How To: create simple batch file to edit registry data

chrisray12 · 2017-11-17T17:18:46.000Z

I wrote the following batch file based on a previous one written by a co-worker. The first set only displays the information. What I want is to not only display the original data but be prompted to enter in the new data and have the batch file change/update it in the registry.

@echo off
:start
set /p com=ENTER COMPUTERNAME =
reg query “\%com%\hklm\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\winlogon” /v DefaultUserName
pause
set /p com=ENTER DEFAULTUSERNAME =
reg ADD “\%com%\hklm\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\winlogon” /v DefaultUserName
pause
goto start

As I’m a complete novice, I have no idea if it will work or make a mess of things.

Neally · 2017-11-17T17:26:05.000Z

Welcome.

Does it need to be batch?

What is the OS?

I’d recommend looking into PowerShell.

chrisray12 · 2017-11-17T17:41:31.000Z

With the current batch file I’m trying to fix, I get the error: “The Network path was not found.”

chrisray12 · 2017-11-17T17:45:28.000Z

Windows 7 OS. Enterprise environment.

I am not familiar with how to write a script in powershell. I’m trying to make the process of entering in a default username and setting up auto logon for some contractors (temps) and I don’t know enough about powershell to give them access. I want to limit their access to remain within confines of the script so they don’t muck up the registry.

kevinbade · 2017-11-17T19:35:03.000Z

Let me first say that I do not know that I like this plan. But, if you must…

Take a look at what you have:

@echo off
:start
set /p com=ENTER COMPUTERNAME =
reg query "\\%com%\hklm\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\winlogon" /v DefaultUserName
pause
set /p com=ENTER DEFAULTUSERNAME =
reg ADD "\\%com%\hklm\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\winlogon" /v DefaultUserName
pause
goto start

set /p com=ENTER COMPUTERNAME =

You ask the user to enter the name of the computer.

reg query "\\%com%\ ...

You query a registry at that computer.

set /p com=ENTER DEFAULTUSERNAME =

You then ask the user to enter the name of a user reusing the same ‘com’ variable

reg ADD "\\%com%\hklm ...

Then you go to add the registry value. But, unless you have the name of a computer which matches the name of the user you entered, it stands to reason you get a network path error.

Edit: Hopefully increased readability/clarity.