AccDate DOS Command.

Additional information :
AccDate http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-accdate.html

Ansi.Sys DOS Command.

Additional information :
Ansi.Sys http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/v-ansi-sys.html

Download : ansi.com An alternative to ansi.sys. For those who need it with

Windows ME.
http://www.salokin.demon.co.uk/dos_tips.htm

ATTRIB [+R | -R] [+A | -A] [+S | -S] [+H | -H] [[drive:][path]filename] [/S]

+ Sets an attribute.
- Clears an attribute.
R Read-only file attribute.
A Archive file attribute.
S System file attribute.
H Hidden file attribute.
/S Processes files in all directories in the specified path.

Displays or changes file attributes

Additional information :
Attrib http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-attrib.html
BREAK [ON | OFF]

Type BREAK without a parameter to display the current BREAK setting.

Sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking.

Additional information :
Break http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-break.html

Buffers DOS Command.

Additional information :
Buffers http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-buffers.html

CALL [drive:][path]filename [batch-parameters]

batch-parameters Specifies any command-line information required by the

batch program.

Calls one batch program from another.

Additional information :
Call http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-call.html

CHDIR [drive:][path]
CHDIR[..]
CD [drive:][path]
CD[..]
 

Displays the name of or changes the current directory

.. Specifies that you want to change to the parent directory.

Type CD drive: to display the current directory in the specified drive.

Type CD without parameters to display the current drive and directory.

Additional information :
CD/ChDir http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-cd.html

Displays or sets the active code page number.

CHCP [nnn]

nnn Specifies a code page number.

Type CHCP without a parameter to display the active code page number.

Additional information :
CHCP http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-chcp.html

CHKDSK [drive:][[path]filename] [/F] [/V]

[drive:][path] Specifies the drive and directory to check.

 filename Specifies the file(s) to check for fragmentation.
/F Fixes errors on the disk.
/V Displays the full path and name of every file on the disk.

Type CHKDSK without parameters to check the current disk.

Instead of using CHKDSK, try using SCANDISK. SCANDISK can reliably

detect
and fix a much wider range of disk problems.

Additional information :
CHKDSK http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-chkdsk.html

CHOICE [/C[:]choices] [/N] [/S] [/T[:]c,nn] [text]

/C[:]choices Specifies allowable keys. Default is YN

/N Do not display choices and ? at end of prompt string.
/S Treat choice keys as case sensitive.
/T[:]c,nn Default choice to c after nn seconds
text Prompt string to display

ERRORLEVEL is set to offset of key user presses in choices.

Waits for the user to choose one of a set of choices.

Additional information :
CHOICE http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-choice.html

Clears the screen.

CLS

COMMAND [[drive:]path] [device] [/E:nnnnn] [/L:nnnn] [/U:nnn] [/P]

[/MSG]

[/LOW] [/Y [/[C|K] command]]

 

[drive:]path Specifies the directory containing COMMAND.COM.

device Specifies the device to use for command input and output.
/E:nnnnn Sets the initial environment size to nnnnn bytes.
(nnnnn should be between 256 and 32,768).
/L:nnnn Specifies internal buffers length (requires /P as well).
(nnnn should be between 128 and 1,024).
/U:nnn Specifies the input buffer length (requires /P as well).
(nnn should be between 128 and 255).
/P Makes the new Command Interpreter permanent (can't exit).
/MSG Stores all error messages in memory (requires /P as well).
/LOW Forces COMMAND to keep its resident data in low memory.
/Y Steps through the batch program specified by /C or /K.
/C command Executes the specified command and returns.
/K command Executes the specified command and continues running.

Starts a new copy of the Windows Command Interpreter.

Additional information :
Command http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-command.html

HIDDEN PARAMETERS
http://members.aol.com/axcel216/secrets.htm#COMMAND
CONFIG.SYS

Config.sys (Command)
The Windows 98 Config.txt File. Find out how to call the various commands.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q232557 (W98
Nov. 21, 2000)

Understanding the Settings in the Windows ME Config.sys File

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q274646 (ME
Jul. 27, 2001)

COPY [/A | /B] source [/A | /B] [+ source [/A | /B] [+ ...]] [destination
[/A | /B]] [/V] [/Y | /-Y]
 

source Specifies the file or files to be copied.

