Book excerpt: "Windows Admin Scripting Little Black Book, 2nd Edition," shows Windows XP and 2003 users and administrators how to perform Windows management and administrative tasks using powerful scripts for just about every important task imaginable. It covers techniques for working with files, input/output, text files, and performing various network administrative tasks through scripting. It explains the concept and necessity of logon scripts, the backbone structure of a good logon script, and how to implement these scripts in an everyday environment to automate repetitive tasks such as inventory, file modifications, installations, and system updates. It also provides an in-depth look into the registry and registry editing tools including locating the important registry keys and values, and modifying them. The book features example scripts on every new topic covered to reinforce what the reader has just learned. Key scripting topics include manipulating the Windows XP file system, using powerful third-party scripting tools, creating scripts for installing service packs and new applications, automating applications from the command line, and performing Windows XP and 2003 administrative tasks. Everything is included in this book, and users can easily modify or combine the scripts to perform myriad tasks. A bonus introduction chapter is provided showing users how to select the best scripting language and how to get the most out of scripting resources.