Windows Command Line - Net Share | Net Use | Net View | Net User

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on using essential Windows Command Line net tools, specifically focusing on Net Share, Net Use, Net View, and Net User. These commands are crucial for managing shared resources and user accounts on Windows networks. Understanding these commands can enhance your ability to troubleshoot network issues, manage shared drives, and maintain user accounts effectively.

Step 1: Using Net Share to Manage Shared Resources

The Net Share command allows you to create, delete, and manage shared resources on your network.

How to use Net Share

• View existing shares:

  • Open Command Prompt and type:

    net share
    

  • This will display all the shared folders on your system.

• Create a new share:

  • Use the following command:

    net share ShareName=C:\Path\To\Folder
    

  • Replace ShareName with your desired name and C:\Path\To\Folder with the actual folder path.

• Delete a share:

  • To remove a share, execute:

    net share ShareName /delete
    

Practical Tips

• Ensure the folder you want to share exists before creating a share.
• Use descriptive names for shared resources for easier identification.

Step 2: Using Net Use to Map Network Drives

The Net Use command is used to connect, disconnect, and manage network drives.

How to use Net Use

• Map a network drive:

  • Use the command:

    net use Z: \\ServerName\ShareName
    

  • Replace Z: with your preferred drive letter, ServerName with the network server name, and ShareName with the shared resource name.

• Disconnect a network drive:

  • To remove a mapped drive, type:

    net use Z: /delete
    

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure you have the correct permissions to access the network share.
• Use the correct syntax to avoid errors when mapping drives.

Step 3: Using Net View to Display Network Resources

The Net View command allows you to see a list of computers and shared resources on your network.

How to use Net View

• View all computers:

  • Type the following command:

    net view
    

• View resources on a specific computer:

  • Use:

    net view \\ComputerName
    

  • Replace ComputerName with the actual name of the computer you want to check.

Practical Advice

• This command is useful for troubleshooting network connectivity and resource availability.
• Ensure your network settings allow for browsing to see all available resources.

Step 4: Using Net User to Manage User Accounts

The Net User command is used to manage user accounts on a Windows system.

How to use Net User

• View user accounts:

  • To see all user accounts on your computer, type:

    net user
    

• Create a new user:

  • Use the command:

    net user Username Password /add
    

  • Replace Username and Password with your desired credentials.

• Delete a user account:

  • To remove a user, run:

    net user Username /delete
    

Important Considerations

• Always ensure you have administrative privileges to create or delete user accounts.
• Use strong passwords to enhance security when creating new user accounts.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we explored the essential Windows Command Line net tools: Net Share, Net Use, Net View, and Net User. These commands enable effective management of shared resources and user accounts within a network. Familiarizing yourself with these commands can significantly enhance your network administration skills.

For further learning, consider experimenting with these commands in a safe environment to reinforce your understanding and gain confidence in using the Windows Command Line.