/A Indicates an ASCII text file.
/B Indicates a binary file.
destination Specifies the directory and/or filename for the new file(s).
/V Verifies that new files are written correctly.
/Y Suppresses prompting to confirm you want to overwrite an
existing destination file.
/-Y Causes prompting to confirm you want to overwrite an
existing destination file.

The switch /Y may be preset in the COPYCMD environment variable.

This may be overridden with /-Y on the command line

To append files, specify a single file for destination, but multiple files
for source (using wildcards or file1+file2+file3 format).

Copies one or more files to another location.

Additional information :
Copy http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-copy.html

CTTY device
 

device The terminal device you want to use, such as COM1.

Changes the terminal device used to control your system.

Additional information :
CTTY http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-ctty.html

COUNTRY DOS Command.

Additional information :
COUNTRY "http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-country.html"

DATE [date]
 

Type DATE without parameters to display the current date setting and
a prompt for a new one. Press ENTER to keep the same date.

Displays or sets the date.

Additional information :
DATE http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-date.html

DBLSPACE DOS Command.

Additional information :
DBLSPACE.SYS http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/v-drvspace-
sys.html

Runs Debug, a program testing and editing tool.

DEBUG [[drive:][path]filename [testfile-parameters]]

[drive:][path]filename Specifies the file you want to test.

testfile-parameters Specifies command-line information required by
the file you want to test.

After Debug starts, type ? to display a list of debugging commands.

Additional information :
Debug http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/u-debug.html

Deletes one or more files.

DEL [drive:][path]filename [/P]

ERASE [drive:][path]filename [/P]

[drive:][path]filename Specifies the file(s) to delete. Specify multiple

files by using wildcards.
/P Prompts for confirmation before deleting each file.

Additional information :
DEL http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-del.html
Deletes a directory and all the sub-directories and files in it.

To delete one or more files and directories: DELTREE [/Y] [drive:]path

[[drive:]path[...]]

Y/ Suppresses prompting to confirm you want to delete

the sub-directory.
[drive:]path Specifies the name of the directory you want to delete.

Note: Use DELTREE cautiously. Every file and sub-directory within the
specified directory will be deleted.

Additional information :
DelTree http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-deltree.html

DEVICE DOS Command.

Additional information :
DEVICE http://www3.sympatico.ca//rhwatson/dos7/x-device.html

Displays a list of files and sub-directories in a directory.

DIR [drive:][path][filename] [/P] [/W] [/A[[:]attributes]]

[/O[[:]sortorder]] [/S] [/B] [/L] [/V]

[drive:][path][filename]
Specifies drive, directory, and/or files to list.
(Could be enhanced file specification or multiple filespecs.)
/P Pauses after each screenful of information.
/W Uses wide list format.
/A Displays files with specified attributes.
 attributes D Directories R Read-only files
H Hidden files A Files ready for archiving
S System files - Prefix meaning not
/O List by files in sorted order.
sortorder N By name (alphabetic) S By size (smallest first)
E By extension (alphabetic) D By date & time (earliest first)
G Group directories first - Prefix to reverse order
A By Last Access Date (earliest first)
/S Displays files in specified directory and all sub-directories.
/B Uses bare format (no heading information or summary).
/L Uses lower case.
/V Verbose mode.

Switches may be preset in the DIRCMD environment variable. Override

preset switches by pre-fixing any switch with - (hyphen) for example, /-W.

Additional information : DIR http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-

dir.html

Computer Hangs When Using the DIR Command in DFS Shared Folders
When you use the DIR command from a command prompt on a Windows 95
Distributed File System (DFS) client to view the contents of a DFS shared
network folder on a Windows NT server, your computer may stop responding
(hang).
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q181087 (W95
Aug. 9, 2001)

Copies the contents of one floppy disk to another.

DISKCOPY [drive1: [drive2:]] [/1] [/V] [/M]

/1 Copies only the first side of the disk.

