Net.exe Can Use Hidden Switches /Y /N for Unconditional Yes/No

ID: Q156458

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0

SUMMARY

When you use Net.exe commands in a batch file, you can use the Y or N switch to unconditionally answer Yes or No to questions returned by the Net command.

MORE INFORMATION

Normally, you could pass a "Y" using Standard-in through redirection as in the following example:


   delshare.bat file contents:
   NET SHARE TOOLS /D  <y.txt

   Y.txt file contents:
   Y(cr) carriage return

But the following error occurs using this method when the Delshare.bat file is run and fails the operation.

NET SHARE TOOLS /D <y.txt
Users have open files on TOOLS. Continuing the operation will force the files closed.

Do you want to continue this operation? (Y/N) [N]:
No valid response was provided.

WORKAROUND

Change your batch file to include the Y switch to unconditionally answer Yes to the question "Do you want to continue this operation? (Y/N) [N]:"


   Delshare.bat new contents:
   NET SHARE TOOLS /D /Y

After running this batch file, you will receive the following message:


   NET SHARE TOOLS /D /y
   Users have open files on TOOLS. Continuing the operation will force the
   files closed.

   TOOLS was deleted successfully.

Additional query words: std-in prodnt


Keywords          : kbusage ntdomain ntutil 
Version           : 3.1 3.5 3.51 4.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        :

Last Reviewed: January 21, 1999