Win32_TapeDrive

The Win32_TapeDrive WMI class represents a tape drive on a computer system running Windows. Tape drives are primarily distinguished by the fact that they can only be accessed sequentially.

The Win32_TapeDrive WMI class represents a tape drive on a computer system running Windows. Tape drives are primarily distinguished by the fact that they can only be accessed sequentially.

Methods

Win32_TapeDrive has no methods. Inherited methods (Reset and SetPowerState) are not implemented.

Properties

Win32_TapeDrive returns 40 properties:

'Availability','Capabilities','CapabilityDescriptions','Caption','Compression',
'CompressionMethod','ConfigManagerErrorCode','ConfigManagerUserConfig','CreationClassName',
'DefaultBlockSize','Description','DeviceID','ECC','EOTWarningZoneSize','ErrorCleared','ErrorDescription',
'ErrorMethodology','FeaturesHigh','FeaturesLow','Id','InstallDate','LastErrorCode','Manufacturer',
'MaxBlockSize','MaxMediaSize','MaxPartitionCount','MediaType','MinBlockSize','Name','NeedsCleaning',
'NumberOfMediaSupported','Padding','PNPDeviceID','PowerManagementCapabilities','PowerManagementSupported',
'ReportSetMarks','Status','StatusInfo','SystemCreationClassName','SystemName'

Unless explicitly marked as writeable, all properties are read-only. Read all properties for all instances:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive -Property *

Most WMI classes return one or more instances.

When Get-CimInstance returns no result, then apparently no instances of class Win32_TapeDrive exist. This is normal behavior.

Either the class is not implemented on your system (may be deprecated or due to missing drivers, i.e. CIM_VideoControllerResolution), or there are simply no physical representations of this class currently available (i.e. Win32_TapeDrive).

Availability

UINT16

Availability and status of the device.

Availability returns a numeric value. To translate it into a meaningful text, use any of the following approaches:

Use a PowerShell Hashtable
$Availability_map = @{
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Unknown'
      3 = 'Running/Full Power'
      4 = 'Warning'
      5 = 'In Test'
      6 = 'Not Applicable'
      7 = 'Power Off'
      8 = 'Off Line'
      9 = 'Off Duty'
     10 = 'Degraded'
     11 = 'Not Installed'
     12 = 'Install Error'
     13 = 'Power Save - Unknown'
     14 = 'Power Save - Low Power Mode'
     15 = 'Power Save - Standby'
     16 = 'Power Cycle'
     17 = 'Power Save - Warning'
     18 = 'Paused'
     19 = 'Not Ready'
     20 = 'Not Configured'
     21 = 'Quiesced'
}
Use a switch statement
switch([int]$value)
{
  1          {'Other'}
  2          {'Unknown'}
  3          {'Running/Full Power'}
  4          {'Warning'}
  5          {'In Test'}
  6          {'Not Applicable'}
  7          {'Power Off'}
  8          {'Off Line'}
  9          {'Off Duty'}
  10         {'Degraded'}
  11         {'Not Installed'}
  12         {'Install Error'}
  13         {'Power Save - Unknown'}
  14         {'Power Save - Low Power Mode'}
  15         {'Power Save - Standby'}
  16         {'Power Cycle'}
  17         {'Power Save - Warning'}
  18         {'Paused'}
  19         {'Not Ready'}
  20         {'Not Configured'}
  21         {'Quiesced'}
  default    {"$value"}
}
Use Enum structure
Enum EnumAvailability
{
  Other                       = 1
  Unknown                     = 2
  RunningFull_Power           = 3
  Warning                     = 4
  In_Test                     = 5
  Not_Applicable              = 6
  Power_Off                   = 7
  Off_Line                    = 8
  Off_Duty                    = 9
  Degraded                    = 10
  Not_Installed               = 11
  Install_Error               = 12
  Power_Save_Unknown          = 13
  Power_Save_Low_Power_Mode   = 14
  Power_Save_Standby          = 15
  Power_Cycle                 = 16
  Power_Save_Warning          = 17
  Paused                      = 18
  Not_Ready                   = 19
  Not_Configured              = 20
  Quiesced                    = 21
}

Examples

Use $Availability_map in a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to translate raw numeric values for 
  property "Availability" to friendly text

  Note: to use other properties than "Availability", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "Availability" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$Availability_map = @{
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Unknown'
      3 = 'Running/Full Power'
      4 = 'Warning'
      5 = 'In Test'
      6 = 'Not Applicable'
      7 = 'Power Off'
      8 = 'Off Line'
      9 = 'Off Duty'
     10 = 'Degraded'
     11 = 'Not Installed'
     12 = 'Install Error'
     13 = 'Power Save - Unknown'
     14 = 'Power Save - Low Power Mode'
     15 = 'Power Save - Standby'
     16 = 'Power Cycle'
     17 = 'Power Save - Warning'
     18 = 'Paused'
     19 = 'Not Ready'
     20 = 'Not Configured'
     21 = 'Quiesced'
}

#endregion define hashtable

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "Availability", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$Availability = @{
  Name = 'Availability'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $value = $_.Availability
    $Availability_map[[int]$value]
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve the instances, and output the properties "Caption" and "Availability". The latter
# is defined by the hashtable in $Availability: 
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property Caption, $Availability

# ...or dump content of property Availability:
$friendlyValues = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | 
    Select-Object -Property $Availability |
    Select-Object -ExpandProperty Availability

# output values
$friendlyValues

# output values as comma separated list
$friendlyValues -join ', '

# output values as bullet list
$friendlyValues | ForEach-Object { "- $_" }
Use $Availability_map to directly translate raw values from an instance
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to manually translate raw numeric values 
  for property "Win32_TapeDrive" to friendly text. This approach is ideal when
  there is just one instance to work with.

  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "Win32_TapeDrive" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$Availability_map = @{
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Unknown'
      3 = 'Running/Full Power'
      4 = 'Warning'
      5 = 'In Test'
      6 = 'Not Applicable'
      7 = 'Power Off'
      8 = 'Off Line'
      9 = 'Off Duty'
     10 = 'Degraded'
     11 = 'Not Installed'
     12 = 'Install Error'
     13 = 'Power Save - Unknown'
     14 = 'Power Save - Low Power Mode'
     15 = 'Power Save - Standby'
     16 = 'Power Cycle'
     17 = 'Power Save - Warning'
     18 = 'Paused'
     19 = 'Not Ready'
     20 = 'Not Configured'
     21 = 'Quiesced'
}

#endregion define hashtable

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to illustrate
  the number-to-text translation. To process all instances, replace
  "Select-Object -First 1" with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use
  the iterator variable $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property
$rawValue = $instance.Availability  

# translate raw value to friendly text:
$friendlyName = $Availability_map[[int]$rawValue]

# output value
$friendlyName
Use a switch statement inside a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a switch clause to translate raw numeric 
  values for property "Availability" to friendly text. The switch
  clause is embedded into a calculated property so there is
  no need to refer to external variables for translation.

  Note: to use other properties than "Availability", look up the appropriate 
  translation switch clause for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "Availability", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$Availability = @{
  Name = 'Availability'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $value = $_.Availability
    
    switch([int]$value)
      {
        1          {'Other'}
        2          {'Unknown'}
        3          {'Running/Full Power'}
        4          {'Warning'}
        5          {'In Test'}
        6          {'Not Applicable'}
        7          {'Power Off'}
        8          {'Off Line'}
        9          {'Off Duty'}
        10         {'Degraded'}
        11         {'Not Installed'}
        12         {'Install Error'}
        13         {'Power Save - Unknown'}
        14         {'Power Save - Low Power Mode'}
        15         {'Power Save - Standby'}
        16         {'Power Cycle'}
        17         {'Power Save - Warning'}
        18         {'Paused'}
        19         {'Not Ready'}
        20         {'Not Configured'}
        21         {'Quiesced'}
        default    {"$value"}
      }
      
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve all instances...
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | 
  # ...and output properties "Caption" and "Availability". The latter is defined
  # by the hashtable in $Availability:
  Select-Object -Property Caption, $Availability
Use the Enum from above to auto-translate the code values
<# 
  this example translates raw values by means of type conversion
  the friendly names are defined as enumeration using the
  keyword "enum" (PowerShell 5 or better)
  
  The raw value(s) are translated to friendly text by 
  simply converting them into the enum type.
  
