How to Enable xp_cmdshell in SQL Server

–  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


Alternative way

1. Click the Start button.

2. Select All Programs.

3. Navigate to the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 folder.

4. Right Click on Server name then click facets options

5. In the Facets Option choose Surface Area Configuration in dropdown

6. At the bottom of the window, mark True for xp_cmdshell.

7. Click OK.