CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

1Contents
1.

Welcome to CIM Explorer

32.

Introduction

4

About CIM Explorer ............................................................................................................. 4
Real-life Example ................................................................................................................. 5
How to Buy CIM Explorer .................................................................................................... 93.

Getting Started

10

Installing CIM Explorer ...................................................................................................... 10
Staying Up-to-date ............................................................................................................. 15
Getting Help ....................................................................................................................... 16

4.

Basic Orientation

18

Customizing Your Workspace ........................................................................................... 18
Find the Current Computer ............................................................................................... 20
Search ................................................................................................................................. 21
Find a String ....................................................................................................................... 23
Query .................................................................................................................................. 24
Query in PowerShell .......................................................................................................... 28
Export Query Results ......................................................................................................... 29

5.

Remote Connections

31

Connect to a Remote Computer ....................................................................................... 31
Disconnect and Reconnect ................................................................................................ 33
Update Connection Data .................................................................................................. 34
Update CIM/WMI Data ..................................................................................................... 34
Troubleshooting Connections ........................................................................................... 35

6.

Run in PowerShell

36

About Windows PowerShell Console ............................................................................... 36
Run a CIM Query in PowerShell ........................................................................................ 37
Get the PowerShell Command for a Query ..................................................................... 38
Show and Hide the Console .............................................................................................. 39

7.

Create and Run Queries

41

Ways to Query Data .......................................................................................................... 41
Run a PowerShell Query ................................................................................................... 43

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

2Contents
Run a Custom Query ......................................................................................................... 45
Examine Query Results ...................................................................................................... 46

8.

Advanced Features

49

Find a Class, Property or Method ..................................................................................... 49
Filter Results ...................................................................................................................... 49
Export Results .................................................................................................................... 50
Display WMI Help and Examples ...................................................................................... 51

9.

Reference

52

SAPIEN Updates ................................................................................................................. 52
Keyboard Shortcuts ........................................................................................................... 55
Appendices ......................................................................................................................... 56
Appendix A: Manual Version ..................................................................................... 56
Appendix B: Icon License Attribution ........................................................................ 57

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

3

Welcome to CIM Explorer
1

Welcome to CIM Explorer

Accessing data about a computer has never been easier!
CIM Explorer is the premier tool for accessing managed data about any local or remotely connected computer. Whether you are using Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) or Common Information Model (CIM), CIM Explorer is the tool ofchoice. Let CIM Explorer help you get a handle on classes along with their properties
and methods.
For a complete list of current features, visit the CIM Explorer product page.

About this documentation
This help is designed to show you how to use CIM Explorer and also as an ongoing reference while
you are working with the tool. You can do a quick overview to get started, work through the topics
in detail, and refer back to this guide for additional information when needed.

Getting started - new users· Download and install CIM Explorer.
· Quickly learn the basics of the program in Getting Started 10 .
· Visit the support forum to get help from SAPIEN staff and other experienced CIM Explorer users.

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

4Introduction
2

Introduction

This section provides an overview of the CIM Explorer features, lets you know how to get answers toyour questions, and shows you how to purchase directly online or through a reseller.

2.1

About CIM Explorer

CIM Explorer allows you to use Common Information Model (CIM) and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to view the vast landscape of managed data on any computer. Utilizing a simple, intuitive design, CIM Explorer enables newcomers and experts alike to be more productive.

Key Features· View all CIM and WMI managed data in a hierarchical tree structure, including namespaces andclasses.
· View all properties and methods of a class, with help descriptions.
· Search for text in the name or description of a class, property, method, or all of the above, andthen filter the results.
· Explore and query any class on a local or remote computer. Use CIM Explorer preset queries orwrite your own.
· Run in PowerShell or PowerShell Core. Click to run a Get-CimInstance command for any class orproperty in the built-in Windows PowerShell console.
· Export query results in HTML, XML, CSV, or text format.
· View and run built-in help examples customized for your computer. Or, click to search for theclass description in Google or MSDN.

WMI and CIM
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) envisions all of Windows hardware and software as aset of management classes that you can use to view and script any Windows system. It's the Microsoft version of WBEM, an industry-wide environment-independent system that abstracts genericcomputer system features—like physical and logical disks—so you can view, automate, and manage
them on any system.
WMI is Microsoft's implementation of the Common Information Model (CIM), an industry standard
that represents systems, applications, networks, devices, and other managed components. CIM adheres to the DMTF standard, which makes it ideal for cross-platform environments. The CIM classes
are the parent classes upon which the WMI classes are built.