/V Verifies that the information is copied correctly.
 /M Force multi-pass copy using memory only.

The two floppy disks must be the same type.

You may specify the same drive for drive1 and drive2.

Additional information :
DiskCopy http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-diskcopy.html

DISPLAY.SYS DOS Command.

Additional information :
DISPLAY.SYS http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/v-display-sys.html

DOS =[high|low] [,umb|,noumb] [,auto|,noauto]

Additional information :
DOS http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-dos.html

Edits command lines, recalls command lines, and creates macros.

DOSKEY [/switch ...] [macroname=[text]]

/BUFSIZE:size Sets size of macro and command buffer (default:512)

/ECHO:on|off Enables/disables echo of macro expansions (default:on)
/FILE:file Specifies file containing a list of macros
/HISTORY Displays all commands stored in memory
/INSERT Inserts new characters into line when typing
/KEYSIZE:size Sets size of keyboard type-ahead buffer (default:15)
/LINE:size Sets maximum size of line edit buffer (default:128)
/MACROS Displays all DOSKey macros
 /OVERSTRIKE Overwrites new characters onto line when typing (default)
/REINSTALL Installs a new copy of DOSKey
macroname Specifies a name for a macro you create
text Specifies commands you want to assign to the macro

UP,DOWN arrows recall commands

Esc clears current command
F7 displays command history
Alt+F7 clears command history
[chars]F8 searches for command beginning with [chars]
F9 selects a command by number
Alt+F10 clears macro definitions

The following are special codes you can use in DOSKey macro definitions:
$T Command separator: allows multiple commands in a macro
$1-$9 Batch parameters: equivalent to %1-%9 in batch programs
$* Symbol replaced by everything following macro name on the command
line

Additional information :
Doskey http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/u-doskey.html

The /INSERT Option for Doskey Is Turned On by Default

Doskey is a command-line utility for recalling MS-DOS commands, editing
command lines, and creating macros. In Windows (Me), Doskey is loaded by
default when you start a command session (or window).
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q250204 (ME
Jan. 30, 2001)

DRIVPARM DOS Command

Additional information :
DRIVPARM http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-drivparm.html

DRVSPACE.SYS DOS Command.

Additional information :
DRVSPACE.SYS http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/v-drvspace-
sys.html

Displays messages, or turns command-echoing on or off.

ECHO [ON | OFF]

ECHO [message]

Type ECHO without parameters to display the current echo setting.

Additional information :
ECHO http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-echo.html

MS-DOS Editor Version 2.0.026.

EDIT [/B] [/H] [/R] [/S] [/] [/?] [file(s)]

/B - Forces monochrome mode.

/H - Displays the maximum number of lines possible for your hardware.
/R - Load file(s) in read-only mode.
/S - Forces the use of short filenames.
/ - Load binary file(s), wrapping lines to characters wide.
/? - Displays this help screen.
[file] - Specifies initial files(s) to load. Wildcards and multiple
 filespecs can be given.

Additional information :
EDIT http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/u-edit.html

Turns on or off EMM386 expanded memory support.

EMM386 [ON | OFF | AUTO] [W=ON | W=OFF]

ON | OFF | AUTO Activates or suspends EMM386.EXE device driver,

or places it in auto mode.
W=ON | OFF Turns on or off Weitek co-processor support.

Additional information :
Emm386.exe http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/v-emm386-sys.html

EMM386 Troubleshooting and Technical Information

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q78557
(W95/98 May. 18, 2001)

Problems with Expanded Memory on Dell Inspiron 7000 Computers

When you try to start an MS-DOS-based program on your Dell Inspiron 7000-
series computer, you may receive one of the following error messages:
Cannot Setup EMS Buffer. EMM386 Not Installed - Unable to set page frame
base address
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q217222 (W98
Nov. 21, 2000)

Sound Blaster Live! Error Message After Installing Windows

After you install Windows, you may receive the following error message:
Error: Memory Manager not detected. SB Live! requires EMM386 or similar.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q229186
(W95/98/se Dec. 17, 2000)
HIDDEN PARAMETERS
http://members.aol.com/axcel216/secrets.htm#EMM

Deletes one or more files.

