The next script for today enumerates all hidden distribution groups.
This is done by an ADO query with a filter on groups, msExchHideFromAddressLists and mail property.

Follow the next steps to run the script (no admin rights needed):

• copy and paste the script in your favorite text editor
• save the script (for example c:temphidden-distribution-groups.vbs)
• open a command prompt
• go to “c:temp”
• give “cscript hidden-distribution-groups.vbs” (without quotes) and enter

The script:

' Name : hidden-distribution-groups.vbs
' Description : script to enumerate all distribution groups that are hidden in the Global Address List
' Author : dirk adamsky - deludi bv
' Version : 1.00
' Date : 15-07-2010
' Level: intermediate

Set adoCommand = CreateObject("ADODB.Command")
Set adoConnection = CreateObject("ADODB.Connection")
adoConnection.Provider = "ADsDSOObject"
adoConnection.Open "Active Directory Provider"
adoCommand.ActiveConnection = adoConnection

Set objRootDSE = GetObject("LDAP://RootDSE")
strBase = "<LDAP://" & objRootDSE.Get("defaultNamingContext") & ">"
strFilter = "(&(objectCategory=group)(msExchHideFromAddressLists=TRUE)(mail=*))"
strAttributes = "displayname, mail, msExchHideFromAddressLists"

strQuery = strBase & ";" & strFilter & ";" & strAttributes & ";subtree"
adoCommand.CommandText = strQuery
adoCommand.Properties("Page Size") = 100
adoCommand.Properties("Timeout") = 30
adoCommand.Properties("Cache Results") = False

Set objRecordset = adoCommand.Execute

objRecordSet.MoveFirst
Do Until objRecordSet.EOF
	Wscript.Echo objRecordSet.Fields("displayname").Value & " ; " & objRecordSet.Fields("mail").Value
	objRecordSet.MoveNext
Loop

Set objRecordset = Nothing
Set objRootDSE = Nothing
Set adoConnection = Nothing
Set adoCommand = Nothing

When you have problems/questions please post a reply or give a ‘star’ rating.

Happy scripting.

Best regards,

Dirk Adamsky – Deludi BV