book

Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Scripting Guide

Name: Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Scripting Guide
Author: Microsoft Corporation
ISBN: 9780735618671

by Microsoft Corporation

December 2002

Beginner to intermediate

1328 pages

30h 30m

English

Microsoft Press

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Copyright
Introduction
Compact DiscDocument ConventionsScripting Diagram SymbolsReader Alert ConventionsCommand-line Style ConventionsSupport Policy
I. Scripting Concepts and Technologies for System Administration
1. Introduction to Windows Script Technologies
How Did Scripting Acquire Such a Bad Reputation?How This Book HelpsHow Do You Know if This Book is for You?What Is in This BookAbout the Scripts Used in This BookA Note Regarding VBScriptSystem Requirements
2. VBScript Primer
VBScript OverviewWorking with ObjectsConnecting to ObjectsConnecting to WSHCreating an Object ReferenceCalling MethodsRetrieving PropertiesVariablesConstantsStringsStrings as VariablesConcatenating StringsCollectionsFor EachCollections with Zero ItemsLoopingFor NextMaking DecisionsTaking Multiple Actions by Using If Then ElseArraysInputError HandlingUsing the Err ObjectClearing ErrorsVBScript ReferenceWorking with VariablesInitializing VariablesUsing ConstantsDefining ConstantsUsing Intrinsic ConstantsVBScript Data TypesWorking with Dates and TimesRetrieving Current Date and Time ValuesVerifying That a Value Is a DateRetrieving Specific Portions of a Date and Time ValueDate ArithmeticFormatting Date and Time ValuesWorking with StringsManipulating Strings and String LengthsCreating Tabular OutputSearching for Text in a StringModifying String CaseWorking with NumbersArithmetic PrecedenceFormatting NumbersFormatting PercentagesRunning Statements Multiple TimesDo LoopCreating Endless LoopsChecking the Loop ConditionExiting a LoopMaking DecisionsTesting Multiple ConditionsIf Then ElseIfSelect CaseArraysCreating ArraysDeclaring and Populating ArraysCreating Dynamic ArraysConverting a Delimited String to an ArrayAlternatives to Using ArraysError HandlingHandling Run-Time ErrorsIgnoring All ErrorsResponding to ErrorsToggling Error HandlingHandling Errors in COM ObjectsProceduresCalling a ProcedureFunctionsPassing Parameters to FunctionsPassing Parameters by Value or by ReferenceRecursionCOM ObjectsThe COM ProcessCreating a New ObjectServer ModeBindingChoosing a Method for Binding to an Automation ObjectVerifying Object ReferencesUnloading Objects from MemoryNothing Keyword
3. WSH Primer
WSH OverviewWSH ArchitectureComponents of the WSH EnvironmentHow the Components of the WSH Environment Work TogetherWSH Object ModelRunning WSH ScriptsRunning Scripts from the Command LineScheduling the Running of ScriptsOther Methods of Running ScriptsWSH ObjectsWScript ObjectUsing COM ObjectsCreating a New Instance of a COM ObjectAttaching to an Existing Instance of a COM ObjectComparing VBScript CreateObject and GetObject Functions with WSHHandling Input and OutputDisplaying Messages to Script UsersGetting Text into and out of ScriptsDisplaying Output Using StdOutReading Input by Using StdInWorking with Command-Line ArgumentsHow Command-Line Arguments Are Stored and FilteredUsing the Default Arguments CollectionUnnamed Command-Line ArgumentsNamed Command-Line ArgumentsUsing Both Unnamed and Named ArgumentsVerifying Command-Line ArgumentsControlling How a Script RunsPausing a ScriptQuitting a ScriptSetting a Time-out Value for a ScriptObtaining WSH Environment InformationHandling EventsWshShell ObjectRunning ProgramsComparing Run and ExecRunning ProgramsRunning Command-Line ToolsUsing Spaces in Command-Line ParametersRunning a Program and Directly Accessing Its OutputWorking with ShortcutsCreating Standard ShortcutsCreating URL ShortcutsAdding an Item to the Quick Launch BarDeleting ShortcutsWorking with Special FoldersRetrieving the Location of Special FoldersCreating a Shortcut in a Special FolderEnvironment VariablesRetrieving Environment VariablesCreating Environment VariablesModifying Environment VariablesExpanding Environment VariablesLogging an EventReading From and Writing to the Local RegistryReading a Registry EntryCreating or Modifying a Registry EntryDeleting a Registry EntrySending Keystrokes to a ProgramRetrieving and Changing a Script’s Current Working DirectoryDisplaying Timed Message BoxesComparing the Echo and Popup MethodsCreating a Message Box That Times OutChoosing Icons and ButtonsChoosing