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

5Introduction
Beginning in Windows PowerShell 3.0, Microsoft recommends using CIM cmdlets, such as GetCimInstance, instead of the traditional Get-WMIObject cmdlet. Beginning with PowerShell 7, GetWMIObject is no longer available.

Why use CIM Explorer?
CIM Explorer is like having an assistant who is a CIM and WMI expert. It knows the classes,
namespaces, and properties. It caches in advance to speed up searches. It writes queries for you andruns them with a click, either in its handy display or in its Windows PowerShell browser. It knows
VBScript and PowerShell, and it teaches you its query language by generating commands that you
can view, copy, and reuse.
See a real-life example of how to use CIM Explorer 5 .
CIM Explorer does not run elevated by default. Some CIM classes and their properties, or methods, require elevation. You will need to run CIM Explorer elevated to access protected elements.

Product Updates
You can learn about product updates on our blog and in the release build log, and you can also
submit product feedback and suggestions.
· Check out the CIM Explorer articles on the SAPIEN blog.
· View the CIM Explorer version history.
· Submit feedback and suggestions.

2.2

Real-life Example

Below is an example of how CIM Explorer can be used in a real-life scenario:
You work in IT Support, and you get a call about a failing battery in a user's computer. Instead oftrying to get information from the busy and inexperienced user, you decide to use Windows PowerShell.
You do not know which of the hundreds of CIM and WMI classes contain information about the battery. You can use Get-CimInstance -List, but it's quicker to launch CIM Explorer and search for battery
classes.
You start by connecting to the user's computer from CIM Explorer.
On the Home tab > in the CIM section, click Connect and then connect to the user's computer.

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Introduction

Next, you search for battery classes on the target computer. To make the search as efficient as possible, you uncheck all Search in options other than Class names.
On the Home tab > in the Find section, click the Search icon.

The search results appear in the Output panel.

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Introduction

You are not familiar with these classes, so you use the Class and Property/Method displays to scan
the properties for the ones that would be useful. You settle on the Win32_PortableBattery class.

Then you run a basic query on the Win32_PortableBattery class on the user's computer. You findtwo portable batteries, one in back and one in front.
In the Class window > right-click Win32_PortableBattery, and then click Query this.

To drill down, you examine the property values for the suspect battery and find the informationneeded.
Click a battery class entry > in the Query section of the ribbon, click Property List.

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Introduction

You export the information to a CSV file for your records.
In the Export section of the ribbon > click CSV.

You would like to use this query in some scripts so you run it in the CIM Explorer PowerShell console. Then, you copy the PowerShell command into your script.
In the Query section of the ribbon, click PowerShell > then right-click PowerShell and click
Copy PowerShell Code.

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

9Introduction

2.3

How to Buy CIM Explorer

You can buy CIM Explorer online with all major credit cards. As soon as your transaction completes you
can download and install the program.
For answers to your pre-order questions, check out the SAPIEN Frequently Asked Questions or post in
the Trial Software / Pre-sales Technical Questions forum.

Order link and CIM Explorer product page
Online orders:
https://www.sapien.com/store/cim-explorer

Worldwide authorized resellers:
https://www.sapien.com/company/resellers

CIM Explorer product page:https://www.sapien.com/software/cimexplorer

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

10

Getting Started
3

Getting Started

This section provides information to help you install CIM Explorer and keep it up-to-date.

3.1

Installing CIM Explorer

To get started using CIM Explorer, follow the instructions below to download and install the program.

Downloading CIM Explorer
All SAPIEN Technologies software products are downloadable only. Download registered products
from your SAPIEN Account Registered Products page.
Select the 64-bit version of CIM Explorer to download. The installer software will save to your default
download folder (e.g., CIM24Setup_2.4.111_010424_x64.exe).
Starting with the CIM Explorer 2020 product release, 32-bit versions are no longer available. Current owners of a license that includes a 32-bit product will have access to that from their SAPIEN Account Registered Products page.
Want to try before you buy? You can download a trial version here.

Installing CIM Explorer
Follow these instructions to install CIM Explorer.
How to install CIM Explorer
1. In your default download folder, double-click on the downloaded program (e.g.,
CIM24Setup_2.4.111_010424_x64.exe).
2. Reply Yes to the "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" prompt.
The installation wizard will first check several items, such as available disk space and the presenceof previous builds. If the environment is adequate, the installer will display the legal agreement
which you must accept to proceed:a. Read the terms of the license agreement.
b. Accept the terms of the license agreement. You should never accept license terms unless you
have read them, and you understand them.
c. Once you have accepted the terms, click Install.
The software will install in the default location as shown, unless you change the path.

