MMC command-line options

Using MMC command-line options, you can open a specific MMC console, open MMC in author mode, or specify that the 32-bit or 64-bit version of MMC is opened.

Syntax

mmc path\filename.msc [/a] [/64] [/32]

Parameters

path\filename.msc: Starts MMC and opens a saved console. You need to specify the complete path and file name for the saved console file. If you do not specify a console file, MMC opens a new console.
/a: Opens a saved console in author mode. Used to make changes to saved consoles.
/64: Opens the 64-bit version of MMC (MMC64). Use this option only if you are running a Microsoft 64-bit operating system and want to use a 64-bit snap-in.
/32: Opens the 32-bit version of MMC (MMC32). When running a Microsoft 64-bit operating system, you can run 32-bit snap-ins by opening MMC with this command-line option when you have 32-bit only snap-ins.

Remarks

Using the path\filename.msc command-line option
You can use environment variables to create command lines or shortcuts that do not depend on the explicit location of console files. For instance, if the path to a console file is in the system folder (for example, mmc c:\winnt\system32\console_name.msc), you can use the expandable data string %systemroot% to specify the location (mmc %systemroot%\system32\console_name.msc). This may be useful if you are delegating tasks to people in your organization who are working on different computers.
Using the /a command-line option
When consoles are opened with this option, they are opened in author mode, regardless of their default mode. This does not permanently change the default mode setting for files; when you omit this option, MMC opens console files according to their default mode settings.
After you open MMC or a console file in author mode, you can open any existing console by clicking Open on the Console menu.
You can use the command line to create shortcuts for opening MMC and saved consoles. A command-line command works with the Run command on the Start menu, in any command-prompt window, in shortcuts, or in any batch file or program that calls the command.

Formatting Legend

Format	Meaning
Italic	Information that the user must supply
Bold	Elements that the user must type exactly as shown
Ellipsis (...)	Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line
Between brackets ([])	Optional items
Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (\|). Example: {even\|odd}	Set of choices from which the user must choose only one
`Courier font`	Program output