the Default ButtonRetrieving User InputWshNetwork ObjectManaging Network DrivesMapping a Network DriveUnmapping a Network DriveListing Current Network DrivesManaging Network PrintersAdding Printer ConnectionsRemoving a Printer ConnectionEnumerating the Available PrintersSetting the Default PrinterObtaining User and Computer InformationWshController ObjectRunning Scripts on Remote ComputersMonitoring Status of Remotely Running ScriptsExamining Errors Produced by Remotely Running ScriptsLimitations of Remote WSHSecuring ScriptsDigitally Signing ScriptsEnforcing the Use of Signed ScriptsProgrammatically Signing a ScriptProgrammatically Verifying a Signed ScriptRestricting the Ability to Run ScriptsDisabling Windows Script Host
4. Script Runtime Primer
Script Runtime OverviewFileSystemObjectManaging Disk DrivesReturning a Collection of Disk DrivesBinding to a Specific Disk DriveEnumerating Disk Drive PropertiesEnsuring that a Drive is ReadyManaging FoldersBinding to a FolderVerifying That a Folder ExistsCreating a FolderDeleting a FolderUsing Wildcards to Delete FoldersCopying a Folder and Its ContentsUsing Wildcards to Copy FoldersMoving a Folder and Its ContentsRenaming a FolderUsing Folder PropertiesEnumerating Folder PropertiesManaging Folder AttributesChanging Folder AttributesEnumerating the Files in a FolderEnumerating SubfoldersEnumerating Subfolders Within SubfoldersManaging FilesBinding to a FileVerifying That a File ExistsDeleting a FileDeleting a Set of FilesCopying a FileCopying a Set of FilesMoving a FileMoving a Set of FilesRenaming a FileRetrieving File PropertiesEnumerating File AttributesConfiguring File AttributesParsing File PathsRetrieving the File VersionReading and Writing Text FilesReading Text FilesVerifying the Size of a FileReading an Entire Text FileReading a Text File Line by Line“Reading” a Text File from the Bottom to the TopReading a Text File Character by CharacterWriting to Text FilesOverwriting Existing DataAppending New Data to Existing DataDictionary ObjectCreating a DictionaryConfiguring Dictionary PropertiesAdding Key-Item Pairs to a DictionaryInadvertently Adding a Key to a DictionaryManipulating Keys and Items in a DictionaryDetermining the Number of Key-Item Pairs in a DictionaryEnumerating Keys and Items in a DictionaryVerifying the Existence of a Specific KeyModifying an Item in a DictionaryRemoving Key-Item Pairs from a DictionaryRemoving All Key-Item Pairs from a DictionaryRemoving a Specific Key-Item Pair from a Dictionary
5. ADSI Scripting Primer
ADSI OverviewADSI Scripting FundamentalsPrimary ADSI Scripting TasksCreating Directory Service ObjectsCreating an OUCreating a User AccountCreating a GroupModifying Directory Service ObjectsModifying an Attribute of an OUModifying an Attribute of a User AccountModifying an Attribute of a GroupReading Attributes of Directory Service ObjectsReading an Attribute of an OUReading an Attribute of a User AccountReading an Attribute of a GroupDeleting Directory Service ObjectsDeleting a GroupDeleting a User AccountDeleting an OUComparing the Primary Scripting TasksBuilding ADSI ScriptsStep 1: Establishing a ConnectionChoosing a Directory Service Object for a Binding OperationPerforming a Binding OperationADsPathCreating an Object Reference to the Directory ObjectStep 2: Performing a TaskTask CodeMethod ParametersStep 3: Committing to Active DirectoryPerforming Multiple Scripting TasksPreliminary StepsBinding to a User Account ObjectWriting or Modifying AttributesReading and Displaying the Modified AttributesAdvanced ADSI Scripting OperationsAdministering Multivalued AttributesModifying Multivalued AttributesRestrictions in performing modifications by using the PutEx methodClearing multivalued and single-valued attributes with the PutEx methodUpdating a Multivalued Attribute of a GroupAppending an Entry to a Multivalued Attribute of a GroupDeleting an Entry from a Multivalued Attribute of a GroupClearing a Multivalued Attribute of a GroupUpdating Multivalued Attributes of a User AccountReading Multivalued AttributesReading a Multivalued Attribute of a GroupReading Multivalued Attributes of a User AccountData CachingHow the Get Method Retrieves AttributesHow the GetEx Method Retrieves AttributesMaking Explicit Calls by Using the GetInfo MethodMaking Explicit Calls by Using the GetInfoEx MethodCopying, Moving, and Renaming ObjectsCopying ObjectsCopying a Computer AccountCopying a User AccountMoving and Renaming ObjectsGeneral Conditions for