How To Export dsquery Data to CSV

Exporting Data to CSV Format Using dsquery

• Introduction

  Dsquery is a command-line tool used to query Active Directory. Although dsquery does not output data directly in CSV format, it can be combined with other commands or methods to achieve this. This guide will detail the processes required to export dsquery data to CSV format.

• Using dsquery with dsget

  To export a list of users from Active Directory to a CSV file, you can combine dsquery with dsget. This combination allows dsquery to query user information, and dsget to format the output. The command is as follows:

  dsquery user dc=contoso,dc=com | dsget user -samid -fn -ln -dn > names.csv

  This command queries all user objects within the specified domain and exports the samid, fn, ln, and dn attributes to names.csv.

• Using csvde

  An alternative and more straightforward method to export dsquery results is using the csvde command. Csvde is designed to export data directly to CSV format, eliminating the need for additional conversion steps. The csvde command for exporting users is:

  csvde -f names.csv -r "(&(objectClass=user)(objectCategory=user))" -l samAccountName,givenName,sn

  This command specifies the output file as names.csv and filters the query to include only user objects. It exports the samAccountName, givenName, and sn attributes.

• PowerShell Method

  Another method to export dsquery results to a CSV file involves using PowerShell. While this method requires more steps, it can be more flexible. The following PowerShell script can be used:

  [adsisearcher]'(&(objectClass=user)(objectCategory=user))'$a.PageSize = 1000$a.PropertiesToLoad.AddRange(@('samAccountName', 'givenName', 'sn', 'distinguishedName'))$a.FindAll() | ForEach-Object {

  $_.Properties.samAccountName, $_.Properties.givenName, $_.Properties.sn | Export-Csv -Path names.csv -NoTypeInformation

  This script queries Active Directory for user objects and exports the samAccountName, givenName, and sn attributes to a CSV file named names.csv.

• Important Considerations

  While dsquery combined with dsget provides a quick way to export data, it outputs results as a space-separated list, which may require additional formatting for true CSV. Csvde is preferred for direct CSV export as it simplifies the process and outputs in the required format. PowerShell offers greater flexibility and control over the output but involves more complex scripting.

  Using any of these methods allows for the effective extraction and conversion of Active Directory user information to CSV format, catering to various requirements and preferences within IT environments.