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Getting Started

3. The installation may take several minutes.
The install time may take longer if the setup determines that some of the prerequisites
needed to run CIM Explorer are missing.

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12

Getting Started

4. CIM Explorer will build the WMI cache.

5. When CIM Explorer successfully completes the installation, click Finish.

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13

Getting Started

Troubleshooting Installation
If you encounter problems installing CIM Explorer, please report them in the Installation Issues support forum.

Activating and Deactivating CIM Explorer
Software activations are outlined in our End-User License Agreement. The number of activations allowed will differ depending on your type of license. For Perpetual Licenses, each licensed user is allowed to have a maximum of two devices activated and operating at any given time for personaluse. For Subscriptions*, each licensed user is allowed to have the software activated on a total of 20
devices with a maximum of two devices operating simultaneously at any given time for personaluse.

Product Activation
Registration is required to activate and operate the product, and also to obtain any customer service

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Getting Started
or technical support benefits. Registration only takes a few moments to complete and provides you
with access to special offers including preferred pricing on renewals. You will need an active internet
connection to complete product registration.
An active internet connection may not be required if you have a legitimate reason for needing offline
access. To request offline activation please fill out this request. All requests are considered on a caseby-case basis. Please note: Activation keys belonging to Subscriptions* are not eligible for Offline
Activation.
* Information about software activations for Subscriptions only applies to SAPIEN Technologies
products with a Subscription purchase offer.
To activate CIM Explorer
The first time you launch a SAPIEN product, the Welcome screen is displayed.

The steps to activate the product vary depending on whether or not you already have a SAPIEN account.
Follow the steps in the Quick Guide to SAPIEN Software Activation to activate the software.
If you are unable to activate the product, contact sales@sapien.com.

Product Deactivation
Removing a software activation, also known as "deactivating", allows you to free up an activation foruse on another device.

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Getting Started
You may deactivate your devices to free up your activations at your leisure, but there are certain circumstances where proper deactivation is crucial to prevent the loss of your allotted activations 13 .
Uninstalling the software from your device does not deactivate the activation key.
To deactivate your activation key
In the top-right of CIM Explorer above the ribbon, click the Activation Information button.

The Activation Information window will open.
Follow the steps in the SAPIEN Software Activation / Deactivation FAQ to deactivate your activation key.

3.2

Staying Up-to-date

We are continually updating CIM Explorer, both to remove bugs and to add and improve product features. We recommend always staying current with the most recent version to ensure that you are taking
advantage of the latest features, functionality, and product stability.
The details for every CIM Explorer release are available in the version history.

Check for Updates
By default, CIM Explorer will automatically check for software updates. You can also manually checkfor updates.
To check for updates· On the Tools ribbon (Updates section) > click Check Now to open the SAPIEN Updates 52 tooland see if there is a new CIM Explorer build available:

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16

Getting Started

3.3

Getting Help

This help manual has been designed to provide all the information you will need for using CIM Explorer.
In addition to the information in this guide, you can also ask questions in the online support forums 16 .
View CIM Explorer product feature demonstrations and release details on our blog.

Accessing the help manual
To view the help manual online· In CIM Explorer, select the Tools ribbon > then in the Help section, click View Manual.

The SAPIEN Information Center provides direct access to all of the SAPIEN product manuals.

User forums and support
Every registered CIM Explorer perpetual license with active maintenance includes basic support in our
CIM Explorer product support forum.
If your CIM Explorer maintenance has expired, you must renew in order to obtain support.
Support Forums
Use the SAPIEN forums to get help with CIM Explorer, get answers to your scripting questions, submit feature requests, and more.
· CIM Explorer forum· CIM Explorer feature requests· Scripting support forums· All SAPIEN support options

To report a problem in the CIM Explorer forum, you will need to provide your SAPIEN productand OS version information 16 .

How to copy version information
To report a problem in the CIM Explorer forum, you will need to include the product version andbuild, and also your OS version and build—and indicate 32 or 64-bit for each.
To copy the required version information
1. Click the About button in the top-right of the CIM Explorer workspace.

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reservedGetting Started

17

2. In the About CIM Explorer window, select Copy Version Info.
3. Paste the version information into your CIM Explorer forum post.

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18

Basic Orientation
4

Basic Orientation

This section shows you how to easily customize your workspace, and explains the basic tasks you will
use when working with CIM Explorer. The topics are presented roughly in the order that you would perform the tasks.