Cross-Domain MovesRenaming a Published PrinterMoving a Group from One Container to AnotherMoving an OU from One Domain to AnotherSearchingSearching Active DirectoryCreating a Simple Search ScriptScripting the Attributes to Be Returned by the SearchLimiting a Search to a Specific Type of ObjectSpecifying the Global Catalog in the Search BaseUsing Referral Chasing to Expand the Result SetControlling the Scope of a SearchSorting the Results of a SearchRetrieving Multivalued Attributes from a SearchUsing Range Limits When Retrieving Multivalued AttributesOptimizing Search PerformanceConsolidating Query StringsLimiting the Result SetSpecifying Additional Command Object PropertiesUsing the Global Catalog to Perform Search OperationsMinimize Object Creation (Instantiation)Performing an Administrative Task Using a Result SetModifying an Attribute in Multiple ObjectsMoving Objects Containing a Certain Value for an AttributeEnumerating Active Directory Objects in ContainersScripting Container EnumerationEnumerating the Contents of a ContainerEnumerating a Container to Perform an Administrative TaskLimiting Container Enumeration to a Specific Object TypeRoot Directory Service EntryScripting with rootDSEBinding to the Current DomainBinding to the Root DomainBinding to the Configuration ContainerBinding to the Schema ContainerActive Directory ArchitecturePhysical ArchitectureLogical StructureClasses and AttributesMandatory and Optional AttributesClass Inheritance and CategorizationSnap-ins For Viewing and Configuring User Account Attributes, Classes, and ObjectsActive Directory Replication and IndexingPartitions Replicated on Domain ControllersAttributes Replicated to the Global CatalogIndexed AttributesAttributes That Are Both Replicated to the Global Catalog and IndexedOperational AttributesADSI ArchitectureADSI LayersDirectory NamespaceProvidersRouterProperty CacheADSI-Enabled ApplicationsADSI InterfacesCategorizing InterfacesLDAP Provider Objects and Their InterfacesIADs PropertiesIADsContainer Property
6. WMI Scripting Primer
WMI OverviewWMI ArchitectureManaged ResourcesWMI InfrastructureWMI ConsumersWMI SecurityWMI Namespace-Level SecurityDCOM SecurityStandard Windows Operating System SecurityCommon Information ModelBlueprint for ManagementNamespacesSpecifying a NamespaceManaging the Default Namespace for ScriptingListing NamespacesClass CategoriesSystem ClassesCore and Common ClassesExtension ClassesListing Classes in a NamespaceCIM Class TypesAbstract ClassesStatic ClassesDynamic ClassesAssociation ClassesComponents of a ClassPropertiesMethodsQualifiersComparing Classes with Managed ResourcesRetrieving Class DefinitionsExploring the CIM RepositoryWMI Scripting LibraryWMI Scripting Library Object ModelSWbemLocatorSWbemServicesSWbemObjectSetWriting WMI ScriptsConnecting to WMI Using the WMI MonikerThe “WinMgmts:” PrefixWMI Security SettingsImpersonation LevelAuthentication LevelAuthority SettingPrivilegesIncluding Security Settings in Moniker StringsUsing WMI Object PathsFormatting Object PathsRetrieving Managed Resources Using WMI Query LanguageReturning All Properties of All Instances of a ClassReturning Selected Properties of All Instances of a ClassReturning All Properties of Selected Instances of a ClassUsing Strings in WHERE ClausesUsing Numbers and Boolean Values in WHERE ClausesUsing Variables in WHERE ClausesCreating Targeted Queries Using AND or ORReturning Selected Properties of Selected Instances of a ClassCreating Faster Queries by Using a Forward-only EnumeratorWorking with Dates and TimesConverting WMI Dates to a Standard Date-Time FormatConverting a Standard Date to a WMI Date-Time FormatDetermining the Offset from Greenwich Mean TimeConverting a Date to a UTC ValueCreating Scripts Based on WMI TemplatesRetrieving and Displaying Properties of a Managed ResourceRetrieving and Displaying All Properties of a Managed ResourceWriting Resource PropertiesCalling MethodsCreating ResourcesDeleting ResourcesMonitoring Resources by Using WMI Event NotificationsThree Steps in a WMI Monitoring ScriptHow WMI Event Notification WorksIntrinsic EventsExtrinsic EventsEnhanced WMI Monitoring ScriptsTargeting a Particular ResourceHandling More than One EventHandling More than One Type of EventMonitoring More than One Type of Managed ResourceMonitoring Events by Using a Permanent Event SubscriptionThe __EventFilter ClassThe Prebuilt __EventConsumer ClassesThe __FilterToConsumerBinding Class
II. Scripting Solutions for System Administration

