-- xp_cmdshell is an advanced option,

-- so first you need to check if it's turned on:

EXEC sp_configure;

GO

-- If you don't see xp_cmdshell in the list:

EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;

RECONFIGURE;

GO

-- Check the status of xp_cmdshell.

-- If necessary turn xp_cmdshell on:

EXEC sp_configure 'xp_cmdshell', 1;

RECONFIGURE;

GO

-- Do stuff

-- If xp_cmdshell is no longer needed:

EXEC sp_configure 'xp_cmdshell', 0;

RECONFIGURE;

GO

-- If advanced options are no longer needed:

EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0;

RECONFIGURE;

GO