Here is a collection of my favourite Windows Server 2003 command line tools. My aim is to offer variety, and I hope you will un-earth at least one utility you had not considered.
Ten Tools to Run from the Command Line
- 1) GPupdate
- 2) Where
- 3) SystemInfo
- 4) CSVDE
- 5) LDIFDE
- 6) CMDCONS
- 7) Ipconfig
- 8) RoboCopy
- 9) CMDHere
- 10) PathPing
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1) GPupdate – Refreshes Group Policy
The number one question I get asked about Group Policies is ‘Why won’t they work when I set them up perfectly?’ My answer is, run GPupdate. Result: Bingo, now they work – very satisfying.
2) WHERE – A command line tool.
When you are at the command prompt you may need to find files. Try Where, for example, Where /r e:\ *.log
Notes: The /r means ‘keep on looking’. Observe the space between /r and e:\ and also the space between e:\ and *.log. Where is flexible, and will search for any file pattern that you can think of, for example, *.ini or W*.inf.
3) Systeminfo – pipe O/S details to a text file
This command gives you a hard copy of the information displayed in System Information (Accessories). From the command prompt type: Systeminfo > server.txt Then Notepad server.txt lets you read the data captured. The > ‘greater than’ is an old trick to redirect information from the screen into a file.
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4) CSVDE – Scripting tool
Ideal for importing and exporting user accounts to and from Active Directory. See more about CSVDE here
5) LDIFDE – Another scripting tool.
Similar to CSVDE, but also allows passwords to be imported using the unicodePwd attribute. See more about LDIFDE here.
6) CMDCons – Winnt32 /cmdcons (Needs server CD)
Take a minute to install this command line program. It will be a life saver should you system fail to boot. Install CMDCons and practice copying files, just in case you get a server that will not start because of a corrupted file.
7) IPCONFIG /flushdns
Way back, this classic Windows Server 2003 command line tool solved a thorny connectivity problem I had with DNS and Exchange 2000. Discover more new useful switches with Ipconfig /?
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8) Robocopy – another gem from the resource kit.
Robust copy is the last word in command line copying. The syntax can be demanding so store the commands in a batch file. Download Robocopy here.
9) CMDHere – from the resource kit.
Imagine you are using explorer. Suddenly, you need to open a folder in a ‘DOS Box. It is frustrating to run CMD, change directory about 7 times before you navigate to the right folder. Install CMDHere and make it one click to your ‘DOS Box’. See Diagram 1. Download CMDHere
10) PathPing – Ping’s big brother.
Handy for testing intermittent connections. PathPing works like ping except it echo-locates for 25 seconds and reports the percentage of lost packets. As a bonus, PathPing shows you the hops rather like a tracert printout.
Summary Windows Server 2003 Command Line Tools
These ten command line tools have served me well down the years, please send me your collection
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Related Windows Server 2003 Topics:
• Windows Command Line Tools • Windows Server 2003 Tips • Windows Server 2003 Services
• Unhide Settings • Exchange System Manager • WSUS Server 2003