7. Active Directory Users
User Account OverviewActive Directory User AccountsActive Directory User Account ObjectsUser Account TypesUser AccountContact AccountIdentification AttributesSecurity Principal Naming AttributesCreating User AccountsConfiguring User Account PasswordsSetting User Account PasswordsChanging User Account PasswordsReading User Account Password AttributesDisplaying Password Attributes Accessible from userAccountControlDetermining When a Password Was Last SetConfiguring User Account Password AttributesChanging Flags in the userAccountControl AttributeConfiguring a Password Change at Next Logon RequirementManaging User AccountsEnabling or Disabling a User AccountDetermining Whether an Account Is Enabled or DisabledReading and Writing User Account AttributesReading AttributesWriting Values to the AttributesModifying a Multivalued AttributeClearing AttributesCopying, Moving, and Renaming User AccountsCopying User AccountsMoving and Renaming User AccountsPreparing a User Account for a Cross-Domain MoveDeleting User AccountsSearching Active Directory for User AccountsSearching for an Attribute in a ContainerLimiting a Search for an Attribute in a Container to User Account TypesSearching for a User Account Attribute in a Container and Its SubcontainersVerifying That an Attribute Is Unique in the ForestSearching for Empty Attribute ValuesUsing Wildcards in Search FiltersSearching for Multivalued AttributesSorting the Result SetModifying Multiple User Accounts by Using the Result Set from a SearchManaging User Accounts by EnumerationLimiting Enumeration with Filters and Hints
8. Computer Assets
Computer Assets OverviewRetrieving System InformationRetrieving BIOS InformationRetrieving Information About the BIOSRetrieving Identifying Information by Using the SMBIOSInventorying Computer HardwareTaking Inventory of Computer HardwareIdentifying the Chassis Type of a ComputerManaging Operating SystemsIdentifying the Name and Version Number of the Operating SystemRetrieving the Properties of the Operating SystemIdentifying the Latest Installed Service PackEnumerating Installed Hot FixesManaging WMI SettingsEnumerating WMI SettingsConfiguring WMI SettingsManaging SoftwareEnumerating SoftwareEnumerating Installed SoftwareEnumerating Installed Software FeaturesInstalling, Upgrading, and Removing SoftwareInstalling Software on the Local ComputerInstalling Software on a Remote ComputerTrusting Users and Computers for DelegationUpgrading SoftwareRemoving SoftwareManaging Computer StatesManaging Computer StartupsEnumerating Computer Startup OptionsConfiguring Computer Startup OptionsEnumerating Computer Startup CommandsManaging Computer Recovery OptionsEnumerating Computer Recovery OptionsConfiguring Computer Recovery OptionsQuerying the Event Log for Stop EventsGenerating a Stop EventShutting Down Computers and Logging Off UsersShutting Down a ComputerRestarting a ComputerMonitoring Changes in Computer Power Status
9. Computer Roles
Computer Roles OverviewManaging Computer AccountsRetrieving Basic Logon and Computer InformationCreating Computer AccountsSetting Flags in the userAccountControl AttributeDeleting Computer AccountsDeleting Specified Computer AccountsModifying Computer AccountsEnumerating Computer Account AttributesConfiguring the Computer Account Location AttributeRenaming Computer AccountsMoving Computer AccountsResetting Computer Account PasswordsSearching for Computer Accounts in Active DirectoryEnumerating All the Computer Accounts in Active DirectoryLocating Computer Accounts Based on Their AttributesManaging Computer RolesIdentifying Computer RolesIdentifying the Role of a Computer Based on the Service It ProvidesIdentifying Active Directory–Specific RolesEnumerating Domain ControllersIdentifying the Current Domain Controller for a ComputerIdentifying Operations Master RolesIdentifying Global Catalog ServersEnabling or Disabling Global Catalog Servers