DEL [drive:][path]filename [/P]

ERASE [drive:][path]filename [/P]

[drive:][path]filename Specifies the file(s) to delete. Specify multiple

files by using wildcards.
/P Prompts for confirmation before deleting each file.

Additional information :
ERASE http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-del.html

Quits the COMMAND.COM program (command interpreter).

EXIT
 

Microsoft (R) Diamond Extraction Tool - Version (16) 1.00.0530

EXTRACT [/Y] [/A] [/D | /E] [/L dir] cabinet [filename ...]
EXTRACT [/Y] source [newname]
EXTRACT [/Y] /C source destination

cabinet - Cabinet file (contains two or more files).

filename - Name of the file to extract from the cabinet.
Wild cards and multiple filenames (separated by
blanks) may be used.
 source - Compressed file (a cabinet with only one file).
newname - New filename to give the extracted file.
If not supplied, the original name is used.

/A Process ALL cabinets. Follows cabinet chain

starting in first cabinet mentioned.
/C Copy source file to destination (to copy from DMF disks).
/D Display cabinet directory (use with filename to avoid extract).
/E Extract (use instead of *.* to extract all files).
/L dir Location to place extracted files (default is current directory).
/Y Do not prompt before overwriting an existing file.

Additional information :
EXTRACT http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/u-extract.html

How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files

This article describes how to extract individual files from compressed cabinet
files. (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q129605
(W95/98/se/ME Feb. 15, 2002)

How to Extract and Replace a Protected File in Windows Me

This article describes how to use the System Configuration Utility tool in
Microsoft Windows ME to extract a file that is protected by the System File
Protection feature.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q265371 (ME
Jul. 6, 2001)

Compares two files or sets of files and displays the differences

between them.

FC [/A] [/C] [/L] [/LBn] [/N] [/T] [/W] [/nnnn] [drive1:][path1]filename1

[drive2:][path2]filename2
FC /B [drive1:][path1]filename1 [drive2:][path2]filename2

/A Displays only first and last lines for each set of differences.
/B Performs a binary comparison.
/C Disregards the case of letters.
/L Compares files as ASCII text.
/LBn Sets the maximum consecutive mismatches to the specified number of
lines.
/N Displays the line numbers on an ASCII comparison.
/T Does not expand tabs to spaces.
/W Compresses white space (tabs and spaces) for comparison.
/nnnn Specifies the number of consecutive lines that must match after a
mismatch.

Additional information :
FC http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-fc.html

FCBS DOS Command.

Additional information :
FCBS http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-fcbs.html

Configures a hard disk for use with MS-DOS.

FDISK [/STATUS] /X

/STATUS Displays partition information.

/X Ignores extended disk-access support. Use this switch if you
receive disk access or stack overflow messages.
Additional information :

FDISK http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/u-fdisk.html

Undocumented FDISK switches http://www.jacobsen.sdn.dk/fdisk/

FDISK /MBR Rewrites the Master Boot Record

Fdisk has an undocumented parameter called /MBR that causes it to write the
master boot record to the hard disk without altering the partition table
information.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q69013
(W95/98/ME Jul. 6, 2001)

Fdisk.exe Limits Non-MS-DOS Partition End to 8 GB

This behavior occurs because Fdisk.exe does not use Logical Block Addressing
(LBA) when computing partition table information for unknown partition types.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q245213
(W95/98/se Jun. 13, 2001)

FDISK May Not Work When IDE Controller Is Re-balanced

If you are using a docking station that contains a PCI IDE controller and
hard disk, you may not be able to run the FDISK utility to view or modify hard
disk partition information.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q246387
(W98se Jul. 25, 2001)

How to Use Fdisk Tool and the Format Tool to Partition or Re-partition a
Hard Disk
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q255867
(W95/98/se/ME Sept. 25, 2001)

Fdisk Does Not Recognize Full Size of Hard Disks Larger than 64 GB
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q263044
(W95/98/se Aug. 15, 2001)
HIDDEN PARAMETERS
http://members.aol.com/axcel216/secrets.htm#FDISK

FILES DOS Command.

