How to restart server with command?

Taking Control: Restarting Your Server from the Command Line

In the world of server administration, efficiency and precision are paramount. Sometimes, a simple graphical interface just won’t cut it. When you need to quickly restart a server, especially in a remote or automated scenario, the command line offers a powerful and versatile solution. This article will explore the common methods for restarting a server using command-line tools, providing a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right approach for your specific needs.

The Classic: Shutdown /r

The shutdown command is a staple for managing system shutdowns and reboots. The /r parameter specifically instructs the system to restart. This is the simplest and often most straightforward method for a local server reboot.

Simply open your command prompt (or terminal) as an administrator and type:

shutdown /r

This will initiate a controlled shutdown followed by an automatic restart. The system will typically provide a brief warning to logged-in users before proceeding.

Reaching Out: Remote Rebooting with Shutdown /r /m

What if you need to restart a server located remotely? The shutdown command can handle that too. The /m parameter allows you to specify the target server. The syntax is as follows:

shutdown /r /m \servername

Replace servername with the actual name of the server you wish to restart. For example:

shutdown /r /m \server01

This command will send a shutdown and restart request to the specified server. Important: You must have the necessary administrative permissions on the remote server to execute this command successfully. Also, ensure proper network connectivity between your machine and the target server. Firewall rules may need to be adjusted to allow the command to reach the server.

PowerShell Power: Restart-Computer

For Windows systems, PowerShell offers a more sophisticated and feature-rich approach to restarting servers. The Restart-Computer cmdlet provides granular control over the restart process.

The most basic use is similar to shutdown /r:

Restart-Computer

However, the real power lies in its options. For example, you can specify a delay before the restart:

Restart-Computer -Wait -For 60

This will wait for 60 seconds before initiating the restart. The -Wait parameter ensures the command waits for the restart to complete before returning.

You can also target specific computers using the -ComputerName parameter, which is similar to the /m switch in the shutdown command:

Restart-Computer -ComputerName server02

Multiple servers can be specified by separating them with commas:

Restart-Computer -ComputerName server02, server03, server04

Furthermore, PowerShell allows for more complex scenarios, such as restarting servers based on a query or from a list stored in a file. This makes it ideal for automating server management tasks.

Choosing the Right Method

The best method for restarting a server from the command line depends on your specific circumstances:

• Simple Local Restart: shutdown /r is quick and easy.
• Remote Restart (Basic): shutdown /r /m \servername is a convenient option when a simple remote restart is required. Remember to verify network connectivity and permissions.
• Remote Restart (Advanced): Restart-Computer in PowerShell provides greater flexibility and control, particularly when dealing with multiple servers or requiring delays and error handling. Its scripting capabilities make it ideal for automation.

Conclusion

Mastering the command-line tools for restarting servers provides a valuable skillset for system administrators. Whether you need a quick local reboot or a complex automated restart across multiple remote servers, understanding the shutdown command and the Restart-Computer cmdlet in PowerShell empowers you to manage your systems effectively and efficiently. Always remember to consider permissions, network connectivity, and the impact on users before initiating any server restart.

#Command #Restart #Server