VBScript FindComputer Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The FindComputer method in VBScript is part of the IWshNetwork interface. It searches for computers on the network using their names. This method is useful for network administration and automation tasks. It returns a boolean indicating if the computer was found.

FindComputer works by sending a network broadcast request. It can detect computers in the same workgroup or domain. The method is synchronous and may take several seconds to complete. This tutorial covers FindComputer with practical examples.

FindComputer Method Overview

The FindComputer method takes one parameter: the computer name to search for. It returns True if the computer is found, False otherwise. The method is available through the WScript.Network object in VBScript.

Key features include simple network discovery and basic computer verification. It doesn't provide detailed information about found computers. The method works best in Windows domain environments. Understanding this method helps create network-aware scripts.

Basic Computer Search

This example demonstrates the simplest use of FindComputer to check if a computer exists on the network. It shows how to initialize the network object and perform a basic search. The result is displayed to the user.

basic_findcomputer.vbs

Set network = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
computerName = "SERVER01"
found = network.FindComputer(computerName)

If found Then
    WScript.Echo computerName & " was found on the network."
Else
    WScript.Echo computerName & " was not found."
End If

Set network = Nothing

The script creates a WScript.Network object and calls FindComputer for "SERVER01". The result is stored in the found variable. The script then displays whether the computer was located or not.

Searching Multiple Computers

This example shows how to check for multiple computers in sequence. It demonstrates using FindComputer in a loop. The script tests each computer name in an array and reports results.

multiple_computers.vbs

Set network = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
computers = Array("WS01", "WS02", "WS03", "SERVER01")

For Each comp In computers
    If network.FindComputer(comp) Then
        WScript.Echo comp & " is online."
    Else
        WScript.Echo comp & " is offline or doesn't exist."
    End If
Next

Set network = Nothing

The script tests each computer in the array using FindComputer. It provides status feedback for each machine. This approach is useful for basic network inventory checks. The method may take time for each search.

Validating Computer Before Connection

This example demonstrates using FindComputer before attempting a network connection. It verifies a computer exists before mapping a drive. This can prevent errors in automated scripts.

pre_connection_check.vbs

Set network = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
targetComputer = "FILESERVER"

If network.FindComputer(targetComputer) Then
    network.MapNetworkDrive "Z:", "\\" & targetComputer & "\Shared"
    WScript.Echo "Drive mapped successfully."
Else
    WScript.Echo "Cannot map drive - computer not found."
End If

Set network = Nothing

The script checks if "FILESERVER" exists before mapping a drive. This prevents errors from attempting to connect to unavailable computers. The method adds robustness to network operations in scripts.

Searching with User Input

This example shows interactive use of FindComputer with user input. It prompts for a computer name and reports if it's found. This demonstrates script flexibility for different scenarios.

interactive_search.vbs

Set network = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
computerName = InputBox("Enter computer name to search:")

If computerName <> "" Then
    If network.FindComputer(computerName) Then
        MsgBox computerName & " was found on the network."
    Else
        MsgBox computerName & " was not found."
    End If
End If

Set network = Nothing

The script uses InputBox to get the target computer name. It then calls FindComputer with the provided name. The result is shown in a message box. This approach works well for interactive tools.

Logging Search Results

This example extends FindComputer with result logging. It searches for computers and writes findings to a text file. This demonstrates practical application for network audits.

logging_results.vbs

Set network = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
logFile = "C:\Temp\ComputerSearch.log"

computers = Array("DC01", "PRINTSERVER", "SQLSERVER", "WS100")

Set file = fso.OpenTextFile(logFile, 8, True) ' 8 = ForAppending

For Each comp In computers
    found = network.FindComputer(comp)
    file.WriteLine Now() & " - " & comp & ": " & IIf(found, "Found", "Not Found")
Next

file.Close
WScript.Echo "Search results logged to " & logFile

Set file = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing
Set network = Nothing

The script searches multiple computers and logs results with timestamps. It uses FileSystemObject for file operations. This creates an audit trail of network computer availability. The approach is useful for maintenance scripts.

Source

WScript.Network Documentation

In this article, we have explored the FindComputer method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From simple searches to logged network audits, these examples demonstrate computer discovery techniques. With this knowledge, you can enhance your network administration scripts.

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.

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