Scripting Blog

A place to learn about PowerShell and share stories of automation

How Can I Use a Blank Row to Separate Data in an Excel Spreadsheet?

Hey, Scripting Guy! How can I use a blank row to separate rows of data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet?-- AR Hey, AR. You know, most people believe that the Scripting Guys all think alike, that we always agree on everything. That’s not true, though; instead, like any other team, we disagree from time-to-time. Sure, the team would be best...

How Can I Specify the Number of Decimal Places to Display in an Excel Spreadsheet?

Hey, Scripting Guy! How can I specify the number of decimal places to be displayed in an Excel spreadsheet?-- JS Hey, JS. Yes, it is Presidents Day here in the US, a day on which schools, banks, and government offices are all closed. Fortunately, though, the Scripting Guys are open and ready for business. Why are the Scripting Guys open and...

How Can I Insert Text Into a “Bookmark” in a Text File?

Hey, Scripting Guy! I saw your article about inserting text into a Microsoft Word bookmark. How can I do the same sort of thing in a text file?-- LR Hey, LR. You’ll have to forgive the Scripting Guy who writes this column if he seems a little less enthusiastic today than usual. As it turns out, he happened to see a commercial on TV right ...

How Can I Get the Full Name of a Windows NT 4.0 User When All I Have is Their Logon Name?

Hey, Scripting Guy! How can I determine the full name of a user in a Windows NT 4.0 domain when all I have is the user’s logon name?-- NH Hey, NH. In case you’re wondering, after a less-than-auspicious beginning the Scripting Guy who writes this column started to get used to swimming laps every night; in fact, he even started to enjoy ...

How Can I Automatically Open New Files Added to a Folder?

Hey, Scripting Guy! How can I monitor a folder for new files and then automatically open each new file that gets added to that folder?-- CA Hey, CA. You know, today is Valentine’s Day in the US, which means that right now most American men are saying to themselves, “What? Today is Valentine’s Day? Uh-oh ….” We’re not sure how ...