How to execute and analyze a dos command in PowerShell

Sometimes you may want to automate a process that involves using a DOS command.  You may also want to analyze the results.  The following PowerShell script shows you how to look for a positive result from a Ping command.  Granted, the Test-Connection cmdlet would be a better choice, but this is an example using commands that most everyone is familiar with.

 

$StartAddress = 1
$EndAddress = 10

# Loop through each address and test 
For ($X=$StartAddress; $X -lt $EndAddress; $X++)
{
    # Display the address that is being tested.
    Write-Host "Testing 192.168.1.$X" -ForegroundColor blue
    
    # Create the string that you would normally type.
    $String = "Ping 192.169.249.$X -n 2"
    
    # Use the Invoke-Expression cmdlet to execute the string
    # and record the results in $Result.
    $Result = Invoke-Expression $String
    
    # Use Regular Expresses to determine if a positive 
    # responce came back. It the Responce is $True, then
    # Write the string to the deafult output.
    $Result -match "Reply from"
    If ($_ -eq $True)
        {Write-Output $Sting}
}