Three questions about correctly structuring Where-Object statements

i'm writing script searches , modifies lines within .vmx file (functionally same config file).  i'm new type of scripting , having trouble wrapping head around of behavior i'm seeing.

first, i'm searching specific type of config line within file.  this line typically looks (but not typically adjacent 1 another):
ethernet0.virtualdev = "e1000"
ethernet1.virtualdev = "e1000"
ethernet2.virtualdev = "e1000"

i need store these lines in variable can modify them , re-input them later on.  to so, i'm using line this:

$devices = get-content $vmxsource | where-object {($_ -match "^ethernet" -and $_ -match ".virtualdev")}

1. hoping use wildcard instead of multiple -match statements, couldn't figure out.  something searching for ethernet*.virtualdev = "e1000".  is possible?  would preferable?

2. i'm confused best way use parentheses in situation.  would below line more "correct"?

$devices = get-content $vmxsource | where-object {($_ -match "^ethernet") -and ($_ -match ".virtualdev")}

3. then, need pipe contents of file, excluding lines mentioned above, file.  to so, attempted this:

get-content $vmxsource | where-object {$_ -notmatch "^ethernet" -and $_ -notmatch ".virtualdev"} | set-content $vmxdest

however, didn't work, excluded lines contained ethernet or lines contained .virtualdev.  if changed line worked correctly:

get-content $vmxsource | where-object {$_ -notmatch "^ethernet" -or $_ -notmatch ".virtualdev"} | set-content $vmxdest

me, seems backwards, since -and worked when using -match.  can explain logic i'm missing here?

hi jpw.meta,

quite picture have got, getting me scared :o

as query can use wildcards , using "1000" would require have `"1000`" escape char in front.

try this:

get-content .\whrdata.txt | ?{$_ -like "*ethernet*.virtualdev*"}
ethernet0.virtualdev = "e1000"
ethernet1.virtualdev = "e1000"
ethernet2.virtualdev = "e1000"

whrdata.txt

ethernet0.virtualdev = "e1000"
ethernet1.virtualdev = "e2000"
ethernet1.virtualdev = "e1000"
tom
tommy
ethernet1.virtualdev = "e2000"
tom2
ethernet2.virtualdev = "e1000"
tom
ethernet1.virtualdev = "e2000"
tommy
tom2

get-content .\whrdata.txt | ?{$_ -like "*ethernet*.virtualdev = `"e2000`""}| out-file whrdataresult.txt

not matching:

get-content .\whrdata.txt | ?{$_ -notlike "*ethernet*.virtualdev*"}

rather running way better use if{}else{} want both data.

"" | out-file .\whrdataresult.txt
"" | out-file .\whrdataresultn.txt
get-content .\whrdata.txt | %{if($_ -like "*ethernet*.virtualdev*"){$_ | out-file .\whrdataresult.txt -append}else{$_ | out-file .\whrdataresultn.txt -append}}

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regards,

satyajit

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