  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  enum definition for the property you would like to use instead.
#>


#region define enum with value-to-text translation:
Enum EnumAvailability
{
  Other                       = 1
  Unknown                     = 2
  RunningFull_Power           = 3
  Warning                     = 4
  In_Test                     = 5
  Not_Applicable              = 6
  Power_Off                   = 7
  Off_Line                    = 8
  Off_Duty                    = 9
  Degraded                    = 10
  Not_Installed               = 11
  Install_Error               = 12
  Power_Save_Unknown          = 13
  Power_Save_Low_Power_Mode   = 14
  Power_Save_Standby          = 15
  Power_Cycle                 = 16
  Power_Save_Warning          = 17
  Paused                      = 18
  Not_Ready                   = 19
  Not_Configured              = 20
  Quiesced                    = 21
}

#endregion define enum

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to focus on
  the number-to-text type conversion. 
  
  To process all instances, replace   "Select-Object -First 1" 
  with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use the iterator variable 
  $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property:
$rawValue = $instance.Availability

#region using strict type conversion

<#
  Note: strict type conversion fails if the raw value is 
  not defined by the enum. So if the list of allowable values
  was extended and the enum does not match the value,
  an exception is thrown
#>

# convert the property to the enum **Availability** 
[EnumAvailability]$rawValue 

# get a comma-separated string:
[EnumAvailability]$rawValue -join ',' 
#endregion

#region using operator "-as"

<#
  Note: the operator "-as" accepts values not defined
  by the enum and returns $null instead of throwing
  an exception
#>

$rawValue -as [EnumAvailability]
#endregion

Enums must cover all possible values. If Availability returns a value that is not defined in the enum, an exception occurs. The exception reports the value that was missing in the enum. To fix, add the missing value to the enum.

Capabilities

UINT16 ARRAY

Array of capabilities of the media access device. For example, the device may support Random Access, removable media and Automatic Cleaning. In this case, the values 3, 7, and 9 would be written to the array.

Capabilities returns a numeric value. To translate it into a meaningful text, use any of the following approaches:

Use a PowerShell Hashtable
$Capabilities_map = @{
      0 = 'Unknown'
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Sequential Access'
      3 = 'Random Access'
      4 = 'Supports Writing'
      5 = 'Encryption'
      6 = 'Compression'
      7 = 'Supports Removeable Media'
      8 = 'Manual Cleaning'
      9 = 'Automatic Cleaning'
     10 = 'SMART Notification'
     11 = 'Supports Dual Sided Media'
     12 = 'Predismount Eject Not Required'
}
Use a switch statement
switch([int]$value)
{
  0          {'Unknown'}
  1          {'Other'}
  2          {'Sequential Access'}
  3          {'Random Access'}
  4          {'Supports Writing'}
  5          {'Encryption'}
  6          {'Compression'}
  7          {'Supports Removeable Media'}
  8          {'Manual Cleaning'}
  9          {'Automatic Cleaning'}
  10         {'SMART Notification'}
  11         {'Supports Dual Sided Media'}
  12         {'Predismount Eject Not Required'}
  default    {"$value"}
}
Use Enum structure
Enum EnumCapabilities
{
  Unknown                          = 0
  Other                            = 1
  Sequential_Access                = 2
  Random_Access                    = 3
  Supports_Writing                 = 4
  Encryption                       = 5
  Compression                      = 6
  Supports_Removeable_Media        = 7
  Manual_Cleaning                  = 8
  Automatic_Cleaning               = 9
  SMART_Notification               = 10
  Supports_Dual_Sided_Media        = 11
  Predismount_Eject_Not_Required   = 12
}

Examples

Use $Capabilities_map in a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to translate raw numeric values for 
  property "Capabilities" to friendly text

  Note: to use other properties than "Capabilities", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "Capabilities" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$Capabilities_map = @{
      0 = 'Unknown'
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Sequential Access'
      3 = 'Random Access'
      4 = 'Supports Writing'
      5 = 'Encryption'
      6 = 'Compression'
      7 = 'Supports Removeable Media'
      8 = 'Manual Cleaning'
      9 = 'Automatic Cleaning'
     10 = 'SMART Notification'
     11 = 'Supports Dual Sided Media'
     12 = 'Predismount Eject Not Required'
}

#endregion define hashtable

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "Capabilities", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$Capabilities = @{
  Name = 'Capabilities'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $result = foreach($value in $_.Capabilities)
    {
        # important: convert original value to [int] because
        # hashtable keys are type-aware:
        $Capabilities_map[[int]$value]
    }
    # uncomment to get a comma-separated string instead
    # of a string array:
    $result <#-join ', '#>
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve the instances, and output the properties "Caption" and "Capabilities". The latter
# is defined by the hashtable in $Capabilities: 
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property Caption, $Capabilities

# ...or dump content of property Capabilities:
$friendlyValues = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | 
    Select-Object -Property $Capabilities |
    Select-Object -ExpandProperty Capabilities

# output values
$friendlyValues

# output values as comma separated list
$friendlyValues -join ', '

# output values as bullet list
$friendlyValues | ForEach-Object { "- $_" }
Use $Capabilities_map to directly translate raw values from an instance
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to manually translate raw numeric values 
  for property "Win32_TapeDrive" to friendly text. This approach is ideal when there
  is just one instance to work with.

  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "Win32_TapeDrive" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$Capabilities_map = @{
      0 = 'Unknown'
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Sequential Access'
      3 = 'Random Access'
      4 = 'Supports Writing'
      5 = 'Encryption'
      6 = 'Compression'
      7 = 'Supports Removeable Media'
      8 = 'Manual Cleaning'
      9 = 'Automatic Cleaning'
     10 = 'SMART Notification'
     11 = 'Supports Dual Sided Media'
     12 = 'Predismount Eject Not Required'
}

#endregion define hashtable

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to illustrate
  the number-to-text translation. To process all instances, replace
  "Select-Object -First 1" with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use
  the iterator variable $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property (hint: the property is an array!)
$rawValues = $instance.Capabilities  

# translate all raw values into friendly names:
$friendlyNames = foreach($rawValue in $rawValues)
{ $Capabilities_map[[int]$rawValue] }

# output values
$friendlyValues

# output values as comma separated list
$friendlyValues -join ', '

# output values as bullet list
$friendlyValues | ForEach-Object { "- $_" }
Use a switch statement inside a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a switch clause to translate raw numeric 
  values for property "Capabilities" to friendly text. The switch
  clause is embedded into a calculated property so there is
  no need to refer to external variables for translation.

  Note: to use other properties than "Capabilities", look up the appropriate 
  translation switch clause for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "Capabilities", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$Capabilities = @{
  Name = 'Capabilities'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $result = foreach($value in $_.Capabilities)
    {
        switch([int]$value)
      {
        0          {'Unknown'}
        1          {'Other'}
        2          {'Sequential Access'}
        3          {'Random Access'}
        4          {'Supports Writing'}
        5          {'Encryption'}
        6          {'Compression'}
        7          {'Supports Removeable Media'}
        8          {'Manual Cleaning'}
        9          {'Automatic Cleaning'}
        10         {'SMART Notification'}
        11         {'Supports Dual Sided Media'}
        12         {'Predismount Eject Not Required'}
        default    {"$value"}
      }
      
    }
    $result
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve all instances...
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | 
  # ...and output properties "Caption" and "Capabilities". The latter is defined
  # by the hashtable in $Capabilities:
  Select-Object -Property Caption, $Capabilities
Use the Enum from above to auto-translate the code values
<# 
  this example translates raw values by means of type conversion
  the friendly names are defined as enumeration using the
  keyword "enum" (PowerShell 5 or better)
  
  The raw value(s) are translated to friendly text by 
  simply converting them into the enum type.
  
