Net.exe Can Use Hidden Switches /Y /N for Unconditional Yes/No (156458)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0

This article was previously published under Q156458

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.

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	3/29/2004
Keywords:	kbusage KB156458