VBScript NameSpace Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The NameSpace method in VBScript is part of the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) scripting interface. It provides access to WMI namespaces which organize system management information. This method is essential for WMI scripting and system administration tasks.

NameSpace allows scripts to connect to specific WMI namespaces to query system information. It's commonly used for hardware monitoring, software inventory, and system configuration. This tutorial covers NameSpace with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

NameSpace Method Overview

The NameSpace method is called on a WMI SWbemLocator object. It takes a namespace path as its parameter and returns an SWbemServices object. This object provides access to WMI classes and instances within the specified namespace.

Key features include connecting to local or remote systems and accessing various WMI namespaces. The root\cimv2 namespace contains most system management classes. Understanding this method is crucial for effective WMI scripting in VBScript.

Basic Namespace Connection

This example demonstrates the simplest use of NameSpace to connect to the root\cimv2 namespace. It shows how to establish a basic WMI connection. This is the foundation for most WMI scripting operations.

basic_namespace.vbs

Set objLocator = CreateObject("WbemScripting.SWbemLocator")
Set objService = objLocator.ConnectServer(".", "root\cimv2")

WScript.Echo "Connected to namespace: " & objService.Path_.Namespace

Set objService = Nothing
Set objLocator = Nothing

The script creates a SWbemLocator object and calls ConnectServer with the local machine (".") and namespace path. The resulting SWbemServices object provides access to WMI classes. The namespace path is displayed for verification.

Querying System Information

This example shows how to use NameSpace to query basic system information. It connects to root\cimv2 and retrieves operating system details. This demonstrates practical use of the namespace connection.

system_info.vbs

Set objLocator = CreateObject("WbemScripting.SWbemLocator")
Set objService = objLocator.ConnectServer(".", "root\cimv2")
Set colItems = objService.ExecQuery("Select * From Win32_OperatingSystem")

For Each objItem in colItems
    WScript.Echo "OS Name: " & objItem.Caption
    WScript.Echo "Version: " & objItem.Version
Next

Set colItems = Nothing
Set objService = Nothing
Set objLocator = Nothing

After connecting to the namespace, the script queries the Win32_OperatingSystem class. It then displays the OS name and version. This pattern can be used to access various system information through WMI.

Connecting to Different Namespaces

WMI contains multiple namespaces for different system components. This example shows connecting to the root\default namespace. It demonstrates how to access different management areas within WMI.

different_namespace.vbs

Set objLocator = CreateObject("WbemScripting.SWbemLocator")
Set objService = objLocator.ConnectServer(".", "root\default")

WScript.Echo "Connected to namespace: " & objService.Path_.Namespace

Set objService = Nothing
Set objLocator = Nothing

The script connects to the root\default namespace instead of root\cimv2. This namespace contains different WMI classes and providers. The same pattern can be used to access other namespaces like root\security or root\directory\ldap.

Remote System Connection

NameSpace can connect to remote systems for management tasks. This example demonstrates connecting to a remote machine's WMI namespace. Proper permissions are required for remote connections.

remote_connection.vbs

strComputer = "remotePC"
Set objLocator = CreateObject("WbemScripting.SWbemLocator")
Set objService = objLocator.ConnectServer(strComputer, "root\cimv2")

WScript.Echo "Connected to remote namespace: " & objService.Path_.Namespace

Set objService = Nothing
Set objLocator = Nothing

The script connects to a remote computer specified by strComputer. The same namespace structure exists on remote systems. This enables centralized management of multiple machines through WMI scripting.

Accessing Security Namespace

This example shows connecting to the security namespace to access security-related WMI classes. The root\security namespace contains classes for security settings and events. This demonstrates specialized namespace usage.

security_namespace.vbs

Set objLocator = CreateObject("WbemScripting.SWbemLocator")
Set objService = objLocator.ConnectServer(".", "root\security")

WScript.Echo "Connected to security namespace: " & objService.Path_.Namespace

Set objService = Nothing
Set objLocator = Nothing

The script connects to the root\security namespace which contains security- specific WMI providers. From here, you can query security events, settings, and other security-related information. This namespace is particularly useful for security auditing scripts.

Source

SWbemLocator Documentation

In this article, we have explored the NameSpace method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic connections to remote system management, these examples demonstrate WMI namespace access. With this knowledge, you can enhance your system administration scripts with powerful WMI capabilities.

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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