Switch network configurations using Netsh command

Switch network configurations using Netsh command

Most admins who move their machines around a lot know the pain of having to reconfigure network settings so the computers can continue to talk on the network. This can occur where you are building and testing different network-deployment scenarios prior to rolling out the real thing. You might also have to reconfigure network settings for your computers if you have a routed network with several subnets in one building and frequently move machines from one subnet to another environment.

If you have a laptop that you need to use at work, at home, and at the sites of several clients, being able to save and reload network configurations can be a real timesaver. This is where the Netsh command-line utility can come in handy.

Use the Netsh command to switch configurations

To start, dump your network settings to a text file via the command line, as follows:
Netsh -c interface dump > NetworkSettings.txt

This command stores your current network settings in a text file named NetworkSettings.txt. Now, let's say you have to reconfigure your machine's network settings to repurpose the machine or move it to a different part of the network. Then, later, if you need to restore your machine's original network settings, you can simply type the following command and load back in the previously dumped settings:

Netsh -f NetworkSettings.txt

Note that the destination filename is not important, so you can effectively create multiple configuration files. You can

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    When you register, you’ll also receive targeted alerts from my team of editorial writers and independent industry experts with the latest news, tips, and advice to help you do your job more efficiently and effectively. Our goal is to keep you informed on the hottest topics and biggest challenges faced by IT professionals today working with desktop management and security technologies.

    Margie Semilof, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

create and name one for each network configuration you need. For example, you can use Office.txt for the office, Home.txt for your home configuration.

About the author: Rahul Shah currently works at a software firm in India, where he is a systems administrator maintaining Windows servers. He has also worked for various software firms in testing and analytics, and also has experience deploying client/server applications in different Windows configurations.

More information from SearchWinSystems.com


This was first published in April 2006

Join the conversationComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.

    Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

    Back to top