{<StartNode> | forestroot | domainroot}

Specifies the node in the console tree where the search starts. You can specify the forest root (forestroot), domain root (domainroot), or distinguished name of a node as the start node (<StartNode>). If you specify forestroot, dsquery searches by using the global catalog. The default value is domainroot.

-o {dn | rdn}

Specifies the format that dsquery uses to display the search results. A dn value displays the distinguished name of each entry. An rdn value displays the relative distinguished name of each entry.

-scope {subtree | onelevel | base}

Specifies the scope of the search. A subtree value specifies a subtree that is rooted at the start node in the console tree. A onelevel value specifies the immediate children of the start node only. A base value specifies the single object that the start node represents. If you specify forestroot as the start node (<StartNode>), subtree is the only valid scope. The default value is subtree.

-name <Name>

Searches for contacts whose name attributes (value of CN attribute) matches <Name>. For example, "jon*" or "*ith" or "j*th".

-desc <Description>

Searches for contacts whose description attributes match <Description>. For example, "jon*", "*ith", or "j*th".

{-s <Server> | -d <Domain>}

Connects a computer to a remote server or domain that you specify. By default, dsquery connects the computer to the domain controller in the logon domain.

-u <UserName>

Specifies the user name with which the user logs on to a remote server. By default, -u uses the user name with which the user logged on. You can use any of the following formats to specify a user name:

• user name (such as, Linda)
  
  
• domain\user name (such as, widgets\Linda)
  
  
• user principal name (UPN) (such as, Linda@widgets.contoso.com)
  
  

-p {<Password> | *}

Specifies to use either a password or an asterisk (*) to log on to a remote server. If you type *, dsquery prompts you for a password.

-q

Suppresses all output to standard output (quiet mode).

-r

Specifies to use recursion or follow referrals during the search. By default, the search will not follow referrals during search.

-gc

Specifies to use the Active Directory global catalog during the search.

-limit <NumberOfObjects>

Specifies the number of objects to return that matches the criteria that you specify. If you specify a value of 0 for <NumberOfObjects>, this parameter returns all matching objects. If you do not specify this parameter, dsquery displays the first 100 results by default.

{-uc | -uco | -uci}

Specifies that dsquery formats output or input data in Unicode. The following table shows each format.

/?

Displays help at the command prompt.