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

 Last reviewed: March 27, 1997
Article 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, and 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 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

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: March 27, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.