How can I perform a packet capture in Windows with built-in utility?

Description

This article explains how to use the built-in Windows packet capture utility. A packet capture can assist with troubleshooting while investigating a network issue.

Resolution

  • Open an elevated CMD prompt.
    • Open the start menu and type CMD in the search bar.
    • Right click  the command prompt and Run as Administrator.

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  • Enter the following command.

                 netsh trace start capture=yes

  • You can use the following command if you want to specify the IP address.
             netsh trace start capture=yes IPv4.Address=X.X.X.X
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  • When completed, run the following command.

                 netsh trace stop

  • Once the data collection has finished, attach both the files (NetTrace.cab and NetTrace.etl) to the case; the file location will be displayed in the CMD prompt once the data collection has been finished.

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  • These files can be opened with Microsoft Message Analyzer. NOTE: Microsoft Message Analyzer has been retired 
  • Once the file has been loaded into Message Analyzer you can export it to pcap to view in wireshark.
    • First you click Save.
    • Then Click Export .
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    • You can now open that file in wireshark and view the packet capture.
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