10. Disks and File Systems
Disks and File Systems OverviewManaging and Monitoring Disk DrivesManaging Disk PartitionsManaging Logical Disk DrivesIdentifying Drives and Drive TypesChanging Logical Disk Volume NamesManaging Disk SpaceEnumerating Disk Space on a ComputerEnumerating Disk Space by UserMonitoring Free Disk Space in Real-TimeManaging Disk QuotasManaging Disk Quotas on the NTFS File SystemEnumerating Disk Quota SettingsEnabling and Disabling Disk QuotasConfiguring Default Disk Quota SettingsManaging Disk Quotas for Individual UsersEnumerating Disk QuotasIssuing Disk Quota AlertsAdding a New Disk Quota EntryModifying a Disk Quota EntryDeleting a Disk Quota EntryManaging File SystemsIdentifying the File System TypeEnumerating NTFS PropertiesModifying NTFS PropertiesManaging Page FilesMonitoring Page File UseConfiguring Page File Properties
11. Files and Folders
Files and Folders OverviewManaging Files and Folders Using WMIComparing WMI and the FileSystemObjectSpeedError HandlingRemote ComputersEase of UseManaging Files and Folders Using the Windows Shell ObjectFolders and Folder ObjectsEnumerating Folders and Folder PropertiesEnumerating All the Folders on a ComputerEnumerating the Subfolders of a FolderEnumerating a Specific Set of FoldersEnumerating Folders by DateEnumerating Special FoldersEnumerating the Items in a Special FolderBinding to a Folder by Using the Browse For Folder Dialog BoxManaging FoldersRenaming FoldersMoving Folders by Using the Rename MethodCopying Folders by Using WMICopying Folders by Using the Shell Folder ObjectMoving Folders by Using the Shell Folder ObjectDeleting FoldersCompressing and Uncompressing FoldersFiles and File ObjectsEnumerating Files and File PropertiesRetrieving Extended File PropertiesEnumerating All the Files on a ComputerUsing an Asynchronous Query to Enumerate All the Files on a ComputerEnumerating All the Files in a FolderEnumerating a Specific Set of FilesManaging FilesRenaming FilesChanging File Name ExtensionsCopying FilesDeleting FilesPerforming Actions on FilesIdentifying Shell Object VerbsMonitoring the File SystemMonitoring File CreationMonitoring File DeletionMonitoring File ModificationManaging Shared FoldersEnumerating Shared FoldersCreating Shared FoldersMapping Shared Folders to Local FoldersDeleting Shared FoldersModifying Shared Folder PropertiesPublishing Shared Folders in Active DirectoryManaging Published FoldersEnumerating Published FoldersSearching for Published Folders in Active DirectoryDeleting a Published Folder in Active Directory
12. Logs
Logs OverviewManaging LogsManaging Event LogsRetrieving Event Log PropertiesConfiguring Event Log PropertiesBacking Up and Clearing Event LogsCreating Unique File Names When Backing Up Event LogsQuerying Event LogsQuerying a Specific Event LogQuerying an Event Log for a Subset of EventsRetrieving Event Log Records from a Specified DayAsynchronously Retrieving Event Log StatisticsCopying Events to a DatabaseWriting Events to Event LogsWriting to Event LogsCreating Detailed Event Log Entry DescriptionsCreating Custom Event LogsManaging Plain-Text LogsParsing Comma-Separated-Values LogsParsing Fixed-Width Logs
13. Printing
