DOS Tips and Tweaks 1

Expanding Full Path or File Name

NT 4.0 Only


Expand full path/file name with defined char using Command Prompt in Win NT 4.0
You can expand the full name of a file or directory using a character of your choice.

1. Close all Command Prompts
2. Start the Registry Editor
3. Open HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor
4. If not present, add Key: CompletionChar
5. If you like to use TAB-Key for expand: set value (REG_SZ): "9"

You can test it:

1. Open up a DOS window
2. Type: CD (followed by TAB)
3. The first available directory will appear
4. Press TAB again, the next one will appear
5. The same can be done with the DIR command


Adding DOSKEY to your DOS Window


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:

* Right click on your DOS shortcut
* Select Properties
* Click on the Program tab
* Add DOSKEY > NUL to the Batch File field
* You can also add /INSERT if you prefer


Showing DOS Error Codes


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


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

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


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

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.



Easy way to open up DOS prompt in a specific directory


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