Simple Saved Queries for Active Directory

The saved queries function in the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in lets you create, save, and organize queries that you'll use repeatedly for administering Active Directory (AD) objects. You can create queries using the wizardlike options on the New Query dialog box, or you can define custom searches that can be used to gather whatever objects you like simply by keying in your own LDAP queries.

Here are the steps to follow in the Active Directory Users and Computers console to create a Custom Search saved query:

1. Right click the Saved Queries folder and select New, Query.
2. Enter an appropriate Name and Description.
3. Make sure the query root is set to the domain level you want the query to pertain to.
4. Select the Include subcontainers check box if you want the query to search all subcontainers.
5. Click Define Query.
6. In the Find dialog box, click the Find drop-down arrow and select Custom Search.
7. On the Advanced tab, enter your LDAP query string into the Enter LDAP query box.
8. Click OK twice.

What follows is a list of queries that can help you administer AD—and get you started on the road to using saved queries to simplify AD management. . . .