  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  enum definition for the property you would like to use instead.
#>


#region define enum with value-to-text translation:
Enum EnumCapabilities
{
  Unknown                          = 0
  Other                            = 1
  Sequential_Access                = 2
  Random_Access                    = 3
  Supports_Writing                 = 4
  Encryption                       = 5
  Compression                      = 6
  Supports_Removeable_Media        = 7
  Manual_Cleaning                  = 8
  Automatic_Cleaning               = 9
  SMART_Notification               = 10
  Supports_Dual_Sided_Media        = 11
  Predismount_Eject_Not_Required   = 12
}

#endregion define enum

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to focus on
  the number-to-text type conversion. 
  
  To process all instances, replace   "Select-Object -First 1" 
  with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use the iterator variable 
  $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property:
$rawValue = $instance.Capabilities

#region using strict type conversion

<#
  Note: strict type conversion fails if the raw value is 
  not defined by the enum. So if the list of allowable values
  was extended and the enum does not match the value,
  an exception is thrown
#>

# convert the property to the enum **Capabilities** 
[EnumCapabilities[]]$rawValue 

# get a comma-separated string:
[EnumCapabilities[]]$rawValue -join ',' 
#endregion

#region using operator "-as"

<#
  Note: the operator "-as" accepts values not defined
  by the enum and returns $null instead of throwing
  an exception
#>

$rawValue -as [EnumCapabilities[]]
#endregion

Enums must cover all possible values. If Capabilities returns a value that is not defined in the enum, an exception occurs. The exception reports the value that was missing in the enum. To fix, add the missing value to the enum.

CapabilityDescriptions

STRING ARRAY

Array of free-form strings providing more detailed explanations for any of the access device features indicated in the Capabilities array. Note that each entry of this array is related to the entry in the Capabilities array that is located at the same index.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, CapabilityDescriptions

Caption

STRING MAX 64 CHAR

Short description of the object.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Caption

Compression

UINT32

If TRUE, hardware data compression is enabled.

FALSE

TRUE

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Compression

CompressionMethod

STRING

Free-form string indicating the algorithm or tool used by the device to support compression. If it is not possible or not desired to describe the compression scheme (perhaps because it is not known), use the following words: “Unknown” to represent that it is not known whether the device supports compression capabilities or not; “Compressed” to represent that the device supports compression capabilities but either its compression scheme is not known or not disclosed; and “Not Compressed” to represent that the device does not support compression capabilities.

(“Unknown”)

The compression scheme is unknown or not described.

(“Compressed”)

The logical file is compressed, but the compression scheme is unknown or not described

(“Not Compressed”)

If the logical file is not compressed

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, CompressionMethod

ConfigManagerErrorCode

UINT32

Win32 Configuration Manager error code.

ConfigManagerErrorCode returns a numeric value. To translate it into a meaningful text, use any of the following approaches:

Use a PowerShell Hashtable
$ConfigManagerErrorCode_map = @{
      0 = 'This device is working properly.'
      1 = 'This device is not configured correctly.'
      2 = 'Windows cannot load the driver for this device.'
      3 = 'The driver for this device might be corrupted, or your system may be running low on memory or other resources.'
      4 = 'This device is not working properly. One of its drivers or your registry might be corrupted.'
      5 = 'The driver for this device needs a resource that Windows cannot manage.'
      6 = 'The boot configuration for this device conflicts with other devices.'
      7 = 'Cannot filter.'
      8 = 'The driver loader for the device is missing.'
      9 = 'This device is not working properly because the controlling firmware is reporting the resources for the device incorrectly.'
     10 = 'This device cannot start.'
     11 = 'This device failed.'
     12 = 'This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use.'
     13 = 'Windows cannot verify this device''s resources.'
     14 = 'This device cannot work properly until you restart your computer.'
     15 = 'This device is not working properly because there is probably a re-enumeration problem.'
     16 = 'Windows cannot identify all the resources this device uses.'
     17 = 'This device is asking for an unknown resource type.'
     18 = 'Reinstall the drivers for this device.'
     19 = 'Failure using the VxD loader.'
     20 = 'Your registry might be corrupted.'
     21 = 'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that does not work, see your hardware documentation. Windows is removing this device.'
     22 = 'This device is disabled.'
     23 = 'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that doesn''t work, see your hardware documentation.'
     24 = 'This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed.'
     25 = 'Windows is still setting up this device.'
     26 = 'Windows is still setting up this device.'
     27 = 'This device does not have valid log configuration.'
     28 = 'The drivers for this device are not installed.'
     29 = 'This device is disabled because the firmware of the device did not give it the required resources.'
     30 = 'This device is using an Interrupt Request (IRQ) resource that another device is using.'
     31 = 'This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.'
}
Use a switch statement
switch([int]$value)
{
  0          {'This device is working properly.'}
  1          {'This device is not configured correctly.'}
  2          {'Windows cannot load the driver for this device.'}
  3          {'The driver for this device might be corrupted, or your system may be running low on memory or other resources.'}
  4          {'This device is not working properly. One of its drivers or your registry might be corrupted.'}
  5          {'The driver for this device needs a resource that Windows cannot manage.'}
  6          {'The boot configuration for this device conflicts with other devices.'}
  7          {'Cannot filter.'}
  8          {'The driver loader for the device is missing.'}
  9          {'This device is not working properly because the controlling firmware is reporting the resources for the device incorrectly.'}
  10         {'This device cannot start.'}
  11         {'This device failed.'}
  12         {'This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use.'}
  13         {'Windows cannot verify this device''s resources.'}
  14         {'This device cannot work properly until you restart your computer.'}
  15         {'This device is not working properly because there is probably a re-enumeration problem.'}
  16         {'Windows cannot identify all the resources this device uses.'}
  17         {'This device is asking for an unknown resource type.'}
  18         {'Reinstall the drivers for this device.'}
  19         {'Failure using the VxD loader.'}
  20         {'Your registry might be corrupted.'}
  21         {'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that does not work, see your hardware documentation. Windows is removing this device.'}
  22         {'This device is disabled.'}
  23         {'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that doesn''t work, see your hardware documentation.'}
  24         {'This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed.'}
  25         {'Windows is still setting up this device.'}
  26         {'Windows is still setting up this device.'}
  27         {'This device does not have valid log configuration.'}
  28         {'The drivers for this device are not installed.'}
  29         {'This device is disabled because the firmware of the device did not give it the required resources.'}
  30         {'This device is using an Interrupt Request (IRQ) resource that another device is using.'}
  31         {'This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.'}
  default    {"$value"}
}
Use Enum structure
Enum EnumConfigManagerErrorCode
{
  This_device_is_working_properly                              = 0
  This_device_is_not_configured_correctly                      = 1
  Windows_cannot_load_the_driver_for_this_device               = 2
  The_driver_for_this_device_might_be_corrupted_or_your_system_may_be_running_low_on_memory_or_other_resources = 3
  This_device_is_not_working_properly_One_of_its_drivers_or_your_registry_might_be_corrupted = 4
  The_driver_for_this_device_needs_a_resource_that_Windows_cannot_manage = 5
  The_boot_configuration_for_this_device_conflicts_with_other_devices = 6
  Cannot_filter                                                = 7
  The_driver_loader_for_the_device_is_missing                  = 8
  This_device_is_not_working_properly_because_the_controlling_firmware_is_reporting_the_resources_for_the_device_incorrectly = 9
  This_device_cannot_start                                     = 10
  This_device_failed                                           = 11
  This_device_cannot_find_enough_free_resources_that_it_can_use = 12
  Windows_cannot_verify_this_devices_resources                 = 13
  This_device_cannot_work_properly_until_you_restart_your_computer = 14
  This_device_is_not_working_properly_because_there_is_probably_a_re_enumeration_problem = 15
  Windows_cannot_identify_all_the_resources_this_device_uses   = 16
  This_device_is_asking_for_an_unknown_resource_type           = 17
  Reinstall_the_drivers_for_this_device                        = 18
  Failure_using_the_VxD_loader                                 = 19
  Your_registry_might_be_corrupted                             = 20
  System_failure_Try_changing_the_driver_for_this_device_If_that_does_not_work_see_your_hardware_documentation_Windows_is_removing_this_device = 21
  This_device_is_disabled                                      = 22
  System_failure_Try_changing_the_driver_for_this_device_If_that_doesnt_work_see_your_hardware_documentation = 23
  This_device_is_not_present_is_not_working_properly_or_does_not_have_all_its_drivers_installed = 24
  Windows_is_still_setting_up_this_device1                     = 25
  Windows_is_still_setting_up_this_device2                     = 26
  This_device_does_not_have_valid_log_configuration            = 27
  The_drivers_for_this_device_are_not_installed                = 28
  This_device_is_disabled_because_the_firmware_of_the_device_did_not_give_it_the_required_resources = 29
  This_device_is_using_an_Interrupt_Request_IRQ_resource_that_another_device_is_using = 30
  This_device_is_not_working_properly_because_Windows_cannot_load_the_drivers_required_for_this_device = 31
}

