VBScript ExecQuery Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The ExecQuery method in VBScript is part of the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) interface. It executes a query to retrieve management information from WMI providers. This method returns a collection of objects matching the query criteria. It’s essential for system administration scripts.

ExecQuery enables powerful system monitoring and configuration through WMI queries. It supports complex filtering and selection of system data. This tutorial covers ExecQuery with practical examples to demonstrate its usage in various scenarios.

ExecQuery Method Overview

The ExecQuery method takes a WQL (WMI Query Language) query string as its parameter. It returns a collection of SWbemObject objects matching the query. The method is available through the SWbemServices object in VBScript.

Key features include support for WQL syntax and filtering capabilities. It can query various system components like processes, services, and hardware. ExecQuery requires proper WMI namespace and authentication setup. Understanding this method helps create powerful system management scripts.

Basic Process Listing

This example demonstrates a simple WMI query to list running processes. It shows how to connect to WMI and execute a basic query. The script retrieves and displays all running processes on the system.

basic_process_list.vbs

Set objWMIService = GetObject(“winmgmts:\.\root\cimv2”) Set colProcesses = objWMIService.ExecQuery(“Select * From Win32_Process”)

For Each objProcess in colProcesses WScript.Echo “Process: " & objProcess.Name Next

The script connects to the WMI service using the root\cimv2 namespace. It executes a query to select all processes from Win32_Process class. Each process name is then displayed in a loop. This demonstrates basic WMI data retrieval.

Filtered Service Query

This example shows how to use ExecQuery with a WHERE clause for filtering. It retrieves only running services from the system. The query demonstrates basic WQL filtering capabilities.

filtered_services.vbs

Set objWMIService = GetObject(“winmgmts:\.\root\cimv2”) query = “Select * From Win32_Service Where State = ‘Running’” Set colServices = objWMIService.ExecQuery(query)

For Each objService in colServices WScript.Echo “Service: " & objService.Name & " (” & objService.DisplayName & “)” Next

The script queries only services with State property equal to ‘Running’. It displays both the service name and display name for each match. This shows how to narrow down query results using WQL conditions. Filtering improves efficiency by reducing returned data.

Hardware Information Retrieval

This example demonstrates querying hardware information using ExecQuery. It retrieves basic system information including processor, memory, and disk details. The script shows multiple WMI classes in action.

hardware_info.vbs

Set objWMIService = GetObject(“winmgmts:\.\root\cimv2”)

’ Get processor information Set colProcessors = objWMIService.ExecQuery(“Select * From Win32_Processor”) For Each objProcessor in colProcessors WScript.Echo “Processor: " & objProcessor.Name Next

’ Get memory information Set colMemory = objWMIService.ExecQuery(“Select * From Win32_PhysicalMemory”) For Each objMemory in colMemory WScript.Echo “Memory: " & objMemory.Capacity/1024/1024 & " MB” Next

The script queries two different WMI classes: Win32_Processor and Win32_PhysicalMemory. It demonstrates how to retrieve specific hardware properties. The memory capacity is converted from bytes to megabytes for readability. Multiple queries can be combined for comprehensive system reports.

Event Log Query with Time Filter

This example shows advanced querying of Windows event logs with time-based filtering. It retrieves specific events from the system log within a time window. The script demonstrates WQL’s date/time handling capabilities.

event_log_query.vbs

Set objWMIService = GetObject(“winmgmts:\.\root\cimv2”) startTime = “20230401000000.000000-000” endTime = “20230430235959.999999-000”

query = “Select * From Win32_NTLogEvent Where " & _ “LogFile = ‘System’ AND " & _ “TimeWritten >= ‘” & startTime & “’ AND " & _ “TimeWritten <= ‘” & endTime & “’”

Set colEvents = objWMIService.ExecQuery(query)

For Each objEvent in colEvents WScript.Echo “Event: " & objEvent.EventCode & " - " & objEvent.Message Next

The script queries system events from April 2023 using WMI’s datetime format. It shows how to construct complex queries with multiple conditions. Event codes and messages are displayed for matching entries. This demonstrates practical log analysis capabilities.

Network Adapter Configuration

This example retrieves network adapter configuration information using ExecQuery. It shows IP addresses, MAC addresses, and adapter status. The script demonstrates querying network-related WMI classes.

network_config.vbs

Set objWMIService = GetObject(“winmgmts:\.\root\cimv2”)

’ Get network adapter configuration Set colAdapters = objWMIService.ExecQuery( _ “Select * From Win32_NetworkAdapterConfiguration Where IPEnabled = True”)

For Each objAdapter in colAdapters WScript.Echo “Adapter: " & objAdapter.Description WScript.Echo “MAC: " & objAdapter.MACAddress For Each strIP in objAdapter.IPAddress WScript.Echo “IP: " & strIP Next WScript.Echo "” Next

The script queries only IP-enabled network adapters using a WHERE clause. It displays adapter description, MAC address, and all IP addresses. The example shows handling of array properties (IPAddress) in WMI results. This is useful for network inventory and troubleshooting.

Source

WMI ExecQuery Documentation

In this article, we have explored the ExecQuery method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From simple process listing to complex event log queries, these examples demonstrate powerful system management capabilities. With this knowledge, you can create robust administration scripts using WMI.

Author

My name is Jan Bodnar and I am a passionate programmer with many years of programming experience. I have been writing programming articles since 2007. So far, I have written over 1400 articles and 8 e-books. I have over eight years of experience in teaching programming.

List all VBScript tutorials.