Update all items in a list using PowerShell

Question

I have a SharePoint 2010 list with around 500 items. I need to create a PowerShell script that will call ALL of these list items, and then update a specific column (we'll call it 'Number') for EACH item.

The column (Number) that needs to be updated for each item is a Number column. I simply need to insert a random number into each list item, ranging from 0-100. It doesn't matter if numbers are repeated, but they need to be chosen at random.

I am very new to PowerShell and am still trying to understand the fundamentals. If someone could provide me with assistance around how to configure this cmdlet, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

-Josh

Answer 1

You may try something like the following:

$list | ForEach-Object { $_.Number = Get-Random -Min 0 -Max 100 }

Answer 2

Assuming the list you want to update is located at http://YouServer/ListLocation/Lists/TheList:

$web = Get-SPWeb http://YourServer/ListLocation
$list = $web.Lists["TheList"]

foreach ($item in $list.Items)
{
  $item["Number"] = Get-Random -Min 0 -Max 100;
  $item.Update();
}

You need to execute this code in the SharePoint 2010 Management Shell or add the SharePoint PowerShell snap-in manually:

Add-PSSnapin Microsoft.SharePoint.PowerShell