AdFind

AdFind is a query tool for Active Directory, allowing the user to easily search for various information.

The application does not require installation and it is console-based, so handling it may be a bit uncomfortable for some users. On the other hand, it comes with plenty of options that can refine the search and return relevant details.

When launching the program it lists all the commands that can be executed, together with the supported parameters. These are grouped into three sections, that touch on connectivity, query and output.

Working with the application is not restricted by the local security measures and the details retrieved by it from the Active Directory as well as ADAM/ADLDS (Active Directory Application Mode/Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services) depend on the security imposed to the directory.

AsFind features filtering possibilities and it can be instructed to return results accompanied by specific attributes. Moreover, the scope of the search can be defined as well as the timeout value for the query.

As far as the output options are concerned the program includes parameters for listing the object count or the just the object distinguished name.

If working with AdFind based on the initial information alone proves to be quite a task the developer includes plenty of extended documentation that can be accessed straight from the console.

AdFind is not the most user-friendly query tool for Active Directory but it not a utility for the average user, either. It includes a hefty set of options and there is enough documentation available for a more experienced user to make the most of it with little effort.