4.1

Customizing Your Workspace

The CIM Explorer workspace can be easily customized to suit your personal preference.

Changing the color themed style
You can change the style (color theme) of the application to a predefined style.
To change the style· Click the Style menu on the top-right of the CIM Explorer window, then select a style:

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

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Basic Orientation
Manipulating workspace elements and the Ribbon
Output window
The Output window at the bottom of the CIM Explorer workspace can be resized, hidden, floated, or
docked:The Ribbon
The tabbed ribbon automatically resizes and compresses as you adjust the size of the CIM Explorer
application.
You can also easily hide the ribbon.
To minimize the ribbon· On the top-right above the ribbon, click the arrow to the left of the Send Feedback button(Ctrl+F1):

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Basic Orientation

4.2

Find the Current ComputerThis is the first in a series of brief topics to help you quickly get oriented to using CIM Explorer.
By default, CIM Explorer displays and queries CIM/WMI on the local computer.
The name of the current computer is displayed in the title bar at the top of the screen and in thestatus bar at the bottom of the screen.

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Basic Orientation
4.3

SearchSearch is one of the most valuable features of CIM Explorer. You can search for a phrase in the name or
description of a CIM or WMI class, property, or method. You can also filter your search to make it more
efficient.
Looking for the Win32_* classes? They're in the CIMV2 namespace.
· In the namespace tree, click CIMV2.
· Then, in the Class window, click any entry, and then type W.

CIM Explorer has two related features, Search 21 and Find 23 .
Start with Search, and then, if you need to filter further, use Find.
Search finds a text string in the name or description of a class, property, or method.
To start a search
1. To start a search, in the Find section of the menu, click Search.

2. In Search for, type the search phrase.
Search is literal, so don't enter wildcard characters (*), quotation marks, or escape symbols.
Set the Scope and Search in attributes.

3. You can also select a Filter (either before or after the search completes).

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Basic Orientation

4. View the results in the Search results pane. (It's one of the tabs in the Output window at the bottom of the screen.)

5. To review the results, double-click each entry in Search results. Or, in the Find section of themenu, click Previous Result and Next Result.

6. When you select an entry in Search results, the class and its members appear in the Class andProperty/Method panes.

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23

Basic Orientation

4.4

Find a String

The Find feature searches for a string in the results of a search or a query.
To find a string
1. In the Find section of the menu, type a string.
Find is literal, so don't enter wildcard characters (*), quotation marks, or escape symbols.

2. To find more matches, in the Find section of the menu, click Find Previous and Find Next.

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Basic Orientation

4.5

Query

CIM and WMI objects represent the manageable aspects of a computer, including its hardware, software, and environment. When you perform a successful query, the query returns a CIM/WMI object with
its properties and methods. You can use that information to manage the computer.
To query CIM/WMI, you can use WMI Query Language (WQL) or the Get-WMIObject or Get-CIMInstancecmdlets. But, CIM Explorer does it for you!
To query all properties of a CIM or WMI class
1. Select a CIM or WMI class.
You can use the Namespace and Class windows to navigate to the class, or use the Searchand Find features to find the class.
2. In the Query section of the ribbon, click Query (Ctrl+Q).

-ORRight-click the class name and select Query this.

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Basic Orientation

To query selected properties of a CIM or WMI class
1. Select a CIM or WMI class.
You can use the Namespace and Class windows to navigate to the class, or use the Searchand Find features to find the class.
2. In the Property/Method pane, select properties.
To select multiple properties, use Ctrl+Click and Shift+Click.
3. In the Query section of the ribbon, click Query (Ctrl+Q).

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26

Basic Orientation-ORRight-click any highlighted item (a class name or a property name) and then click Query this.

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Basic Orientation

To get the query command that CIM Explorer ran, in the Query section of the menu, click the arrow key below the Query icon, and then click Custom Query:

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Basic Orientation

4.6

Query in PowerShell

You can also run CIM/WMI queries in a Windows PowerShell console. CIM Explorer runs a Get-CIMInstance command in the Windows PowerShell console of the Output panel.
To create a PowerShell Query
1. In the Namespace and Class panes, select a class (or search for a class).
To query particular properties of the class, in the Property/Method pane, select the properties.
2. In the Query section on the ribbon, click PowerShell (Ctrl+P).

3. You can view and copy the output in the Windows PowerShell console and run follow-up com-

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29

Basic Orientation
mands.

