How to check file properties through WMI command line (fw)

How to check file properties through WMI command line (fw)

How to check file properties through WMI command line

24.Sep.2009 | by Gusac | Filed in: Articles, Tutorials

With the lack of Graphical Interface on Windows 2008 Core server there comes a need of performing a lot of task through command line. One of which is checking file properties like file version, path, product verision etc. Luckily we have a command that makes this task simple. On a side note, We can also run the same command on other operating systems like Windows Xp, 2003, vista.

Here is the command:
wmic datafile where name='c:\\windows\\system32\\notepad.exe'

Click here to view the enlarged screenshot

Notice that we have used two backslashes \\ in the file path. Also, notice that the path is enclosed in the single quotes.
The output will be confusing to read in command prompt window. To read and understand it better, we can take the output in text format and read it in notepad.

While doing so, please do NOT wrap the text.
wmic datafile where name='c:\\windows\\system32\\notepad.exe' > out.txt

Click here to view the enlarged screenshot

The output will reveal the file properties like Hidden, Path, Drive, Version Caption, Access rights etc.

To get one particular property of a file we need to modify the command a little bit. We need to use the GET Alias injunction to the command mentioned above. Let's say we want to check the version for the file notepad.exe. The command that is used for this is:
wmic datafile where name='c:\\windows\\system32\\notepad.exe' get version

Similarily, there is a list of properties that can be fetched through this command line. They are:

Access Rights
Caption
Class Name
Compressed
Compression Method
Computer System Class Name
Computer System Name
Creation Date
Current File Open Count
Description
Drive
Eight Dot Three File Name
Encrypted
Encryption Method
File Extension
File Name
File System Class Name
File System Name
File Type
Hidden
Install Date
Last Accessed
Last Modified
Manufacturer
Name
Path
Readable
Should Be Archived
Size
Status
System File
Version
Writeable