Printing OverviewMonitoring Printers, Print Queues, and Print JobsMonitoring PrintersMonitoring Printer StatusMonitoring Printer Status in Real TimeFiltering Printer Status DisplaysMonitoring Printer Status by Using a Temporary Event SubscriptionVerifying the Status of the Print ServiceMonitoring Printer WorkloadsReporting Print Queue StatisticsMonitoring Print JobsMonitoring Print Job StatusMonitoring the Time Print Jobs Spend in a Print QueueManaging Printer Operations, Print Queues, and Print JobsManaging Printer OperationsEnumerating Printers and Print CapabilitiesPausing PrintersResuming PrintersManaging Print QueuesPurging Print QueuesManaging Print JobsPausing Print JobsResuming Print JobsConfiguring Printers and Print JobsConfiguring Printer PropertiesConfiguring Printer AvailabilityTracking Printer LocationsEnabling Printer Location TrackingConfiguring Printer LocationsConfiguring Print JobsConfiguring Print Job PropertiesManaging Printer Connections on Client ComputersEnumerating Printer ConnectionsAdding and Deleting Printer ConnectionsAdding a Printer Connection by Using WSHRemoving a Printer ConnectionSearching for Printers in Active DirectoryEnumerating All the Published Printers in a DomainSearching for Specific Printers in a Domain
14. Processes
Processes OverviewManaging ProcessesMonitoring ProcessesMonitoring Processes for AvailabilityMonitoring Processes for ReliabilityMonitoring Processes for PerformanceDisplaying Current Process Performance DataEnumerating Additional Process PropertiesDetermining Process OwnersMonitoring ThreadsCreating and Terminating ProcessesCreating ProcessesModifying Process Startup OptionsTerminating Processes
15. Services
Services OverviewMonitoring ServicesMonitoring Service AvailabilityMonitoring Service ReliabilityRetrieving Service PropertiesEnumerating Service PropertiesIdentifying the Services Running in a ProcessChanging Service StateDetermining Which Services Can Be Stopped or PausedStopping or Pausing ServicesStarting or Resuming ServicesEnumerating Dependent and Antecedent ServicesEnumerating Dependent ServicesEnumerating Antecedent ServicesStopping and Starting Dependent ServicesConfiguring ServicesConfiguring Service Start OptionsConfiguring Error Control Codes for Autostart ServicesManaging Service Accounts and Service Account PasswordsConfiguring Service AccountsConfiguring Service Account PasswordsInstalling and Removing ServicesInstalling ServicesRemoving Services
16. Registry
Registry OverviewManaging the RegistryBacking Up the RegistryReading Entry Values and TypesReading String-valued and DWORD-valued EntriesReading a Multistring-valued EntryReading an Expanded String-valued EntryReading a Binary-valued EntryChanging String-valued and DWORD-valued EntriesCreating Registry Subkeys and EntriesCreating a SubkeyCreating String-valued and DWORD-valued EntriesCreating Multistring-valued EntriesCreating Expanded String-valued EntriesEnumerating Keys, Subkeys, and EntriesEnumerating Subkeys of a Key or SubkeyEnumerating Entry Names, Values, and Data TypesDeleting Subkeys and EntriesDeleting Registry EntriesDeleting a Registry SubkeyChecking Registry Subkey Access RightsMonitoring the RegistryMonitoring Subtree-Level EventsMonitoring Subkey-Level EventsMonitoring Entry-Level Events
III. Scripting for the Enterprise
17. Creating Enterprise Scripts