To recall the command that CIM Explorer ran, click the arrow key beside the PowerShell icon
and then click Copy PowerShell Code:

4.7

Export Query Results

You can export the results of the most recent CIM/WMI query to a file and save it on any available filesystem or cloud service.
To export the results of the most recent query· In the Export section of the menu, click an output format.

To export the results of the most recent query in PowerShell· In the Windows PowerShell console in CIM Explorer, recall the command and pipe the result toan Export cmdlet, such as Export-Csv or Export-Clixml.
To export an HTML representation of the query results, use the ConvertTo-Html cmdlet and redirect the output (>) or pipe it to the Out-File cmdlet.

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

Basic Orientation

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31

Remote Connections
5

Remote Connections

You can use CIM Explorer to search and query CIM/WMI on a local or remote computer. This section
shows you how to work with remote connections.

5.1

Connect to a Remote Computer

To connect to a remote computer, either make a new connection or select from a list of connected computers.
To connect to a remote computer
1. In the CIM group on the ribbon, click Connect.
2. In the Connect box, type the computer name, an SSH root (if necessary), and the credentials ofa user with connection privileges:

To select from a list of connected computers
1. In the CIM group on the ribbon, click Connect.
2. Click the ellipsis (...) in the Connect box, then select a remote computer and click OK:

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32

Remote Connections

When the command completes, the name of the remote computer appears in the title bar
and status bar:

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Remote Connections

5.2

Disconnect and Reconnect

When you connect to a remote computer, CIM Explorer saves the connection settings for that computer,including the user name and password:

To reconnect to the local computer· Click the Connect arrow, and select the name of the local computer.

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Remote Connections
To reconnect to a remote computer· Click the Connect arrow, and select the name of the remote computer.

To connect to a new computer· Click Connect.

5.3

Update Connection Data

When you connect to a remote computer, CIM Explorer saves your connection information, whichmakes it quick and easy to reconnect.
To update changed credentials· Click Connect and enter the same computer name with the new credentials. CIM Explorer will auto-

matically update the entry.
To manage stored connection information· Click the File tab, and then click Servers... > then click a computer name and edit or delete thestored information.

5.4

Update CIM/WMI Data

To improve CIM Explorer responsiveness, the CIM and WMI structures for the current computer are
cached during install. CIM and WMI structures do not change frequently, so the cache does not need tobe refreshed for each session. If necessary, you can update the CIM and WMI structures for the local or
remote computers as needed.

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35

Remote Connections
To update the CIM/WMI cache for a computer· On the ribbon, click File > Clear Cache.
· CIM Explorer prompts you for confirmation, explaining that it updates the cache when it connects.

Click Yes to update the CIM/WMI cache on the local computer.
The cache update may take a few minutes to complete.

5.5

Troubleshooting Connections

Follow the instructions below if you are having issues establishing a connection to a Windows computerfrom CIM Explorer.
Requirements for enabling CIM Explorer to connect to a remote machine· Allow Remote Administration through the Windows Firewall.
· Allow remote access to COM security.
· Allow remote access to WMI root namespace and sub-namespaces.

To set these permissions you can run a script that we have provided that sets WMI access permissions for Windows 8 and Windows 10. This script must be run elevated, that is, with the permissionsof a member of the Administrators group on the computer.
You can open or copy the script from CIM Explorer, on the Tools tab > Permissions group:

Still need help?
If you have followed these instructions and you still cannot connect, create a post on the SAPIEN
CIM Explorer forum.

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Run in PowerShell
6

Run in PowerShell

You can run the CIM Explorer search and query features in Windows PowerShell. This feature helps you
to automate your CIM/WMI queries and to learn the equivalent Windows PowerShell commands.

6.1

About Windows PowerShell Console

CIM Explorer includes a fully-featured Windows PowerShell console in the Windows PowerShell tab of
the Output panel. You can use the console to run any Windows PowerShell or PowerShell Core scripts
and commands, as well as import modules, and export objects.
The versions of PowerShell available in the Windows PowerShell panel are determined by the versions that you have installed. The console choices are determined dynamically on startup, so if you
install a new PowerShell Core version you simply need to restart CIM Explorer.
The Windows PowerShell console is added, not hosted, so it uses the same Windows PowerShell
profile as the standard Windows PowerShell console, Microsoft.PowerShell_profile.ps1.
To select a PowerShell version in the Windows PowerShell console· Click the drop-down arrow in the top-right of the console and select a PowerShell version:

Switching between different instances enables you to verify that different CIM and WMI classes
can be used from PowerShell Core or from a different bit-level console.
To run a session without your profile· In the Windows PowerShell panel of CIM Explorer (or any Windows PowerShell console), at the

prompt, type:powershell.exe -noprofile

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37

Run in PowerShell
To start a new session of Windows PowerShell console in CIM Explorer· Right-click the console and then click Reset.