Examples

Use $ConfigManagerErrorCode_map in a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to translate raw numeric values for 
  property "ConfigManagerErrorCode" to friendly text

  Note: to use other properties than "ConfigManagerErrorCode", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "ConfigManagerErrorCode" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$ConfigManagerErrorCode_map = @{
      0 = 'This device is working properly.'
      1 = 'This device is not configured correctly.'
      2 = 'Windows cannot load the driver for this device.'
      3 = 'The driver for this device might be corrupted, or your system may be running low on memory or other resources.'
      4 = 'This device is not working properly. One of its drivers or your registry might be corrupted.'
      5 = 'The driver for this device needs a resource that Windows cannot manage.'
      6 = 'The boot configuration for this device conflicts with other devices.'
      7 = 'Cannot filter.'
      8 = 'The driver loader for the device is missing.'
      9 = 'This device is not working properly because the controlling firmware is reporting the resources for the device incorrectly.'
     10 = 'This device cannot start.'
     11 = 'This device failed.'
     12 = 'This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use.'
     13 = 'Windows cannot verify this device''s resources.'
     14 = 'This device cannot work properly until you restart your computer.'
     15 = 'This device is not working properly because there is probably a re-enumeration problem.'
     16 = 'Windows cannot identify all the resources this device uses.'
     17 = 'This device is asking for an unknown resource type.'
     18 = 'Reinstall the drivers for this device.'
     19 = 'Failure using the VxD loader.'
     20 = 'Your registry might be corrupted.'
     21 = 'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that does not work, see your hardware documentation. Windows is removing this device.'
     22 = 'This device is disabled.'
     23 = 'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that doesn''t work, see your hardware documentation.'
     24 = 'This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed.'
     25 = 'Windows is still setting up this device.'
     26 = 'Windows is still setting up this device.'
     27 = 'This device does not have valid log configuration.'
     28 = 'The drivers for this device are not installed.'
     29 = 'This device is disabled because the firmware of the device did not give it the required resources.'
     30 = 'This device is using an Interrupt Request (IRQ) resource that another device is using.'
     31 = 'This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.'
}

#endregion define hashtable

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "ConfigManagerErrorCode", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$ConfigManagerErrorCode = @{
  Name = 'ConfigManagerErrorCode'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $value = $_.ConfigManagerErrorCode
    $ConfigManagerErrorCode_map[[int]$value]
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve the instances, and output the properties "Caption" and "ConfigManagerErrorCode". The latter
# is defined by the hashtable in $ConfigManagerErrorCode: 
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property Caption, $ConfigManagerErrorCode

# ...or dump content of property ConfigManagerErrorCode:
$friendlyValues = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | 
    Select-Object -Property $ConfigManagerErrorCode |
    Select-Object -ExpandProperty ConfigManagerErrorCode

# output values
$friendlyValues

# output values as comma separated list
$friendlyValues -join ', '

# output values as bullet list
$friendlyValues | ForEach-Object { "- $_" }
Use $ConfigManagerErrorCode_map to directly translate raw values from an instance
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to manually translate raw numeric values 
  for property "Win32_TapeDrive" to friendly text. This approach is ideal when
  there is just one instance to work with.

  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "Win32_TapeDrive" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$ConfigManagerErrorCode_map = @{
      0 = 'This device is working properly.'
      1 = 'This device is not configured correctly.'
      2 = 'Windows cannot load the driver for this device.'
      3 = 'The driver for this device might be corrupted, or your system may be running low on memory or other resources.'
      4 = 'This device is not working properly. One of its drivers or your registry might be corrupted.'
      5 = 'The driver for this device needs a resource that Windows cannot manage.'
      6 = 'The boot configuration for this device conflicts with other devices.'
      7 = 'Cannot filter.'
      8 = 'The driver loader for the device is missing.'
      9 = 'This device is not working properly because the controlling firmware is reporting the resources for the device incorrectly.'
     10 = 'This device cannot start.'
     11 = 'This device failed.'
     12 = 'This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use.'
     13 = 'Windows cannot verify this device''s resources.'
     14 = 'This device cannot work properly until you restart your computer.'
     15 = 'This device is not working properly because there is probably a re-enumeration problem.'
     16 = 'Windows cannot identify all the resources this device uses.'
     17 = 'This device is asking for an unknown resource type.'
     18 = 'Reinstall the drivers for this device.'
     19 = 'Failure using the VxD loader.'
     20 = 'Your registry might be corrupted.'
     21 = 'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that does not work, see your hardware documentation. Windows is removing this device.'
     22 = 'This device is disabled.'
     23 = 'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that doesn''t work, see your hardware documentation.'
     24 = 'This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed.'
     25 = 'Windows is still setting up this device.'
     26 = 'Windows is still setting up this device.'
     27 = 'This device does not have valid log configuration.'
     28 = 'The drivers for this device are not installed.'
     29 = 'This device is disabled because the firmware of the device did not give it the required resources.'
     30 = 'This device is using an Interrupt Request (IRQ) resource that another device is using.'
     31 = 'This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.'
}

#endregion define hashtable

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to illustrate
  the number-to-text translation. To process all instances, replace
  "Select-Object -First 1" with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use
  the iterator variable $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property
$rawValue = $instance.ConfigManagerErrorCode  

# translate raw value to friendly text:
$friendlyName = $ConfigManagerErrorCode_map[[int]$rawValue]

# output value
$friendlyName
Use a switch statement inside a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a switch clause to translate raw numeric 
  values for property "ConfigManagerErrorCode" to friendly text. The switch
  clause is embedded into a calculated property so there is
  no need to refer to external variables for translation.

