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Command Prompt
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Command Prompt is a native command-lineshellfor Windows NT-based systems, such asWindowsXP,Windows Vista,Windows 7, Windows 8 andWindows 10. Also available in Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2012.
Its function is to execute thecommandsentered in its dialog box. Basically, CMD commands aretasksperformed autonomously with scripts and .bat files.
What is the use of Command Prompt?
The program performs troubleshoot, solves certain errors and has several administrative functions.
Officially, Command Prompt is referred to as Windows Command Processor. In other less official settings, it’s called:
Command Prompt is not aHow to open Command PromptOf course, like any other program, before you start using it, you should know how to open it first. Fortunately, for Command Prompt, the procedure is really simple.Just type “command prompt” in the search box from theStart menu. It will appear as the first search result. For an added comfort, you can just type “cmd”, the result would be the same.Alternatively, you can open the program with the help of cmdRun command. Type “run” in the search box, open theRunapp, and then type “cmd” in the box and click ok.Also, you can find it at its original location at C:>Windows>system32>cmd.exe.Still, using the shortcut is way faster and easier. As you can see, even withRun, there are additional steps to be followed.Keep in mind that most of the repair commands can only be executed if you run it with administrator rights. Here’s what to do if youcan’t run Command Prompt as administrator on Windows 10.How to use Command PromptIn order to use Command Prompt, you must enter a validcommandalong with the needed parameters required by thetaskat hand.There’s no room for mistakes when you enter acommand. TheCommandPrompt will not recognize acommandif you misspell a word, so, it will fail to execute or worse, it will execute a wrongcommand.The syntaxis also very important. For example, if you want to delete a certain document, but by mistake, you leave a space, theCommandPrompt would delete the entire folder.In the image above,CommandPrompt would delete the entire “Downloads” folder. So, it is necessary to be cautious when using CMDcommands.Speaking of “del”command, you can use it to delete a certain type of file. Just write “*”, followed by the extension of the file (eg: .jpg, .mp3, .iso etc.).You can use a large variety ofcommands. The most commonly used arechkdsk, format, ping, del, shutdown, help, and copy.So, as you can see, thecommandsare logical and intuitive. For example, “chkdsk” stands for “check disk”. It is a very useful tool, where Windows will check your disk for errors. Also, chkdsk will fix certain issues.For more details about this tool,check out our guide on how to use CHKDSK.Moreover, theCommandPrompt is probably the most efficient tool forfixing corrupted files.In short, theCommandPrompt is a tool where you can do almost everything, from repairing your computer, running programs or even deleting your files.If CMD is not working properly on your computer, check out ourcollection of troubleshooting guides.[wl_navigator]
Of course, like any other program, before you start using it, you should know how to open it first. Fortunately, for Command Prompt, the procedure is really simple.
Just type “command prompt” in the search box from theStart menu. It will appear as the first search result. For an added comfort, you can just type “cmd”, the result would be the same.
Alternatively, you can open the program with the help of cmdRun command. Type “run” in the search box, open theRunapp, and then type “cmd” in the box and click ok.
Also, you can find it at its original location at C:>Windows>system32>cmd.exe.
Still, using the shortcut is way faster and easier. As you can see, even withRun, there are additional steps to be followed.
Keep in mind that most of the repair commands can only be executed if you run it with administrator rights. Here’s what to do if youcan’t run Command Prompt as administrator on Windows 10.
How to use Command Prompt
In order to use Command Prompt, you must enter a validcommandalong with the needed parameters required by thetaskat hand.
There’s no room for mistakes when you enter acommand. TheCommandPrompt will not recognize acommandif you misspell a word, so, it will fail to execute or worse, it will execute a wrongcommand.
The syntaxis also very important. For example, if you want to delete a certain document, but by mistake, you leave a space, theCommandPrompt would delete the entire folder.
In the image above,CommandPrompt would delete the entire “Downloads” folder. So, it is necessary to be cautious when using CMDcommands.
Speaking of “del”command, you can use it to delete a certain type of file. Just write “*”, followed by the extension of the file (eg: .jpg, .mp3, .iso etc.).
You can use a large variety ofcommands. The most commonly used arechkdsk, format, ping, del, shutdown, help, and copy.
So, as you can see, thecommandsare logical and intuitive. For example, “chkdsk” stands for “check disk”. It is a very useful tool, where Windows will check your disk for errors. Also, chkdsk will fix certain issues.
For more details about this tool,check out our guide on how to use CHKDSK.
Moreover, theCommandPrompt is probably the most efficient tool forfixing corrupted files.
In short, theCommandPrompt is a tool where you can do almost everything, from repairing your computer, running programs or even deleting your files.
If CMD is not working properly on your computer, check out ourcollection of troubleshooting guides.
[wl_navigator]
Robert Neagoe
Security Analyst
Robert has a keen attention to details and focuses on data driven decisions. Enthusiast about information architecture and structured data, he is eager to enhance find-ability and usability of our content related to software for Windows 10, troubleshooting errors and tech news.
Collaboration and team spirit are among his core values, and strongly believes in problem solving through good communication.
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Robert Neagoe
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