6.2

Run a CIM Query in PowerShell

You can run any CIM Explorer query in the PowerShell console in CIM Explorer.
To run a query
1. Create a query by selecting a class (with or without properties) or writing a custom query 45 .
2. In the Query group of the ribbon, click PowerShell (Ctrl+P).

CIM Explorer runs the query in the Windows PowerShell console.
· To run a default query, CIM Explorer uses the Get-CIMInstance cmdlet with the ClassName andRunspace parameters.
· If the query includes properties, CIM Explorer pipes the output of the Get-CIMInstance commandto the Format-Table cmdlet. It uses the Property parameter with the specified properties as values,
and the AutoSize parameter which formats the output without extraneous spaces.

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Run in PowerShell
To save the output of the command (or any part of the command in a variable)· In the console, use the up-arrow to recall the last command and then edit the command line.

To run a Get-CimInstance command for the Win32_Computer class on the local computer, do
not use the ComputerName parameter.

6.3

Get the PowerShell Command for a Query

After testing a query in CIM Explorer you might want to add it to a script that you are writing in a Windows PowerShell editor, such as PowerShell Studio, PrimalScript, or PrimalPad.
To get the equivalent Windows PowerShell command for a query
1. Create a query by selecting a class (with or without properties) or writing a custom query.
2. In the Query group of the ribbon, click the arrow beside PowerShell (Ctrl+P), and then click Copy
PowerShell Code.

Copy PowerShell Code copies the Windows PowerShell command to your Windows clipboard.

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Run in PowerShell
To paste the command in a standard Windows PowerShell console· Simply right-click.

To paste the command in most other documents and editors, including the PowerShell console
in CIM Explorer· Right-click and select Paste (Ctrl+V).

To edit the command after pasting the command in the CIM Explorer PowerShell console· You can use the Select-Object cmdlet to specify property names instead of using the Format-Table

cmdlet. The result is a custom object (PSCustomObject) that you can pipe to other cmdlets.
Get-CimInstance -ComputerName SAPIEN01 -ClassName Win32_LogicalDisk |Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Caption

6.4

Show and Hide the Console

The PowerShell console in CIM Explorer appears in the Windows PowerShell tab in the Output panel. By
default, the Output panel and its tabs appear at the bottom of the CIM Explorer window.
To display the PowerShell console· In the Output panel at the bottom of the screen, click the Windows PowerShell tab.

-OR· If the Output panel or the tab are hidden, in the View group on the ribbon, click PowerShell.

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Run in PowerShell

40

To hide the PowerShell console· In the View group on the ribbon, uncheck PowerShell.

To hide the Output panel (and all of its tabs)· Right-click the title bar of the Output panel, and then click Hide.

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Create and Run Queries
7

Create and Run Queries

You can use CIM Explorer to create and run queries on local and remote computers. This section shows
you how to run queries and examine query results.

7.1

Ways to Query Data

The simplest way to create and run a query for any CIM or WMI class on the currently connected computer is to select a class and click the Query button, or right-click and select Query this.
To query all properties of a CIM or WMI class
1. Select a CIM or WMI class.
You can use the Namespace and Class windows to navigate to the class, or use the Searchand Find features to find the class.
2. In the Query section of the ribbon, click Query (Ctrl+Q).

-ORRight-click the class name and select Query this.

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Create and Run Queries
To query selected properties of a CIM or WMI class
1. Select a CIM or WMI class.
You can use the Namespace and Class windows to navigate to the class, or use the Searchand Find features to find the class.
2. In the Property/Method pane, select properties.
To select multiple properties, use Ctrl+Click and Shift+Click.
3. In the Query section of the ribbon, click Query (Ctrl+Q).

-ORRight-click any highlighted item (a class name or a property name) and then click Query this.

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Create and Run Queries

7.2

Run a PowerShell Query

You can run queries in the Windows PowerShell console in CIM Explorer.
For more details, see Run in PowerShell 36 .
When you run a query in the PowerShell console, you can view and edit the PowerShell commandthat CIM Explorer generates, and pipe the command to other cmdlets.
To create a PowerShell Query
1. In the Namespace and Class panes, select a class (or search for a class).
To query particular properties of the class, in the Property/Method pane, select the proper-

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Create and Run Queriesties.
2. In the Query section on the ribbon, click PowerShell (Ctrl+P).