  Note: to use other properties than "ConfigManagerErrorCode", look up the appropriate 
  translation switch clause for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "ConfigManagerErrorCode", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$ConfigManagerErrorCode = @{
  Name = 'ConfigManagerErrorCode'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $value = $_.ConfigManagerErrorCode
    
    switch([int]$value)
      {
        0          {'This device is working properly.'}
        1          {'This device is not configured correctly.'}
        2          {'Windows cannot load the driver for this device.'}
        3          {'The driver for this device might be corrupted, or your system may be running low on memory or other resources.'}
        4          {'This device is not working properly. One of its drivers or your registry might be corrupted.'}
        5          {'The driver for this device needs a resource that Windows cannot manage.'}
        6          {'The boot configuration for this device conflicts with other devices.'}
        7          {'Cannot filter.'}
        8          {'The driver loader for the device is missing.'}
        9          {'This device is not working properly because the controlling firmware is reporting the resources for the device incorrectly.'}
        10         {'This device cannot start.'}
        11         {'This device failed.'}
        12         {'This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use.'}
        13         {'Windows cannot verify this device''s resources.'}
        14         {'This device cannot work properly until you restart your computer.'}
        15         {'This device is not working properly because there is probably a re-enumeration problem.'}
        16         {'Windows cannot identify all the resources this device uses.'}
        17         {'This device is asking for an unknown resource type.'}
        18         {'Reinstall the drivers for this device.'}
        19         {'Failure using the VxD loader.'}
        20         {'Your registry might be corrupted.'}
        21         {'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that does not work, see your hardware documentation. Windows is removing this device.'}
        22         {'This device is disabled.'}
        23         {'System failure: Try changing the driver for this device. If that doesn''t work, see your hardware documentation.'}
        24         {'This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed.'}
        25         {'Windows is still setting up this device.'}
        26         {'Windows is still setting up this device.'}
        27         {'This device does not have valid log configuration.'}
        28         {'The drivers for this device are not installed.'}
        29         {'This device is disabled because the firmware of the device did not give it the required resources.'}
        30         {'This device is using an Interrupt Request (IRQ) resource that another device is using.'}
        31         {'This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.'}
        default    {"$value"}
      }
      
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve all instances...
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | 
  # ...and output properties "Caption" and "ConfigManagerErrorCode". The latter is defined
  # by the hashtable in $ConfigManagerErrorCode:
  Select-Object -Property Caption, $ConfigManagerErrorCode
Use the Enum from above to auto-translate the code values
<# 
  this example translates raw values by means of type conversion
  the friendly names are defined as enumeration using the
  keyword "enum" (PowerShell 5 or better)
  
  The raw value(s) are translated to friendly text by 
  simply converting them into the enum type.
  
  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  enum definition for the property you would like to use instead.
#>


#region define enum with value-to-text translation:
Enum EnumConfigManagerErrorCode
{
  This_device_is_working_properly                              = 0
  This_device_is_not_configured_correctly                      = 1
  Windows_cannot_load_the_driver_for_this_device               = 2
  The_driver_for_this_device_might_be_corrupted_or_your_system_may_be_running_low_on_memory_or_other_resources = 3
  This_device_is_not_working_properly_One_of_its_drivers_or_your_registry_might_be_corrupted = 4
  The_driver_for_this_device_needs_a_resource_that_Windows_cannot_manage = 5
  The_boot_configuration_for_this_device_conflicts_with_other_devices = 6
  Cannot_filter                                                = 7
  The_driver_loader_for_the_device_is_missing                  = 8
  This_device_is_not_working_properly_because_the_controlling_firmware_is_reporting_the_resources_for_the_device_incorrectly = 9
  This_device_cannot_start                                     = 10
  This_device_failed                                           = 11
  This_device_cannot_find_enough_free_resources_that_it_can_use = 12
  Windows_cannot_verify_this_devices_resources                 = 13
  This_device_cannot_work_properly_until_you_restart_your_computer = 14
  This_device_is_not_working_properly_because_there_is_probably_a_re_enumeration_problem = 15
  Windows_cannot_identify_all_the_resources_this_device_uses   = 16
  This_device_is_asking_for_an_unknown_resource_type           = 17
  Reinstall_the_drivers_for_this_device                        = 18
  Failure_using_the_VxD_loader                                 = 19
  Your_registry_might_be_corrupted                             = 20
  System_failure_Try_changing_the_driver_for_this_device_If_that_does_not_work_see_your_hardware_documentation_Windows_is_removing_this_device = 21
  This_device_is_disabled                                      = 22
  System_failure_Try_changing_the_driver_for_this_device_If_that_doesnt_work_see_your_hardware_documentation = 23
  This_device_is_not_present_is_not_working_properly_or_does_not_have_all_its_drivers_installed = 24
  Windows_is_still_setting_up_this_device1                     = 25
  Windows_is_still_setting_up_this_device2                     = 26
  This_device_does_not_have_valid_log_configuration            = 27
  The_drivers_for_this_device_are_not_installed                = 28
  This_device_is_disabled_because_the_firmware_of_the_device_did_not_give_it_the_required_resources = 29
  This_device_is_using_an_Interrupt_Request_IRQ_resource_that_another_device_is_using = 30
  This_device_is_not_working_properly_because_Windows_cannot_load_the_drivers_required_for_this_device = 31
}

#endregion define enum

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to focus on
  the number-to-text type conversion. 
  
  To process all instances, replace   "Select-Object -First 1" 
  with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use the iterator variable 
  $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property:
$rawValue = $instance.ConfigManagerErrorCode

#region using strict type conversion

<#
  Note: strict type conversion fails if the raw value is 
  not defined by the enum. So if the list of allowable values
  was extended and the enum does not match the value,
  an exception is thrown
#>

# convert the property to the enum **ConfigManagerErrorCode** 
[EnumConfigManagerErrorCode]$rawValue 

# get a comma-separated string:
[EnumConfigManagerErrorCode]$rawValue -join ',' 
#endregion

#region using operator "-as"

<#
  Note: the operator "-as" accepts values not defined
  by the enum and returns $null instead of throwing
  an exception
#>

$rawValue -as [EnumConfigManagerErrorCode]
#endregion

Enums must cover all possible values. If ConfigManagerErrorCode returns a value that is not defined in the enum, an exception occurs. The exception reports the value that was missing in the enum. To fix, add the missing value to the enum.

ConfigManagerUserConfig

BOOLEAN

If TRUE, the device is using a user-defined configuration.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, ConfigManagerUserConfig

CreationClassName

STRING

Name of the first concrete class to appear in the inheritance chain used in the creation of an instance. When used with the other key properties of the class, this property allows all instances of this class and its subclasses to be uniquely identified.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, CreationClassName

DefaultBlockSize

UINT64 “BYTES”

Default block size, in bytes, for this device.

For more information about using uint64 values in scripts, see Scripting in WMI.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, DefaultBlockSize

Description

STRING

Description of the object.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Description

DeviceID

KEY PROPERTY STRING

Unique identifier of the tape drive with other devices on the system.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID

ECC

UINT32

If TRUE, the device supports hardware error correction.

ECC returns a numeric value. To translate it into a meaningful text, use any of the following approaches:

Use a PowerShell Hashtable
$ECC_map = @{
      0 = 'False'
      1 = 'True'
}
Use a switch statement
switch([int]$value)
{
  0          {'False'}
  1          {'True'}
  default    {"$value"}
}
Use Enum structure
Enum EnumECC
{
  False   = 0
  True    = 1
}

Examples

Use $ECC_map in a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to translate raw numeric values for 
  property "ECC" to friendly text

  Note: to use other properties than "ECC", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "ECC" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$ECC_map = @{
      0 = 'False'
      1 = 'True'
}

#endregion define hashtable

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "ECC", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$ECC = @{
  Name = 'ECC'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $value = $_.ECC
    $ECC_map[[int]$value]
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve the instances, and output the properties "Caption" and "ECC". The latter
# is defined by the hashtable in $ECC: 
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property Caption, $ECC

# ...or dump content of property ECC:
$friendlyValues = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | 
    Select-Object -Property $ECC |
    Select-Object -ExpandProperty ECC

# output values
$friendlyValues

# output values as comma separated list
$friendlyValues -join ', '

# output values as bullet list
$friendlyValues | ForEach-Object { "- $_" }
Use $ECC_map to directly translate raw values from an instance
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to manually translate raw numeric values 
  for property "Win32_TapeDrive" to friendly text. This approach is ideal when
  there is just one instance to work with.