Enterprise Scripts OverviewRetrieving ArgumentsRetrieving Arguments from a Text FileUsing a Text File as a Command-Line ArgumentRetrieving Arguments from a DatabaseRetrieving Arguments from an Active Directory ContainerDisplaying OutputDisplaying Tabular Script Output in a Command WindowDisplaying Data by Using Internet ExplorerDisplaying Data in a Web PageClearing a Web PageStopping a Script When Internet Explorer Is ClosedWorking with HTML ApplicationsDisplaying Script Output by Using the Tabular Data ControlSorting Data by Using the Tabular Data ControlFiltering Data by Using the Tabular Data ControlSorting Data by Using a Disconnected RecordsetWorking with DatabasesConnecting to a DatabaseAdding New Records to a DatabaseFinding Records in a RecordsetUpdating Records in a DatabaseDeleting Selected Records from a DatabaseDeleting All Records in a Database TableMasking PasswordsMasking Passwords by Using Internet ExplorerSending E-MailSending E-Mail from a ScriptSending E-Mail Without Installing the SMTP ServiceTracking Script ProgressTracking Script Progress by Using Internet ExplorerTracking Dynamic Script Progress by Using Internet ExplorerChanging the Mouse PointerTracking Script Progress by Using an Animated .GIFTracking Script Progress in a Command WindowManaging Scheduled TasksEnumerating Scheduled TasksCreating Scheduled TasksDeleting Scheduled Tasks
18. Scripting Guidelines
Overview of Scripting GuidelinesUsing Naming ConventionsNaming ScriptsNaming VariablesUsing Hungarian NotationGuidelines for Naming VariablesReusing VariablesNaming ConstantsNaming Functions and ProceduresConstructing ScriptsChoosing a Script ConstructionCreating a Script TemplateUsing Functions and ProceduresCalling Functions and ProceduresFormatting CodeUsing White SpaceUsing Blank Spaces Before and After OperatorsUsing Blank Spaces in Parameter ListsIndenting Control Structures, Functions, and ProceduresSetting Statement BreaksLimiting Each Line to a Single StatementAvoiding Single-Line If Then StatementsLimiting Your Scripts to a Single LanguageCreating Scripts That Are Easier to ReadUsing the Proper CasePhrasing If Then StatementsUsing Boolean Expressions in Conditional StatementsUsing Parentheses in Mathematical ExpressionsSpecifying Default Properties in StatementsCommenting ScriptsAdding Comments to a ScriptFormatting CommentsCreating Script HeadersCreating Function and Procedure HeadersCreating Script Documentation by Using CommentsUsing Comments as a Debugging AidRemoving Debugging CommentsDebugging and Troubleshooting ScriptsAdding a Trace Routine to a ScriptIncrementally Running a ScriptTurning Off Error Handling as a Debugging ToolTesting Scripts
System Requirements
Faucet-Handle Puller

Content preview from Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Scripting Guide

Chapter 1. Introduction to Windows Script Technologies

This is a book about scripting for system administrators. If you are like many system administrators, you might be wondering why this book is targeted towards you. After all, scripting is not the sort of thing system administrators do. Everyone knows about scripting: scripting is hard; scripting is time-consuming; scripting requires you to learn all sorts of technical jargon and master a whole host of acronyms — WSH, WMI, ADSI, CDO, ADO, COM. System administrators have neither the time nor the requisite background to become script writers.

Or do they? One of the primary purposes of this book is to clear up misconceptions such as these. Is scripting hard? It can be. On the other hand, take a ...

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Microsoft® Windows® Scripting Self-Paced Learning Guide

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Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Scripting Guide

by Microsoft Corporation

Chapter 1. Introduction to Windows Script Technologies

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