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Windows Vista FAQ - Commands
1. How do I type in commands rather than use Explorer?
Windows Vista comes with a command prompt. You can access it via Start, Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt. Alternatively, you can quickly access it via Start, Run, cmd.exe or command.com. This will bring up a window, similar to below:
The current directory is displayed followed by a flashing underline cursor. To exit this window, type exit or click on the X on top right of the window.
2. What commands are available to use with Windows Vista?
Many of the commands are similar to the ones from the old MS-DOS days. Commands can be run from the current directory or those listed in the command path. The command path can be viewed by typing Path and can be edited via the System Control Panel, Advanced, Environmental Variables. Most commands are available in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. To view the parameters of the command you can type either Help <command> or <command> /? (slash, question mark). Commands can be combined using the pipe (|) character e.g. Type file | More.
| File System Commands | Purpose |
| append <dir> | Add directory to data path when opening files |
| attrib <file> <attribs> | Set or display attribute flags of file(s) |
| cd <directory> | Change directory. To change drive just enter name of drive letter followed by a colon e.g. C: |
| copy <source> <dest> | Copy one or more files (the ? and * wildcards can be used to select files) |
| del <files> | Delete one or more files |
| erase <files> | Erases one or more files |
| md <directory> | Make or create a directory |
| rd <directory> | Remove or delete a directory |
| ren <orig> <new> | Rename file(s) |
| move <source> <dest> | Move file(s) to another folder or drive |
| type <file> | Display contents of a text file |
| more < file | Display contents of a file a screen at a time |
| edit <file> | Change contents of a file |
| find "string" <file(s)> | Search for string in a file |
| comp <file1> <file2> | Compare two files |
| compact <file> | Compact or compress a file |
| cipher | Set or display encryption settings for folders |
| chkdsk | Check disk for errors |
| convert | Convert filesystem to another filesystem e.g. NTFS |
| defrag | Defragment a filesystem |
| diskpart | Disk Partitioning program |
| edlin <file> | Line editor (use ? for help) |
| expand <file> | Expands a compressed file |
| takeown | Take ownership of files or folders |
| Other Commands | Purpose |
| mode | Settings for serial and parallel ports in DOS mode |
| print <file> | Print file to LPT1 or other device |
| at | Set up scheduled tasks |
| arp | Settings for Address Resolution protocol |
| bootcfg | Set or display boot configuration (boot.ini) |
| cacls | Set or display NTFS permissions |
| chcp <n> | Change code page |
| cmd | Open a command window (see above) |
| convlog | Convert IIS log files |
| cscript <file> | Run a VB or other script |
| debug | Debug programs |
| diskperf | Enable or disable disk performance counters |
| doskey | DOS command history utility |
| driverquery | Display installed drivers |
| eventcreate | Utility to create events in the event log |
| eventtriggers | Utility to create event triggers |
| exe2bin | Converts executable files to binary format |
| control <cpl file> | Load a control panel |
| dxdiag | DirectX Diagnostics |
| sfc | System File Check (check for missing or corrupt system files) |
| bcdedit | Change boot configuration |
| bitsadmin | BITS (Background intelligent transfer service) Administration |
| cmdkey | Administers stored credentials |
| choice | Choose between different options |
| dvdplay | Play a DVD using Windows Media Player |
| ftp | File Transfer protocol |
| getmac | Get machine's physical address for network card |
| hostname | Display PC's hostname |
| mountvol | Mount volumes |
| openfiles | Displays or disconnects open files |
| robocopy | Robust file copy |
| syskey | Secure user accounts with more encryption |
| sc | Service Control manager |
| shutdown | Shutdown PC |
| taskkill | Kill tasks |
| UnattendedJoin | Unattended join to a domain |
| PnPUtil | Plug and Play Utility |
| RpcPing | Remote Procedure Call ping tool |
3. Where can I add more commands to my Windows Vista system?
You can add tools from the Sysinternals tools to manage files and folders, processes, security, networking and system information.
Power tools such as SyncToy.
4. How do I change the colours for the command prompt?
Open a command window, select the top left of the window for a pop up menu to appear and select Properties. Select Screen text and select a colour (green is a popular colour), then select Screen Background and select another colour.
5. How do I change the command prompt text?
By default, the command prompt is the current path followed by an arrow e.g. C:\Windows> which is set by the command prompt $P$G. You can change it to a Unix type prompt using Prompt $$ or Prompt $P$G or something more exotic like Prompt $D$T$G which display date and time. For other options type Prompt /?.
6. Where can I find older DOS and Unix type commands?
If you want an old BASIC interpreter try GWBasic (for full screen support use DOSBox), QBasic or the more recent Real Basic.
For a full search utility try unix's Grep for Windows.
For counting words, lines and sentences try WC for Windows.