Converting FAT Partitions to NTFS with the Convert Utility	209	(1)
Improving Disk Access Performance with the Defrag Utility	210	(1)
Compressing Files with the Diantz and MakeCAB Utilities	210	(1)
Managing Partitions with the DiskPart Utility	211	(5)
Mounting a Volume with the MountVol Utility	216	(1)
Managing Disk Performance with the DiskPerf Utility	217	(1)
Employing Low Level Utilities	218	(7)
Examining, Modifying, and Debugging Files with the Debug Utility	218	(1)
Converting Executables with the Exe2Bin Utility	219	(1)
Ensuring Proper Application Execution with the ForceDOS Utility	219	(1)
Terminating a Session Using the Logoff Utility	219	(1)
Performing System-Level Debugging with the NTSD Utility	220	(4)
Managing Compatibility Databases with SDBInst	224	(1)
Accessing Functions within DLLs	225	(1)
Uninstalling the Operating System with the OSUninst Utility	226	(1)
Controlling Services with the SC Utility	226	(4)
Shutting Down the System with the ShutDown Utility	230	(2)
Replicating COM+ Applications with the COMRepl Utility	232	(1)
Managing Type Libraries with the RegTLib Utility	232	(1)
Saving and Restoring System Restore Data with the SRDiag Utility	233	(1)
Performing Web-Based Enterprise Management Tasks	233	(3)
Administering Managed Object Format Files with the MOFComp Utility	234	(1)
Interacting with the WBEM Server with the WinMgmt Utility	235	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	236	(1)
Part 2 Using Windows Automation	237	(128)
Creating CMD and BAT Files	239	(42)
Starting the Command Interpreter	239	(24)
Using the CMD Switches	240	(5)
Modifying Config.NT	245	(4)
Modifying AutoExec.NT	249	(4)
Modifying Application Behavior Using a PIF	253	(3)
Defining Application Compatibility with the SetVer Utility	256	(1)
Using Common DOS Utilities	257	(6)
Working at the Command Prompt	263	(5)
Clearing the Display with the CLS Command	264	(1)
Changing Screen Colors with the Color Command	264	(1)
Working with the System Date Using the Date Command	264	(1)
Tracking Command Line Actions with the DosKey Utility	265	(2)
Obtaining Command Line Help with the Help Utility	267	(1)
Working with the System Time Using the Time Command	267	(1)
Changing the Command Window Title with the Title Command	267	(1)
Creating Batch Files	268	(12)
Using the Call Command	268	(2)
Using the Choice Command	270	(1)
Using the Echo Command	271	(1)
Using the Exit Command	272	(1)
Using the For Command	272	(3)
Using the Goto Command	275	(1)
Using the If Command	275	(3)
Using the Pause Command	278	(1)
Using the Prompt Command	279	(1)
Using the Rem Command	279	(1)
Using the Shift Command	280	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	280	(1)
Working with Scripts	281	(22)
Understanding Scripting Languages	281	(3)
Learning the Basics of JavaScript	282	(1)
Learning the Basics of VBScript	283	(1)
Executing Scripts	284	(2)
Running Scripts with the CScript and WScript Utilities	284	(2)
Configuring the Host and Property Page Options	286	(1)
Scripting Networking Solutions with the NetSH Utility	286	(5)
Creating a Basic Script	291	(4)
Scripting the Command Line and System Environment	292	(2)
Scripting the Registry	294	(1)
Using the Scripting Objects	295	(5)
Working with the WScript Object	296	(2)
Working with the WScript.WshArguments Object	298	(1)
Working with the WScript.WshShell Object	298	(1)
Working with the WScript.WshNetwork Object	299	(1)
Impersonating a User with the RunAs Utility	300	(2)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	302	(1)
Scripting for Active Directory	303	(24)
Discovering Helpful Active Directory Utilities	304	(8)
Managing Active Directory with the DSQuery Utility	305	(6)
Managing the Active Directory Database with the NTDSUtil Utility	311	(1)
Working with Objects	312	(11)
Creating New Objects Using the DSAdd Utility	313	(5)
Listing Objects Using the DSGet Utility	318	(3)
Editing Existing Objects Using the DSMod Utility	321	(1)
Moving Existing Objects Using the DSMove Utility	322	(1)
Deleting Objects Using the DSRm Utility	322	(1)
Working with Users, Groups, and Computers	323	(2)
Obtaining a User's Logon Name	323	(1)
Obtaining a User's Full Name	324	(1)
Discovering User Group Membership	324	(1)
Resetting a User's Password	324	(1)
Displaying a List of Hostnames	325	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	325	(2)
Using Task Scheduler Effectively	327	(12)
Starting and Stopping the Task Scheduler Service	328	(6)
Managing Tasks with the SchTasks Utility	329	(4)
Working with the AT Utility	333	(1)
Combining the AT Utility with Batch Files	334	(1)
Creating Script-Based Scheduler Activities	335	(3)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	338	(1)
