Scripting Blog [archived]

Formerly known as the "Hey, Scripting Guy!" blog

PowerTip: Get Latest Entry from Event Log with PowerShell

Summary: Use Windows PowerShell to get the latest entry from an event log. (image)  How can I use Windows PowerShell to see the most recent entry from the application log? (image)  Use the Get-EventLog cmdlet, specify the log name, and use the –Newest 1 parameter, for example: Get-EventLog application -...

Understanding XML and XPath

Summary: Microsoft Scripting Guy, Ed Wilson, explores XML and XPath. Microsoft Scripting Guy, Ed Wilson, is here. One of the things that confused me for a long time about using the Get-WinEvent cmdlet is the difference between the –FilterXPath parameter and the –FilterXml parameters. Part of the problem is that there are nearly no ...

Using PowerShell to Parse System Log for Windows Updates

Summary: Learn how to use XML and Windows PowerShell to parse the Windows system event log for Windows updates. Microsoft Scripting Guy, Ed Wilson, is here. Sometimes I come up with a solution, and then I go looking for a problem to fix. Not often, but sometimes. This is usually the result of playing around with Windows PowerShell on the ...

Data Mine the Windows Event Log by Using PowerShell and XML

Summary: Microsoft Scripting Guy, Ed Wilson, talks about using Get-WinEvent in Windows PowerShell with FilterXML to parse event logs. Microsoft Scripting Guy, Ed Wilson, is here. Today I am sipping a cup of English Breakfast tea. In my pot, I decided to add a bit of spearmint, peppermint, licorice root, lemon peel, orange peel, and lime peel ...

Use FilterHashTable to Filter Event Log with PowerShell

Summary: Microsoft Scripting Guy, Ed Wilson, talks about using a filter hash table to filter the event log with Windows PowerShell. Microsoft Scripting Guy, Ed Wilson, is here. The weather here in Charlotte, North Carolina has turned hot and humid. As a result, the Scripting Wife decided to migrate north for a while. Actually, she is attending...