Additional information :
FILES http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-files.html

How to Increase Available File Handles for MS-DOS-Based Applications in

Windows ME
Instead of the FILES setting, the PerVMFiles setting is used. This setting
increases the number of available file handles in each MS-DOS virtual machine
(VM) and is implemented by adding the following line to the [386Enh] section
of the System.ini file.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q269030 (ME
Jul. 6, 2001)

16-Bit Programs Cannot Open More Than 120 Files Simultaneously in

Windows Me
A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to
correct the problem described in this article and should be applied only to
systems experiencing this specific problem.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q274594 (ME
Mar.1, 2001)

Searches for a text string in a file or files.

FIND [/V] [/C] [/N] [/I] "string" [[drive:][path]filename[ ...]]

/V Displays all lines NOT containing the specified string.

 /C Displays only the count of lines containing the string.
/N Displays line numbers with the displayed lines.
/I Ignores the case of characters when searching for the string.
"string" Specifies the text string to find.
[drive:][path]filename Specifies a file or files to search.

If a path name is not specified, FIND searches the text typed at the prompt
or piped from another command.

Additional information :
FIND http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-find.html

FOR %variable IN (set) DO command [command-parameters]

%variable Specifies a replaceable parameter.

(set) Specifies a set of one or more files. Wildcards may be used.
command Specifies the command to carry out for each file.
command-parameters Specifies parameters or switches for the specified
command.

To use the FOR command in a batch program, specify %%variable instead of

%variable.

Additional information :
FOR http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-for.html

Formats a disk for use with MS-DOS.

FORMAT drive: [/V[:label]] [/Q] [/F:size] [/B | /S] [/C]

FORMAT drive: [/V[:label]] [/Q] [/T:tracks /N:sectors] [/B | /S] [/C]
FORMAT drive: [/V[:label]] [/Q] [/1] [/4] [/B | /S] [/C]
FORMAT drive: [/Q] [/1] [/4] [/8] [/B | /S] [/C]

/V[:label] Specifies the volume label.

/Q Performs a quick format.
/F:size Specifies the size of the floppy disk to format (such
as 160, 180, 320, 360, 720, 1.2, 1.44, 2.88).
/B Allocates space on the formatted disk for system files.
/S Copies system files to the formatted disk.
/T:tracks Specifies the number of tracks per disk side.
/N:sectors Specifies the number of sectors per track.
/1 Formats a single side of a floppy disk.
/4 Formats a 5.25-inch 360K floppy disk in a high-density drive.
/8 Formats eight sectors per track.
/C Tests clusters that are currently marked "bad."

Additional information :
Format http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-format.html

Err Msg: Invalid Media or Track 0 Bad - Disk Unusable

Invalid media or Track 0 bad - disk unusable. Format terminated.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q196579
(W95/98 Dec. 17, 2000)

"FORMAT /S" Command Is Not Supported in Windows Millennium

Edition
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q254959 (ME
May. 8, 2001)

HIDDEN PARAMETERS
http://members.aol.com/axcel216/secrets.htm#FORMAT

Directs Windows to a labeled line in a batch program.

GOTO label

label Specifies a text string used in the batch program as a label.

You type a label on a line by itself, beginning with a colon.

Additional information :
GoTo http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-goto.html

HIMEM.SYS DOS Command.

Additional information :
HIMEM.SYS http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/v-himem-sys.html

HIDDEN PARAMETERS
http://members.aol.com/axcel216/secrets.htm#HIMEM

Performs conditional processing in batch programs.

IF [NOT] ERRORLEVEL number command

IF [NOT] string1==string2 command
IF [NOT] EXIST filename command
 

NOT Specifies that Windows should carry out the command only
if the condition is false.
ERRORLEVEL number Specifies a true condition if the last program run
returned
an exit code equal to or greater than the number specified.
command Specifies the command to carry out if the condition is met.
 string1==string2 Specifies a true condition if the specified text strings match.
EXIST filename Specifies a true condition if the specified filename exists.

