Running Commands


In Windows Vista, the command prompt is the place where you can execute command-line instructions. Most of the commands are the old standard MS-DOS commands, some are enhancements of the MS-DOS commands, and others are commands unique to Windows Vista. When you want or need to work from the command prompt, you can open a command-prompt window and execute all your tasks there, including using the basic commands, starting a program, and even starting a program in a new window. Note that the command prompt is a powerful weapon that can disrupt your system, delete files, and create general havoc. Don't execute commands unless you know what they're designed for.

Run a Command

Click the Start button, type prompt in the Search box of the Start menu, and click Command Prompt to open the Command Prompt window.

At the prompt, type a command, including any switches and extra parameters, and press Enter.

Enter any additional commands you want to run.

The Top 10 Command Prompt Commands

Command

Function

cd

Switches to the specified folder (or directory).

cls

Clears the screen.

copy

Copies the specified files or folders.

dir

Shows the contents of the current directory.

exit

Ends the session.

ipconfig

Displays network connection information.

ping

Tests network connection using IP address.

path

Displays or sets the path the command searches.

prompt

Changes the information displayed at the prompt.

rename

Renames the specified file or files if the wildcard characters ? or * are used.


Tip

Many commands have switches that allow the use of extra parameters, giving you much greater control of the command. A switch is the part of the command with the forward slash (/), followed by a letter, a number, or some other instruction. A parameter is an additional instruction you provide, such as the file name or drive letter.


Find a Command

At the command prompt, type help and press Enter.

Review the list of commands.

If the information scrolls off the screen, use the scroll bar or the scroll arrows so that you can see the entire list.

Tip

To change some of the settings for the Command Prompt windowthe font, the cursor size, or the colors, for exampleright-click the window's title bar, and choose Properties from the shortcut menu.


Get Information About a Command

Type a command followed by a space and /? and then press Enter to get information about the command.

Read the information.

If the information scrolls off the screen, use the scroll bar or the scroll arrows so that you can see the entire text.

Try This!

At the command prompt, type help > dosref.txt and press Enter. Use Notepad or WordPad to open the file dosref.txt that's stored on your hard disk (it's the folder that was active when you typed the command). The > symbol redirected the output from the screen to the file. You now have a reference for the commands, which you can easily print out.




Windows Vista Plain & Simple
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