Command Line Utilities



Start/Run and type in "command" - no quotes ("cmd" works for some).
These commands are not specific to all versions of Windows; nor are they all inclusive....merely a few of my favorites.

For a complete list of your operating system command line utilities, go to start/run/command type in "help" (no quotes).  For additional information on a particular command like utility start/run/command, type in the name, a space, and then " /?" as in the following example:


 

attrib - Display or change file attributes.
bootcfg - View your boot loader settings, such as your default OS and selection timeout, as well as your boot entries and load options.
cacls - Displays the access controls lists.
calc - Launches Windows calculator.
cd - Displays or changes the current directory.
charmap  - Launches Windows character map.
chcp - Displays the active code page number.
chkdsk - Verify file, indexes, security descriptors and free space.
clipbrd - Opens clipboard.
cls - Clear the contents of your screen.
control - Tosses you right into the Control Panel.
control userpasswords2 - Change the requirement for users to log in with a password.
cmd  - Open a new command prompt window.  (If it flashes by rapidly, try "command")
command - Opens an MS-DOS prompt window.
devmgmt.msc - Brings you right to the device manager.
defrag - Type "defrag" into your command prompt to get a list of possible arguments, such as the drive letter and the type of output. dfrg.msc works too.
diskpart - Manages your disk partitions. After you type "diskpart" into your command prompt, your prompt will become "DISKPART." Type a question mark to get a list of possible arguments. Type exit to leave diskpart.
driverquery -  A nice list of your drivers and their properties.
drwatson - Run Dr. Watson and check for faults.
dxdiag - Check to see if your drivers are digitally signed by Microsoft.
eventvwr - Launches the event viewer.
exit - Exit the DOS prompt.
expand - Access the file expansion utility.
format - Format.  You'll need to define the drive.
fsutil - This is a handy command. You can do everything from managing your hardlinks to querying the free space in a volume. Type "fsutil" into your command prompt, and you'll see a list of options. I choose "fsinfo" from the list, so I type "fsutil fsinfo" into the prompt. Now I get even more options, but I choose drives by typing "fsutil fsinfo drives."
getmac - This gets the MAC (Media Access Control) address.
gpresult - Get the RSoP, user settings, and computer group policy settings.
help - Lots of help!
ipconfig - Find, renew or release your IP, and more.  Type in "ipconfig /" for options.
lusrmgr.msc - Brings you to local users and groups.
md - Create a directory.
mkdir- Create a directory.
msinfo32 - Details on system information.
mstsc - Windows xp remote desktop connection.
mem - Memory information.
mspaint - Opens Microsoft Paint.
mstsc - Opens remote desktop connection.
netsh - A network configuration tool. Type "netsh" to enter the tool, or "netsh /?" to learn more about it. To exit this tool, type "exit" at the "netsh>" prompt.
netsetup - Opens the network setup wizard.
netstat - Find out what ports are open (established), listening and they protocols they're using.
notepad -  Launches notepad.
openfiles - Allows an administrator to display or disconnect open files in XP professional. Type "openfiles /?" for a list of possible parameters.
packager - Opens Object Packager.
ping - Ping utilities.
progman - Brings you to the Program Manager.
rd - Remove directories.
recover - This command attempts to recover readable information from a damaged disk. Type "recover" to get the syntax.
reg - The console registry tool. Get syntax help when you type "reg" into the prompt. You can export the registry, copy, restore, compare, and more.
regedit - Edit your registry.
ren - rename files.
rmdir - Removes files and directories.
schtasks - The administrator can schedule, run, change, or delete tasks on a local or remote machine. Type "schtasks /?" without the quotes for a list of options.
scandisk - Checks the integrity your hard disk drive to verify that there are no significant issues with your computer.
secpol.msc - Brings you to the local security settings.
services.msc - Brings you to the Services management console.
sfc - The system file checker scans protected system files and replaces the ones you (or your applications) hacked beyond repair with the real, official Microsoft versions. Type "sfc" into the command prompt to get a list of options.  Have your Windows CD handy in the event you're prompted for it.
shutdown - You can shut down or restart your own computer, or an administrator can shut down or restart a remote computer. Type "shutdown" into your command prompt to see a list of possible arguments.
sndrec32 - Opens Sound Recorder.
srvmgr  - Launches the server manager.
sysedit - Edit the System Configuration Utility.
systeminfo - Basic system configuration information, such as the system type, the processor type, your time zone, your virtual memory settings, and much more.
tasklist - Want to know what's going on behind the scenes? Type "tasklist" into the command prompt, and get a list of current processes.
taskkill - Now that you know what's going on behind the scenes, maybe you want to shut a few of these extraneous tasks down. That's where taskkill comes in. Type "taskkill /?" for a quick lesson in the syntax of the command, then shut down all those random processes. I just killed my MSN messenger by typing "taskkill /PID 1680." I obtained the PID from running tasklist.
telnet - Opens the telnet utility.
tracert - Traces the route of the host IP to destination IP -- good for troubleshooting connectivity issues.
type - Displays file contents.
usrmgr  - Launches the user manager.
winmsd - Displays OS, processor, bios version, time zone, page file space and more.
winver  - Displays Windows version, including service packs.
winword - Launches MS Word (MS Office must be installed for this command).
write - Opens WordPad.

More command lines specific to XP Pro can be found here.
 

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