After Hours Automation Scripting	339	(26)
Defining After Hours Task Candidates	339	(6)
Creating Message Queue Backups with the MQBkup Utility	341	(1)
Installing Applications with the MSIExec Utility	341	(4)
Designing and Testing the After Hours Batch File	345	(8)
Adding Debug Information to Batch Files	345	(4)
Identifying Batch Files and Their Actions	349	(2)
Using a Centralized Data Store	351	(2)
Designing and Testing the After Hours Script	353	(7)
Mapping a Network Drive	353	(3)
Creating a CSV File	356	(4)
Creating Remote Connections with the MSTSC Utility	360	(1)
Providing Fault Tolerance for an After Hours Batch or Script	360	(2)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	362	(3)
Part 3 Relying on Third Party Automation	365	(38)
Obtaining Command Prompt Enhancers	367	(12)
Using XVI32 to View Files in Depth	367	(3)
Moving Data with Send To Toys	370	(1)
Checking File Integrity Using FCIV	371	(3)
Getting the Better XCopy with XXCopy	374	(1)
Working with Shell Extensions Using ShellExView	375	(3)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	378	(1)
Increasing Productivity at the Command Line	379	(10)
Obtaining Additional Information with ToggIt Command Line Helper	380	(1)
Using Quick Shutdown to End a Session Fast	381	(2)
Creating a Friendlier Interface with PromptPal	383	(1)
Getting a More Functional Command Line with WinOne	384	(1)
Automating Email Using sendEmail	385	(3)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	388	(1)
Editing and Compiling Batch Files and Scripts	389	(14)
Editing All File Types with WinVi	389	(2)
Obtaining a Better Notepad with Notepad+	391	(2)
Creating Executable Batch Files with Batch File Compiler 5.2	393	(1)
Develop and Compile Batch Files with Quick Batch File Compiler	394	(1)
Understanding JavaScript and VBScript Compilers	395	(2)
Understanding the JSC Compiler Supplied with .NET	397	(4)
Using the JSC Compiler	397	(3)
Creating a Simple Example	400	(1)
Working with the .NET Framework	401	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	401	(2)
Part 4 Working with the .NET Framework Utilities	403	(50)
Understanding the .NET Framework Versions	405	(12)
Locating the .NET Framework on Your System	405	(4)
Understanding the Concept of Side-by-Side Versions	409	(2)
Viewing the Assembly Folder	411	(3)
Discovering the Essential .NET Framework Assemblies	414	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	415	(2)
Configuring the .NET Framework	417	(20)
Understanding .NET Framework Configuration	417	(8)
Working with the Global Assembly Cache	418	(1)
Understanding .NET Security	419	(3)
Working with Code Groups	422	(1)
Creating and Defining Permission Sets	423	(1)
Defining Policy Assemblies	424	(1)
Adding Configured Applications	424	(1)
Understanding the Use of CONFIG Files	425	(2)
Setting Policies Using the CASPol Utility	427	(4)
Placing Assemblies in the Global Assembly Cache with GACUtil	431	(1)
Installing Assemblies with the InstallUtil Utility	432	(1)
Registering Assemblies with the RegAsm Utility	433	(1)
Registering Services with the RegSvcs Utility	434	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	434	(3)
Configuring ASP.NET	437	(16)
Locating ASP.NET Errors	437	(5)
Fixing Application Registration Errors	438	(1)
Fixing File Association Problems	438	(3)
Fixing Configuration Problems	441	(1)
Creating Web Applications with the ASPNet_Compiler Utility	442	(1)
Providing Multiple Browser Support with the ASPNet_RegBrowsers Utility	443	(1)
Adding ASP.NET Support to IIS with the ASPNet_RegIIS Utility	444	(4)
Adding ASP.NET Support to SQL Server with the ASPNet_RegSQL Utility	448	(3)
Using the Command Line	448	(2)
Working with the ASPNet_RegSQL Utility Wizard	450	(1)
Understanding the ASPNet_State Service	451	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	452	(1)
Part 5 Windows Vista Special Features Preview	453	(32)
Using the Enhanced Vista Utilities	455	(14)
Understanding How Vista Changes Existing Commands and Utilities	455	(1)
Understanding the Monad Difference	456	(2)
Using the New Vista Commands	458	(10)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	468	(1)
Working with Monad	469	(16)
Using the MSH Command Interpreter	470	(2)
Creating a Shell Extension with the Make-Shell Utility	472	(2)
Creating a Monad Script	474	(6)
Creating a Simple Script	475	(3)
Running the Script	478	(2)
Creating a Monad Cmdlet and Shell	480	(4)
Creating the Cmdlet Code	480	(2)
Compiling the Cmdlet Executable	482	(1)
Using the Make-Shell Utility to Create the Shell	483	(1)
Getting Started with Command Line Tasks	484	(1)
Appendix 52 Indispensable Command Line Tricks and Techniques	485	(6)
Glossary	491	(18)
Index	509