Windows provides several methods
for configuring network settings. In some cases a graphical method works best,
but in others, a command line tool is best. For example, the Netsh console scripting utility lets you view and modify
the network configuration of a running local or remote computer. You can also
use its scripting features to run a group of commands in batch mode against the
remote computer to configure settings. You can use a saved script to modify
multiple computers.

Netsh
is modular in that it can interact with multiple operating system components.
In Windows 2000, for example, the netsh command
provides interface, ras, and routing contexts. Each
of these contexts enable you to configure the
corresponding network components.

To run Netsh
interactively, open a command console, type netsh and press [Enter]. Type ? and press [Enter] to see a list of commands available in the
primary Netsh context. To get more information about
specific a specific command, type the command, followed by a space and ?, and then
press [Enter].

To switch to the interface, ras, or routing contexts, type interface, ras,
or routing and then press [Enter]. Netsh changes the command prompt to identify the current
context. Entering ? displays the list of global commands as well as the
commands that apply in the current context. To move back up to the previous
context, type .. and press [Enter]. Type exit and press [Enter] to exit Netsh.

Miss a column?

Check out the Windows 2000 Professional archive, and catch up on the most recent editions of Jim Boyce’s column.

Want more Win2K tips and tricks? Automatically sign up for our free Windows 2000 Professional newsletter, delivered each Tuesday!