3. You can view and copy the output in the Windows PowerShell console and run follow-up commands.

To recall the command that CIM Explorer ran, click the arrow key beside the PowerShell icon
and then click Copy PowerShell Code:CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved45

Create and Run Queries

7.3

Run a Custom Query

Most CIM/WMI queries are relatively simple, but occasionally you may want to create a more complex
query.
To create a custom query
Start with a basic query:
1. Select a CIM or WMI class.
You can use the Namespace and Class windows to navigate to the class, or use the Search 21
and Find 23 features to find the class.
2. [Optional] In the Property/Method pane, select properties.
To select multiple properties, use Ctrl+Click and Shift+Click.
3. On the ribbon, in the Query group, click the arrow under the Query button, and then select Custom Query.
CIM Explorer displays the current query in WMI Query Language (WQL).
4. In the Custom Query window, edit the original WQL query to include the custom options, thenclick OK.

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Create and Run Queries

7.4

Examine Query Results

When you run a query, CIM Explorer automatically displays the results in table format in the Query Results tab of the Output pane:

By default, query results are displayed in a table with one row for each result.

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Create and Run Queries
To get the query command that CIM Explorer ran, in the Query section of the menu, click the arrow
key below the Query icon, and then click Custom Query.
To view the same query results in list format· On the ribbon, in the Query group, click Property List:

To see the property values of a selected object in the results· In the Query results pane, click to select an object. Then, in the Query section of the menu, click

Property List.
If you need help understanding the classes or the property values, use the Description field of theClass and Property/Method displays.

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reservedCreate and Run Queries48

To examine the results in Windows PowerShell· On the ribbon, in the Query group, click PowerShell:

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Advanced Features
8

Advanced Features

In addition to the features covered in Basic Orientation 18 , CIM Explorer has advanced features to makeit easier to search CIM/WMI and refine your queries.

8.1

Find a Class, Property or Method

The Find feature finds strings in the names of classes, properties, and methods that CIM Explorer displays. If you click a namespace and use Find, Find locates classes in the namespace. If you click a class, it
finds properties and methods in the class.
To find a string in a class name

1. In the Namespace pane, select a namespace.
2. On the ribbon, in the Find group, enter the word you want to find.
3. Press Enter, or click Find Next or Find Previous.
To find a string in a property or method name
1. In the Namespace pane, select a namespace.
2. In the Class pane, select a class.
3. On the ribbon, in the Find group, enter the word you want to find.
4. Press Enter, or click Find Next or Find Previous.

8.2

Filter Results

You can filter the results of the Search, Find, and Query features in CIM Explorer. When set, the Filter feature includes strings and excludes categories of classes from the results.

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Advanced Features
To exclude categories of classes from CIM Explorer results· Click the buttons to select from the options.

From left to right:o Exclude CIM classes (class names that begin with 'CIM_')o Exclude Win32 classes (class names that begin with 'Win32_')o Exclude system classes (class names that begin with '__System')o Exclude performance classes (class names that include 'Perf')o Exclude MSFT classes (class names that begin with 'MSFT_')
To include only classes with a specified word in the class name
· In the Filter box, type the word.

For example, if you type Alarm, CIM Explorer displays only classes with 'Alarm' in the class name.

8.3

Export Results

You can export query results in HTML, Text, XML, or CSV format.
To export results
1. Run a query. For help, see Create and Run Queries 41 .
2. On the ribbon, in the Export group, select an output format:

3. Navigate to the path and assign a file name for the exported file.
To export results from a Windows PowerShell query, use the cmdlets· HTMLCIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved

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Advanced Features
ConvertTo-HTML | Out-File· TextOut-File or Set-Content· XML

Export-Clixml· CSV

Export-CSV

8.4

Display WMI Help and Examples

CIM Explorer includes help for all classes, properties, methods, and dynamically generated examples thatyou can run to query WMI on your local computer.

To display help for a class, property, or method· Select the element > in the Output panel, click the Help tab.

To run an example· Click the Run link.

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Reference
9

Reference

This section provides an overview of the SAPIEN Updates tool, and lists the keyboard shortcuts available
in CIM Explorer.

9.1

SAPIEN Updates

We are continually updating our software, both to remove bugs and to add and improve product features. We recommend always staying current with the most recent versions to ensure that you are taking
advantage of the latest features, functionality, and product stability.
Every SAPIEN product has a built-in update tool—SAPIEN Updates—which will check for updates on all
current activations and unexpired trial versions of our products. Available product updates are indicatedin the SAPIEN Updates tool and also in the Notifications dialog 52 (see below).

