How to Enable xp_cmdshell Using sp_configure and Run Batch File from xp_cmdshell

Disclaimer: xp_cmdshell is a feature that is disabled by default in SQL Server, and for a very good reason. Serious consideration should be given to the potential risks and security implications which enabling this feature will expose an environment to – primarily that a compromised SQL server can (through the xp_cmdshell) allow execution of files and scripts at the operating system layer. So with this in mind…

The xp_cmdshell option is a server configuration option that enables system administrators to control whether the xp_cmdshell extended stored procedure can be executed on a system.

-- To allow advanced options to be changed.
EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1
GO
-- To update the currently configured value for advanced options.
RECONFIGURE
GO
-- To enable the feature.
EXEC sp_configure 'xp_cmdshell', 1
GO
-- To update the currently configured value for this feature.
RECONFIGURE
GO

Once enabled, you can then run batch files through a SQL T-SQL via;

EXEC master..xp_CMDShell 'c:batchscript.bat'