  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "Win32_TapeDrive" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$ECC_map = @{
      0 = 'False'
      1 = 'True'
}

#endregion define hashtable

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to illustrate
  the number-to-text translation. To process all instances, replace
  "Select-Object -First 1" with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use
  the iterator variable $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property
$rawValue = $instance.ECC  

# translate raw value to friendly text:
$friendlyName = $ECC_map[[int]$rawValue]

# output value
$friendlyName
Use a switch statement inside a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a switch clause to translate raw numeric 
  values for property "ECC" to friendly text. The switch
  clause is embedded into a calculated property so there is
  no need to refer to external variables for translation.

  Note: to use other properties than "ECC", look up the appropriate 
  translation switch clause for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "ECC", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$ECC = @{
  Name = 'ECC'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $value = $_.ECC
    
    switch([int]$value)
      {
        0          {'False'}
        1          {'True'}
        default    {"$value"}
      }
      
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve all instances...
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | 
  # ...and output properties "Caption" and "ECC". The latter is defined
  # by the hashtable in $ECC:
  Select-Object -Property Caption, $ECC
Use the Enum from above to auto-translate the code values
<# 
  this example translates raw values by means of type conversion
  the friendly names are defined as enumeration using the
  keyword "enum" (PowerShell 5 or better)
  
  The raw value(s) are translated to friendly text by 
  simply converting them into the enum type.
  
  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  enum definition for the property you would like to use instead.
#>


#region define enum with value-to-text translation:
Enum EnumECC
{
  False   = 0
  True    = 1
}

#endregion define enum

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to focus on
  the number-to-text type conversion. 
  
  To process all instances, replace   "Select-Object -First 1" 
  with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use the iterator variable 
  $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property:
$rawValue = $instance.ECC

#region using strict type conversion

<#
  Note: strict type conversion fails if the raw value is 
  not defined by the enum. So if the list of allowable values
  was extended and the enum does not match the value,
  an exception is thrown
#>

# convert the property to the enum **ECC** 
[EnumECC]$rawValue 

# get a comma-separated string:
[EnumECC]$rawValue -join ',' 
#endregion

#region using operator "-as"

<#
  Note: the operator "-as" accepts values not defined
  by the enum and returns $null instead of throwing
  an exception
#>

$rawValue -as [EnumECC]
#endregion

Enums must cover all possible values. If ECC returns a value that is not defined in the enum, an exception occurs. The exception reports the value that was missing in the enum. To fix, add the missing value to the enum.

EOTWarningZoneSize

UINT32 “BYTES”

Zone size for the end of tape (EOT) warning.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, EOTWarningZoneSize

ErrorCleared

BOOLEAN

If TRUE, the error reported in LastErrorCode is now cleared.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, ErrorCleared

ErrorDescription

STRING

Free-form string supplying more information about the error recorded in LastErrorCode, and information about any corrective actions that may be taken.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, ErrorDescription

ErrorMethodology

STRING

Free-form string describing the type of error detection and correction supported by this device.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, ErrorMethodology

FeaturesHigh

UINT32

High-order 32 bits of the device features flag.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, FeaturesHigh

FeaturesLow

UINT32

Low-order 32 bits of the device features flag.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, FeaturesLow

Id

STRING

Manufacturer’s identifying name of the Windows CD ROM drive.

Example: “PLEXTOR CD-ROM PX-12CS 1.01”

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Id

InstallDate

DATETIME

Date and time the object was installed. This property does not need a value to indicate that the object is installed.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, InstallDate

LastErrorCode

UINT32

Last error code reported by the logical device.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, LastErrorCode

Manufacturer

STRING

Manufacturer of the Windows CD-ROM drive.

Example: “PLEXTOR”

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Manufacturer

MaxBlockSize

UINT64 “BYTES”

Maximum block size, in bytes, for media accessed by this device.

For more information about using uint64 values in scripts, see Scripting in WMI.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, MaxBlockSize

MaxMediaSize

UINT64 “KILOBYTES”

Maximum size, in kilobytes, of media supported by this device.

For more information about using uint64 values in scripts, see Scripting in WMI.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, MaxMediaSize

MaxPartitionCount

UINT32

Maximum partition count for the tape drive.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, MaxPartitionCount

MediaType

STRING

Media type used by (or accessed by) this device. In this case, it is set to “Tape Drive”.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, MediaType

MinBlockSize

UINT64 “BYTES”

Minimum block size, in bytes, for media accessed by this device.

For more information about using uint64 values in scripts, see Scripting in WMI.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, MinBlockSize

Name

STRING

Label by which the object is known. When subclassed, the property can be overridden to be a key property.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Name

NeedsCleaning

BOOLEAN

If TRUE, the media access device needs cleaning. Whether manual or automatic cleaning is possible is indicated in the Capabilities property.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, NeedsCleaning

NumberOfMediaSupported

UINT32

Maximum number of individual media which can be supported or inserted in the media access device (when supported).

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, NumberOfMediaSupported

Padding

UINT32 “BYTES”

Number of bytes inserted between blocks on a tape media.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Padding

PNPDeviceID

STRING

Windows Plug and Play device identifier of the logical device.

Example: “*PNP030b”

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, PNPDeviceID

PowerManagementCapabilities

UINT16 ARRAY

Array of the specific power-related capabilities of a logical device.

PowerManagementCapabilities returns a numeric value. To translate it into a meaningful text, use any of the following approaches:

Use a PowerShell Hashtable
$PowerManagementCapabilities_map = @{
      0 = 'Unknown'
      1 = 'Not Supported'
      2 = 'Disabled'
      3 = 'Enabled'
      4 = 'Power Saving Modes Entered Automatically'
      5 = 'Power State Settable'
      6 = 'Power Cycling Supported'
      7 = 'Timed Power On Supported'
}
Use a switch statement
switch([int]$value)
{
  0          {'Unknown'}
  1          {'Not Supported'}
  2          {'Disabled'}
  3          {'Enabled'}
  4          {'Power Saving Modes Entered Automatically'}
  5          {'Power State Settable'}
  6          {'Power Cycling Supported'}
  7          {'Timed Power On Supported'}
  default    {"$value"}
}
Use Enum structure
Enum EnumPowerManagementCapabilities
{
  Unknown                                    = 0
  Not_Supported                              = 1
  Disabled                                   = 2
  Enabled                                    = 3
  Power_Saving_Modes_Entered_Automatically   = 4
  Power_State_Settable                       = 5
  Power_Cycling_Supported                    = 6
  Timed_Power_On_Supported                   = 7
}

Examples

Use $PowerManagementCapabilities_map in a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to translate raw numeric values for 
  property "PowerManagementCapabilities" to friendly text

  Note: to use other properties than "PowerManagementCapabilities", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "PowerManagementCapabilities" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$PowerManagementCapabilities_map = @{
      0 = 'Unknown'
      1 = 'Not Supported'
      2 = 'Disabled'
      3 = 'Enabled'
      4 = 'Power Saving Modes Entered Automatically'
      5 = 'Power State Settable'
      6 = 'Power Cycling Supported'
      7 = 'Timed Power On Supported'
}

#endregion define hashtable

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "PowerManagementCapabilities", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$PowerManagementCapabilities = @{
  Name = 'PowerManagementCapabilities'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $result = foreach($value in $_.PowerManagementCapabilities)
    {
        # important: convert original value to [int] because
        # hashtable keys are type-aware:
        $PowerManagementCapabilities_map[[int]$value]
    }
    # uncomment to get a comma-separated string instead
    # of a string array:
    $result <#-join ', '#>
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve the instances, and output the properties "Caption" and "PowerManagementCapabilities". The latter
# is defined by the hashtable in $PowerManagementCapabilities: 
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property Caption, $PowerManagementCapabilities

# ...or dump content of property PowerManagementCapabilities:
$friendlyValues = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | 
    Select-Object -Property $PowerManagementCapabilities |
    Select-Object -ExpandProperty PowerManagementCapabilities

# output values
$friendlyValues

# output values as comma separated list
$friendlyValues -join ', '

# output values as bullet list
$friendlyValues | ForEach-Object { "- $_" }
Use $PowerManagementCapabilities_map to directly translate raw values from an instance
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to manually translate raw numeric values 
  for property "Win32_TapeDrive" to friendly text. This approach is ideal when there
  is just one instance to work with.

