DOS Prompt Tips


Adding DOSKEY to your DOS Window - Added 4/6/97
Showing DOS Error Codes - Added 4/6/97
Changing Directories in DOS - Added 1/26/97
Entering Long Paths in a DOS Window - Added 1/26/97
Having DOS Programs Prompt for Input - Added 1/26/97
Verbose Directory Listing - Submitted 10/24/96
Easy way to open up DOS prompt in a specific directory - Added 6/20/96
Using Long Filenames in a DOS Box - Submitted 2/19/96


Adding DOSKEY to your DOS Window

Added 4/6/97

One way to have DOSKEY available when you open a DOS window would be to have it in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
This takes away conventional memory, even when you don't have a DOS window open.
To only use DOSKEY when you open a DOS window:


Showing DOS Error Codes

Added 4/6/97

If you want to see what error codes are being generated by DOS programs,
start your DOS session with the addition of a /Z parameter to the COMMAND.COM program.


Changing Directories in DOS

Added 1/26/97

Normally, you can move up one directory level by typing CD ..
The DOS with Windows95 allows you to continue moving up beyond the first directory by simply adding more periods
For example, to move up two levels, type CD ...


Entering Long Paths in a DOS Window

Added 1/26/97

If you have to enter a long path and program name in a DOS window,

  1. Open up the Explorer
  2. Go to the folder you want
  3. Drag it to the DOS window
  4. The path will be inserted into the window

This can come is useful with the long path names and all the ~'s you would normally need to type.
If you need to change directories, type in the CD before you drag the directory.


Having DOS Programs Prompt for Input

Added 1/26/97

When you normally create a shortcut for a DOS program, it does not prompt you for any input and just runs the program
To change that, simply add a ? after the program name in the CMD field.

For example:
C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\EDIT.COM ?
will start the DOS editor and prompt you for a file name to edit.


Verbose Directory Listing

Submitted 10/24/96

To see your free memory and other useful info in detail:

  1. Open a DOS box
  2. Go to the directory that you want to get specific info about, or if you just want to see memory info go to any directory (I use the root).
  3. Type DIR /V
  4. The /v argument stands for "verbose".
  5. All sorts of good information comes up.

Submitted by Brian Cohen
[email protected]


Easy way to open up DOS prompt in a specific directory

Added 6/20/96

With the advent of long directory names, it can be difficult to open up a DOS box and CD to the directory you want
particularly if it is several layers of long names deep.

An easy way is to:

  1. Open up Explorer and highlight the directory you want to be in
  2. Select Run / Command from the Start Menu
  3. Your DOS prompt will now be in the directory you highlighted in Explorer

Long Filenames in a DOS Box

Submitted 2/19/96

You can use long file names in a MS DOS Box.
All you have to do is pu the long file name in quotes.

Example: cd "program files"

Submitted by Simon Story
[email protected]


If you would like to add your Tips, please e-mail me.
Be sure to include your name and e-mail address so credit can be given.


If you have any additions or comments, please

mailto:[email protected]