xp_cmdshell allows you to run shell commands from T-SQL Instructions on enabling xp_cmdshell are found at https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190693.aspx -- 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