  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "Win32_TapeDrive" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$PowerManagementCapabilities_map = @{
      0 = 'Unknown'
      1 = 'Not Supported'
      2 = 'Disabled'
      3 = 'Enabled'
      4 = 'Power Saving Modes Entered Automatically'
      5 = 'Power State Settable'
      6 = 'Power Cycling Supported'
      7 = 'Timed Power On Supported'
}

#endregion define hashtable

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to illustrate
  the number-to-text translation. To process all instances, replace
  "Select-Object -First 1" with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use
  the iterator variable $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property (hint: the property is an array!)
$rawValues = $instance.PowerManagementCapabilities  

# translate all raw values into friendly names:
$friendlyNames = foreach($rawValue in $rawValues)
{ $PowerManagementCapabilities_map[[int]$rawValue] }

# output values
$friendlyValues

# output values as comma separated list
$friendlyValues -join ', '

# output values as bullet list
$friendlyValues | ForEach-Object { "- $_" }
Use a switch statement inside a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a switch clause to translate raw numeric 
  values for property "PowerManagementCapabilities" to friendly text. The switch
  clause is embedded into a calculated property so there is
  no need to refer to external variables for translation.

  Note: to use other properties than "PowerManagementCapabilities", look up the appropriate 
  translation switch clause for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "PowerManagementCapabilities", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$PowerManagementCapabilities = @{
  Name = 'PowerManagementCapabilities'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $result = foreach($value in $_.PowerManagementCapabilities)
    {
        switch([int]$value)
      {
        0          {'Unknown'}
        1          {'Not Supported'}
        2          {'Disabled'}
        3          {'Enabled'}
        4          {'Power Saving Modes Entered Automatically'}
        5          {'Power State Settable'}
        6          {'Power Cycling Supported'}
        7          {'Timed Power On Supported'}
        default    {"$value"}
      }
      
    }
    $result
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve all instances...
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | 
  # ...and output properties "Caption" and "PowerManagementCapabilities". The latter is defined
  # by the hashtable in $PowerManagementCapabilities:
  Select-Object -Property Caption, $PowerManagementCapabilities
Use the Enum from above to auto-translate the code values
<# 
  this example translates raw values by means of type conversion
  the friendly names are defined as enumeration using the
  keyword "enum" (PowerShell 5 or better)
  
  The raw value(s) are translated to friendly text by 
  simply converting them into the enum type.
  
  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  enum definition for the property you would like to use instead.
#>


#region define enum with value-to-text translation:
Enum EnumPowerManagementCapabilities
{
  Unknown                                    = 0
  Not_Supported                              = 1
  Disabled                                   = 2
  Enabled                                    = 3
  Power_Saving_Modes_Entered_Automatically   = 4
  Power_State_Settable                       = 5
  Power_Cycling_Supported                    = 6
  Timed_Power_On_Supported                   = 7
}

#endregion define enum

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to focus on
  the number-to-text type conversion. 
  
  To process all instances, replace   "Select-Object -First 1" 
  with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use the iterator variable 
  $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property:
$rawValue = $instance.PowerManagementCapabilities

#region using strict type conversion

<#
  Note: strict type conversion fails if the raw value is 
  not defined by the enum. So if the list of allowable values
  was extended and the enum does not match the value,
  an exception is thrown
#>

# convert the property to the enum **PowerManagementCapabilities** 
[EnumPowerManagementCapabilities[]]$rawValue 

# get a comma-separated string:
[EnumPowerManagementCapabilities[]]$rawValue -join ',' 
#endregion

#region using operator "-as"

<#
  Note: the operator "-as" accepts values not defined
  by the enum and returns $null instead of throwing
  an exception
#>

$rawValue -as [EnumPowerManagementCapabilities[]]
#endregion

Enums must cover all possible values. If PowerManagementCapabilities returns a value that is not defined in the enum, an exception occurs. The exception reports the value that was missing in the enum. To fix, add the missing value to the enum.

PowerManagementSupported

BOOLEAN

If TRUE, the device can be power-managed (can be put into suspend mode, and so on). The property does not indicate that power management features are currently enabled, only that the logical device is capable of power management.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, PowerManagementSupported

ReportSetMarks

UINT32

If TRUE, setmark reporting is enabled. Setmark reporting makes use of a specialized recorded element that does not contain user data. This recorded element is used to provide a segmentation scheme that is hierarchically superior to filemarks. Setmarks provide faster positioning on high-capacity tapes.

FALSE

TRUE

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, ReportSetMarks

Status

STRING MAX 10 CHAR

Current status of an object. Various operational and nonoperational statuses can be defined. Available values:

$values = 'Degraded','Error','Lost Comm','No Contact','NonRecover','OK','Pred Fail','Service','Starting','Stopping','Stressed','Unknown'
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, Status

StatusInfo

UINT16

State of the logical device. If this property does not apply to the logical device, the value 5 (Not Applicable) should be used.

StatusInfo returns a numeric value. To translate it into a meaningful text, use any of the following approaches:

Use a PowerShell Hashtable
$StatusInfo_map = @{
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Unknown'
      3 = 'Enabled'
      4 = 'Disabled'
      5 = 'Not Applicable'
}
Use a switch statement
switch([int]$value)
{
  1          {'Other'}
  2          {'Unknown'}
  3          {'Enabled'}
  4          {'Disabled'}
  5          {'Not Applicable'}
  default    {"$value"}
}
Use Enum structure
Enum EnumStatusInfo
{
  Other            = 1
  Unknown          = 2
  Enabled          = 3
  Disabled         = 4
  Not_Applicable   = 5
}

Examples

Use $StatusInfo_map in a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to translate raw numeric values for 
  property "StatusInfo" to friendly text

  Note: to use other properties than "StatusInfo", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "StatusInfo" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$StatusInfo_map = @{
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Unknown'
      3 = 'Enabled'
      4 = 'Disabled'
      5 = 'Not Applicable'
}

#endregion define hashtable

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "StatusInfo", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$StatusInfo = @{
  Name = 'StatusInfo'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $value = $_.StatusInfo
    $StatusInfo_map[[int]$value]
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve the instances, and output the properties "Caption" and "StatusInfo". The latter
# is defined by the hashtable in $StatusInfo: 
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property Caption, $StatusInfo

# ...or dump content of property StatusInfo:
$friendlyValues = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | 
    Select-Object -Property $StatusInfo |
    Select-Object -ExpandProperty StatusInfo

# output values
$friendlyValues

# output values as comma separated list
$friendlyValues -join ', '

# output values as bullet list
$friendlyValues | ForEach-Object { "- $_" }
Use $StatusInfo_map to directly translate raw values from an instance
<# 
  this example uses a hashtable to manually translate raw numeric values 
  for property "Win32_TapeDrive" to friendly text. This approach is ideal when
  there is just one instance to work with.

  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  translation hashtable for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define hashtable to translate raw values to friendly text

# Please note: this hashtable is specific for property "Win32_TapeDrive" 
# to translate other properties, use their translation table instead
$StatusInfo_map = @{
      1 = 'Other'
      2 = 'Unknown'
      3 = 'Enabled'
      4 = 'Disabled'
      5 = 'Not Applicable'
}

#endregion define hashtable

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to illustrate
  the number-to-text translation. To process all instances, replace
  "Select-Object -First 1" with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use
  the iterator variable $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property
$rawValue = $instance.StatusInfo  

# translate raw value to friendly text:
$friendlyName = $StatusInfo_map[[int]$rawValue]

# output value
$friendlyName
Use a switch statement inside a calculated property for Select-Object
<# 
  this example uses a switch clause to translate raw numeric 
  values for property "StatusInfo" to friendly text. The switch
  clause is embedded into a calculated property so there is
  no need to refer to external variables for translation.

