Using MMC command-line options, you can open a specific snap-in console, open MMC in author mode, or specify whether the 32-bit or 64-bit version of MMC is opened.

Syntax

mmc <path\filename>.msc [/a] [/64] [/32]

Parameters

<path\filename>.msc   Starts MMC and opens a saved snap-in console. You need to specify the complete path and file name for the saved console file. If you do not specify a console file, MMC opens a new snap-in console.

/a    Opens a saved snap-in console in author mode. Use to make changes to saved consoles.

/64    Opens the 64-bit version of MMC (MMC64). Use this option only if you are running a Microsoft 64-bit operating system and want to use a 64-bit snap-in.

/32    Opens the 32-bit version of MMC (MMC32). When running a Microsoft 64-bit operating system, you can run 32-bit snap-ins by opening MMC with this command-line option when you have 32-bit only snap-ins.

Remarks

  • Using the <path\filename>.msc command-line option

    You can use environment variables to create command lines or shortcuts that do not depend on the explicit location of console files. For instance, if the path to a console file is in the system folder (for example, mmc c:\winnt\system32\console_name), you can use the expandable data string %Systemroot% to specify the location (mmc %Systemroot%\system32\console_name.msc). This may be useful if you are delegating tasks to people in your organization who are working on different computers.

  • Using the /a command-line option

    When snap-in consoles are opened with this option, they are opened in author mode, regardless of their default mode. This does not permanently change the default mode setting for files; when you omit this option, MMC opens snap-in consoles according to their default mode settings.

  • After you open MMC or a console file in author mode, you can open any existing console by clicking Open on the Console menu.

  • You can use the command line to create shortcuts for opening MMC and saved snap-in consoles. A command-line command works with the Run command on the Start menu (if the Classic view of the Start menu is selected), in any command-prompt window, in shortcuts, or in any batch file or program that calls the command.

See Also