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KiXtart is a Windows logon-script processor and enhanced batch scripting language. To run a script, save it as a text file with a .kix extension and invoke it with kix32, for example kix32 hello.kix. Its compact syntax supports variables, built-in macros, branching, functions, and common network-administration tasks. KiXtart is now legacy technology, so test interpreter and script compatibility on the Windows systems you intend to use.
What KiXtart is and what it was used for
The KiXtart 2010 User Manual describes KiXtart as “a logon script processor and enhanced batch scripting language.” It was designed for Windows networking environments, particularly to automate work at user logon. It sits between a basic batch file and a fuller administrative scripting language: scripts use concise commands while also supporting variables, macros, functions, registry access, network operations, and structured control flow. Read the KiXtart 2010 User Manual.
Administrators historically used KiXtart scripts to display information, set environment variables, start programs, connect network drives, and read or edit the Registry. That range made it possible to identify a user or workstation and apply related settings or connect resources from one logon script. Microsoft’s summary of KiXtart’s administrative capabilities is available in KiXtart overview.
How to run a .KIX script
KiXtart’s interpreter is Kix32.exe. The manual documents starting it from a command prompt with kix32; to name a particular script, specify its filename:
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kix32 hello.kix- Create a plain-text file named
hello.kix. - Put KiXtart commands in the file and save it.
- Open a command prompt in a location where
Kix32.execan be found, or use the appropriate path to the interpreter. - Run
kix32 hello.kix. The interpreter must be available to the client, and permissions and command resolution depend on that client’s configuration.
For example, this small instructional script prints a greeting and exits with a success code:
? "Hello, @USERID"
EXIT 0The ? command displays text. @USERID is a runtime macro that expands to the logged-on user’s ID, and EXIT 0 ends the script with exit code zero. These examples illustrate the documented syntax and execution model; they are not a compatibility test for a particular Windows installation.
If KiXtart is started without a script name, the manual says it looks for a user-specific script and then a default script. A logon deployment can call the interpreter directly or use a wrapper batch file, provided the client has access to KiXtart.
KiXtart syntax essentials
Variables and macros
Variable names begin with a dollar sign. For example, $name = "Ada" assigns text to a variable. Built-in macros begin with @ and provide runtime information; the greeting above uses @USERID. Consult the manual for the available macros and their precise meanings.
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Conditional branches
Use IF, ELSE, and ENDIF when a script needs to choose between two paths. A basic form is:
IF $name = "Ada"
? "Welcome, Ada"
ELSE
? "Welcome"
ENDIFMultiple branches
For several alternatives, KiXtart provides SELECT, CASE, and ENDSELECT. This structure is useful when a script must choose an action based on a value such as a workstation or user category.
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Functions and command execution
User-defined functions, together with CALL and RETURN, let a script reuse logic rather than repeat it. The reference also documents RUN "command" for starting a command. On current systems, whether a command resolves and runs successfully depends on the client’s PATH, permissions, and configuration.
Using KiXtart in Windows logon scripts
Windows Group Policy supports scripts for four events: computer startup, computer shutdown, user logon, and user logoff. Administrators can associate one or more scripts with an event and provide parameters. KiXtart can be used for a logon event when the client has the interpreter available, often by invoking Kix32.exe from a logon-script entry or batch wrapper. Microsoft’s guidance is in Use Group Policy scripts.
Deployment therefore depends on more than the .KIX file: the client must be able to locate and execute the interpreter, and the script must run with suitable access to the resources it needs. Validate the chosen logon mechanism and its permissions in the target environment before relying on it for users.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Checking errors in scripts
KiXtart’s manual recommends checking @ERROR and @SERROR after commands and functions. A value of zero in @ERROR means the previous operation succeeded. Check these values immediately after operations that access the network, filesystem, Registry, or external programs; if an operation fails, log the result or branch to an appropriate recovery path. Because the values refer to the previous operation, running another command before checking them can obscure which action produced the result.
Is KiXtart still used on Windows?
KiXtart remains relevant as maintenance knowledge for older Windows-network environments that already depend on its scripts. The available KiXtart manual and community material describe historical Windows generations and deployments, but they do not establish a current support guarantee for Windows 10, Windows 11, or current Windows Server releases. Treat compatibility as something to verify, not assume.
- For an existing deployment: inventory the scripts, interpreter location, logon mechanism, permissions, and dependencies. Test representative scripts on the actual client and server versions before changing or renewing the deployment.
- For a new environment: assess migration rather than introducing a legacy interpreter by default. Compare candidate tools on interpreter availability, maintainability, registry and network administration, error handling, security, logging, Group Policy integration, and vendor support.
The KiXtart.org community site is a historical documentation and community resource: KiXtart.org. Its availability does not itself establish that KiXtart is supported on a current Windows release.
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