Manage Exchange Server 2003 Using Windows PowerShell and WMI

Executive Summary:

Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 supports the use of PowerShell commands with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). If you’re still on Exchange 2003, learning how to use PowerShell to automate common administrative tasks can help you get familiar with simple scripting in preparation for an eventual migration to Microsoft Exchange Server 2007.

Exchange Management Shell is arguably the most significant feature of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. Built on top of Windows PowerShell and the Microsoft .NET Framework, Exchange Management Shell gives an administrator Exchange 2007 server-management capabilities beyond what the GUI-based console provides. For Exchange administrators, migrating to Exchange 2007 means they’ll need to get used to the fact that a number of administrative tasks can be performed only from the command line, not the GUI console. However, if you’re still on Exchange Server 2003, there’s a way to make the transition easier and get acquainted (or reacquainted) with using the command line. You can use PowerShell in conjunction with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to perform some of the same tasks you can do via Exchange Management Shell in Exchange 2007. By taking this first step, you can get a head start on an impending migration to Exchange 2007 as well as use basic command-line scripting to improve your own productivity as an Exchange administrator. . . .