  Note: to use other properties than "StatusInfo", look up the appropriate 
  translation switch clause for the property you would like to use instead.
#>

#region define calculated property (to be used with Select-Object)

<#
  a calculated property is defined by a hashtable with keys "Name" and "Expression"
  "Name" defines the name of the property (in this example, it is "StatusInfo", but you can rename it to anything else)
  "Expression" defines a scriptblock that calculates the content of this property
  in this example, the scriptblock uses the hashtable defined earlier to translate each numeric
  value to its friendly text counterpart:
#>
 
$StatusInfo = @{
  Name = 'StatusInfo'
  Expression = {
    # property is an array, so process all values
    $value = $_.StatusInfo
    
    switch([int]$value)
      {
        1          {'Other'}
        2          {'Unknown'}
        3          {'Enabled'}
        4          {'Disabled'}
        5          {'Not Applicable'}
        default    {"$value"}
      }
      
  }  
}
#endregion define calculated property

# retrieve all instances...
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | 
  # ...and output properties "Caption" and "StatusInfo". The latter is defined
  # by the hashtable in $StatusInfo:
  Select-Object -Property Caption, $StatusInfo
Use the Enum from above to auto-translate the code values
<# 
  this example translates raw values by means of type conversion
  the friendly names are defined as enumeration using the
  keyword "enum" (PowerShell 5 or better)
  
  The raw value(s) are translated to friendly text by 
  simply converting them into the enum type.
  
  Note: to use other properties than "Win32_TapeDrive", look up the appropriate 
  enum definition for the property you would like to use instead.
#>


#region define enum with value-to-text translation:
Enum EnumStatusInfo
{
  Other            = 1
  Unknown          = 2
  Enabled          = 3
  Disabled         = 4
  Not_Applicable   = 5
}

#endregion define enum

# get one instance:
$instance = Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -First 1

<#
  IMPORTANT: this example processes only one instance to focus on
  the number-to-text type conversion. 
  
  To process all instances, replace   "Select-Object -First 1" 
  with a "Foreach-Object" loop, and use the iterator variable 
  $_ instead of $instance
#>

# query the property:
$rawValue = $instance.StatusInfo

#region using strict type conversion

<#
  Note: strict type conversion fails if the raw value is 
  not defined by the enum. So if the list of allowable values
  was extended and the enum does not match the value,
  an exception is thrown
#>

# convert the property to the enum **StatusInfo** 
[EnumStatusInfo]$rawValue 

# get a comma-separated string:
[EnumStatusInfo]$rawValue -join ',' 
#endregion

#region using operator "-as"

<#
  Note: the operator "-as" accepts values not defined
  by the enum and returns $null instead of throwing
  an exception
#>

$rawValue -as [EnumStatusInfo]
#endregion

Enums must cover all possible values. If StatusInfo returns a value that is not defined in the enum, an exception occurs. The exception reports the value that was missing in the enum. To fix, add the missing value to the enum.

SystemCreationClassName

STRING

Value of the scoping computer’s CreationClassName property.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, SystemCreationClassName

SystemName

STRING

Name of the scoping system.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property DeviceID, SystemName

Examples

List all instances of Win32_TapeDrive
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive

Learn more about Get-CimInstance and the deprecated Get-WmiObject.

View all properties
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive -Property *
View key properties only
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive -KeyOnly

Selecting Properties

To select only some properties, pipe the results to Select-Object -Property a,b,c with a comma-separated list of the properties you require. Wildcards are permitted.

Get-CimInstance always returns all properties but only retrieves the ones that you specify. All other properties are empty but still present. That’s why you need to pipe the results into Select-Object if you want to limit the visible properties, i.e. for reporting.

Selecting Properties

The code below lists all available properties. Remove the ones you do not need:

$properties = 'Availability',
              'Capabilities',
              'CapabilityDescriptions',
              'Caption',
              'Compression',
              'CompressionMethod',
              'ConfigManagerErrorCode',
              'ConfigManagerUserConfig',
              'CreationClassName',
              'DefaultBlockSize',
              'Description',
              'DeviceID',
              'ECC',
              'EOTWarningZoneSize',
              'ErrorCleared',
              'ErrorDescription',
              'ErrorMethodology',
              'FeaturesHigh',
              'FeaturesLow',
              'Id',
              'InstallDate',
              'LastErrorCode',
              'Manufacturer',
              'MaxBlockSize',
              'MaxMediaSize',
              'MaxPartitionCount',
              'MediaType',
              'MinBlockSize',
              'Name',
              'NeedsCleaning',
              'NumberOfMediaSupported',
              'Padding',
              'PNPDeviceID',
              'PowerManagementCapabilities',
              'PowerManagementSupported',
              'ReportSetMarks',
              'Status',
              'StatusInfo',
              'SystemCreationClassName',
              'SystemName'
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive | Select-Object -Property $properties
Limiting Network Bandwidth

If you work remotely, it makes sense to limit network bandwidth by filtering the properties on the server side, too:

Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive -Property $property | 
Select-Object -Property $property

Selecting Instances

To select some instances, use Get-CimInstance and a WMI Query. The wildcard character in WMI Queries is % (and not “*”).

The parameter -Filter runs a simple query.

Listing all instances where the property Caption starts with “A”
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_TapeDrive -Filter 'Caption LIKE "a%"' 
Using a WQL Query

The parameter -Query uses a query similar to SQL and combines the parameters -Filter and -Property. This returns all instances where the property Caption starts with “A”, and returns the properties specified:

Get-CimInstance -Query "SELECT LastErrorCode, EOTWarningZoneSize, DefaultBlockSize, MediaType FROM Win32_TapeDrive WHERE Caption LIKE 'a%'"

Any property you did not specify is still present but empty. You might need to use Select-Object to remove all unwanted properties:

Get-CimInstance -Query "SELECT LastErrorCode, EOTWarningZoneSize, DefaultBlockSize, MediaType FROM Win32_TapeDrive WHERE Caption LIKE 'a%'" | Select-Object -Property LastErrorCode, EOTWarningZoneSize, DefaultBlockSize, MediaType

Accessing Remote Computers

To access remote systems, you need to have proper permissions. User the parameter -ComputerName to access one or more remote systems.

Authenticating as Current User
# one or more computer names or IP addresses:
$list = 'server1', 'server2'

# authenticate with your current identity:
$result = Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_TapeDrive -ComputerName $list 
$result
Authenticating as Different User

Use a CIMSession object to authenticate with a new identity:

# one or more computer names or IP addresses:
$list = 'server1', 'server2'

# authenticate with a different identity:
$cred = Get-Credential -Message 'Authenticate to retrieve WMI information:'
$session = New-CimSession -ComputerName $list -Credential $cred

$result = Get-CimInstance Win32_TapeDrive -CimSession $session

# remove the session after use (if you do not plan to re-use it later)
Remove-CimSession -CimSession $session

$result

Learn more about accessing remote computers.

Requirements

To use Win32_TapeDrive, the following requirements apply:

PowerShell

Get-CimInstance was introduced with PowerShell Version 3.0, which in turn was introduced on clients with Windows 8 and on servers with Windows Server 2012.

If necessary, update Windows PowerShell to Windows PowerShell 5.1, or install PowerShell 7 side-by-side.

Operating System

Win32_TapeDrive was introduced on clients with Windows Vista and on servers with Windows Server 2008.

Namespace

Win32_TapeDrive lives in the Namespace Root/CIMV2. This is the default namespace. There is no need to use the -Namespace parameter in Get-CimInstance.

Implementation

Win32_TapeDrive is implemented in CIMWin32.dll and defined in CIMWin32.mof. Both files are located in the folder C:\Windows\system32\wbem:

explorer $env:windir\system32\wbem
notepad $env:windir\system32\wbem\CIMWin32.mof