title: How do I detect if a Windows server is available after a reboot?
body: <p>I want to automate a Windows 2000+ server reboot process using Task Scheduler or similar tool to remotely reboot a server and wait for it to come back up.  I can issue <code>shutdown</code> or <code>psshutdown</code> to remotely reboot, but I want something better than <code>sleep</code> to wait for it to come back.  I need to verify it is back online within <code>n</code> minutes or throw an error.</p>
  
  <p>By 'back online', I would like to verify more than just that it can be pinged, but perhaps its RFC service is responding or some other determinate vital sign.</p>
  
  <p>I'd prefer an NT script approach, but I'm not ruling out writing a custom tool to do this.</p>
  
  <p>Any ideas?</p>