SAPIEN Notifications
SAPIEN products provide automatic notifications when there is a software update available, or whenyour maintenance is about to expire. Notifications are indicated by a 'flag' icon in the top-right ofthe program window:

How to view SAPIEN notifications· Click the notification flag icon above the ribbon to open the Notifications dialog:· If a product update is available, click the update notification to open the SAPIEN Updates tool.

Click the X button to dismiss individual notifications or select Dismiss All. Dismissed notifications will not be shown again.

SAPIEN Updates - Tool Overview
The SAPIEN Updates tool indicates when an update is available for any SAPIEN program installed onyour computer.

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Reference
To minimize the impact on your system, the tool does not run during Windows startup or continuously in the system tray.
How to access the SAPIEN Updates tool
· On the Help or Tools ribbon > click Check Now or Check For Updates (Updates section).

-OR· Click the notification icon 52 above the ribbon > then in the Notifications dialog, click the up-

date notification.

SAPIEN Updates Tool

SAPIEN Updates Tool

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Reference
SAPIEN Updates - Options
Check for updates now

Immediately checks to see if additional productupdates are available.

View Downloads folder

Displays the Downloads folder in File Explorer.

View update history

Displays the history of all downloaded and installed product updates.

Available

Displays a selectable list of available productupdates.
Select one or more products to Download
or Download and Install.

Download and Install

Downloads and installs the updates for the
product(s) selected in the Available updates list.

Download only

Downloads the updates for the product(s) selected in the Available updates list.

Close

Closes the SAPIEN Updates tool.

Notes

Displays a brief synopsis of what was changed,
added, or fixed for the products selected in the
Available window.
The build history for all SAPIEN products isavailable here.

Update On-Demand
You don't need to wait to be notified when an update is available; you can check for updates at any
time. This is particularly useful if you've heard about a new update and want to install it immediately,or if you are ready to start a new project and want to complete all updates before you begin.
How to check for updates on-demand· On the Help or Tools ribbon > select Check Now or Check For Updates to open the SAPIEN

Updates tool.
These instructions may vary between SAPIEN products.

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Reference· In the SAPIEN Updates tool, select Check for updates now:

The latest product updates are displayed in the SAPIEN Updates Available window.

Security and Permissions
Installing updates to programs in a Program Files directory requires the permissions of a member ofthe Administrators group on the computer. When you click Download and Install in the SAPIEN Updates tool, or if you install after downloading, you will be prompted for administrator credentials.
The update tool requires a functioning internet connection and unimpeded access through your internet firewall. For some installations, you might need to create a firewall rule to allow access or
make some accommodations.

9.2

Keyboard Shortcuts

This section covers the keyboard shortcuts available in CIM Explorer.

General Commands
Copy

Ctrl + Shift + C

Connect to another computer

Ctrl + N

Minimize the Ribbon

Ctrl + F1

Search Commands
Search Microsoft Learn

Ctrl + M

Search Google

Ctrl + G

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Reference
Find Commands
Search classes, properties, or methods

Ctrl + S

Previous Result

Shift + 4

Next Result

F4

Find Previous

Shift + F3

Find Next

F3

Query Commands
Query

Ctrl + Q

Query - select multiple properties

Ctrl + Click or Shift + Click

Query Property List

Ctrl + L

Query with PowerShell

Ctrl + P

9.3

Appendices

Appendices for CIM Explorer Help Manual
Appendix A: Manual and Product Version 56
Appendix B: Icon License Attribution 57

9.3.1

Appendix A: Manual Version
Appendix A
Manual Version

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Reference

This help manual is in the process of being updated. Some features and images in this manual version
may not reflect the current product functionality.
Blog articles
For the latest product tips and feature demonstrations, check out the CIM Explorer articles on the
SAPIEN blog.
Release details
To view a brief description of what was changed, added, or fixed in the most recent CIM Explorer builds,
view the product version history.
Need more help?
Please direct your product related questions to the CIM Explorer support forum, and your scripting
questions to the appropriate Scripting Answers forum.

9.3.2

Appendix B: Icon License Attribution
Appendix B
Icon License Attribution

Some of the icons used in this manual were made by Freepik at www.flaticon.com and are licensed under CC BY 3.0:

CIM Explorer - Help Manual© 2024 by SAPIEN Technologies Inc., all rights reserved