LODCTR - CMD

Overview

The LODCTR command in Windows CMD is used to update registry values related to performance counter names and collect performance data. This tool is essential for system administrators and developers who need to track application or system performance. It allows them to load counter names and explanation text for a service or device driver, which can be used with system monitoring tools.

Syntax

LODCTR <Option> [<FileName>]

In the syntax, <Option> represents the action you want to perform, while <FileName> is the path to the initialization file required for some options.

Options/Flags

  • /s: Save the current perf registry strings and info to <FileName>. This file can be used later with /r option to restore counters.
  • /r: Restore perf registry strings and info from <FileName>. This option is typically used to restore the performance counter settings from a backup.
  • /R: Rebuild the performance counter library from system backup store and refreshes local cache. This option does not require <FileName>.
  • /T: Sets the performance counter service as trusted.
  • /e: Enables the performance counter service specified by <FileName>.
  • /d: Disable the performance counter service specified by <FileName>.
  • /Q: Query all performance counters and list their status.

Each flag alters the behavior of LODCTR by either updating, saving, restoring, or displaying performance counter data.

Examples

Example 1: Saving performance counter settings

LODCTR /s C:\backup\perf_backup.txt

This command saves the current performance counter settings to a file named perf_backup.txt in the C:\backup directory.

Example 2: Restoring performance counter settings

LODCTR /r C:\backup\perf_backup.txt

Restores the performance counter settings from the backup file perf_backup.txt.

Example 3: Rebuilding performance counter settings

LODCTR /R

Rebuilds the performance counter settings from the system’s backup store and refreshes the local cache.

Common Issues

  • Permission Errors: Running LODCTR often requires administrative privileges. Ensure you open CMD as an administrator to avoid access-denied errors.
  • File Not Found: When restoring data, ensure the file path is correct; otherwise, you’ll encounter a file not found error.
  • Counter Corruption: If performance counters become corrupted, /R is a handy option, but sometimes a more comprehensive OS repair might be required.

Integration

LODCTR is often used in conjunction with monitoring setups or during system diagnostics. You can script around LODCTR to automate backups of performance counter configurations as part of regular maintenance:

@echo off
LODCTR /s C:\Path\To\Backup\counters_backup.txt
echo Performance counters backed up.

You can then schedule this script to run at regular intervals using Task Scheduler or integrate it into startup scripts.

  • UNLODCTR – Removes the names and explains for a service or device driver.
  • PERFMON – Opens Performance Monitor, which can utilize the performance counters managed by LODCTR.

For further reading and more detailed information, consult the official LODCTR documentation provided by Microsoft.