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Windows XP FAQ - Commands
1. How do I type in commands rather than use Explorer?
Windows XP 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 XP?
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 |
| 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 |
| fixmbr | Fix Master Boot Record (Recovery Console only) |
| fixboot | Fix boot files (Recovery Console only) |
| control <cpl file> | Load a control panel |
| dxdiag | DirectX Diagnostics |
| sfc | System File Check (check for missing or corrupt system files) |
3. Where can I add more commands to my Windows XP system?
You can add more commands from the Windows XP Support Pack (available from the Support folder on your Windows XP CD).
You can add commands from the Windows
2003 Resource Kit for commands such as NTRights, Tail, CDBurn, CmdHere,
Delprof,
Diskraid, DnsDiag, RpcPing, Sleep, SrvAny, TimeZone, UsrMgr, Robocopy etc.
You can add commands to manage Internet Information Services with the IIS
Resource Kit.
You can add tools from the Sysinternals
tools to manage files and folders, processes, security, networking and system
information.