Additional information :
IF http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-if.html

INSTALL DOS Command.

Additional information :
INSTALL http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-install.html

Configures a keyboard for a specific language.

KEYB [xx[,[yyy][,[drive:][path]filename]]] [/E] [/ID:nnn]

 

xx Specifies a two-letter keyboard code.

yyy Specifies the code page for the character set.
[drive:][path]filename Specifies the keyboard definition file.
/E Specifies that an enhanced keyboard is installed.
/ID:nnn Specifies the keyboard in use.

Keyboard Command Does Not Work in Command Prompt

The Windows Millennium command prompt does not support the keyb
command.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q261417
(W98/ME Aug. 9, 2001)

Creates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk.

LABEL [drive:][label]

Additional information :
Label http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-label.html

LASTDRIVE DOS Command.

Additional information :
LASTDRIVE http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-lastdrive.html

Loads a program into the upper memory area.

LH or LOADHIGH [drive:][path]filename [parameters]

LH or LOADHIGH [/L:region1[,minsize1][;region2[,minsize2]...] [/S]]

[drive:][path]filename [parameters]

/L:region1[,minsize1][;region2[,minsize2]]...
Specifies the region(s) of memory into which to load
the program. Region1 specifies the number of the first
memory region; minsize1 specifies the minimum size, if
any, for region1. Region2 and minsize2 specify the
number and minimum size of the second region, if any.
You can specify as many regions as you want.

/S Shrinks a UMB to its minimum size while the program is loading.

[drive:][path]filename
Specifies the location and name of the program.
LOCK DOS Command.

Additional information :
LOCK http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-lock.html

Creates a directory.

MKDIR [drive:]path
MD [drive:]path

Additional information :
MD http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-md.html

Displays the amount of used and free memory in your system.

MEM [/CLASSIFY | /DEBUG | /FREE | /MODULE modulename] [/PAGE]

/CLASSIFY or /C Classifies programs by memory usage. Lists the size of

programs, provides a summary of memory in use, and lists
largest memory block available.
/DEBUG or /D Displays status of all modules in memory, internal drivers,
and other information.
/FREE or /F Displays information about the amount of free memory left
in both conventional and upper memory.
/MODULE or /M Displays a detailed listing of a module's memory use.
This option must be followed by the name of a module,
optionally separated from /M by a colon.
/PAGE or /P Pauses after each screenful of information.
Additional information :
MEM http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-mem.html

MEM Command Reports Only 64 MB Extended Memory in MS-DOS

Window.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q239514
W95/98/se (Jul. 28, 2001)

HIDDEN PARAMETERS
http://members.aol.com/axcel216/secrets.htm#MEM

MODE Configures system devices.

Printer port: MODE LPTn[:] [COLS=c] [LINES=l] [RETRY=r]

Serial port: MODE COMm[:] [BAUD=b] [PARITY=p] [DATA=d]
[STOP=s] [RETRY=r]
Device Status: MODE [device] [/STATUS]
Redirect printing:MODE LPTn[:]=COMm[:]
Prepare code page:MODE device CP PREPARE=((yyy[...]) [drive:]
[path]filename)
Select code page: MODE device CP SELECT=yyy
Refresh code page:MODE device CP REFRESH
Code page status: MODE device CP [/STATUS]
Display mode: MODE [display-adapter][,n]
MODE CON[:] [COLS=c] [LINES=n]
Typematic rate: MODE CON[:] [RATE=r DELAY=d]

Additional information :
Mode http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-mode.html
Codepage Support Setup Information
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q60080 (Dec.
17, 2000)

Displays output one screen at a time.

MORE [drive:][path]filename
MORE < [drive:][path]filename
command-name | MORE [drive:][path][filename]

[drive:][path]filename Specifies file(s) to display one screen at a time

command-name Specifies a command whose output will be displayed.

Additional information :
More http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-more.html

Moves files and renames files and directories.

To move one or more files:

MOVE [/Y | /-Y] [drive:][path]filename1[,...] destination

To rename a directory:
MOVE [/Y | /-Y] [drive:][path]dirname1 dirname2

[drive:][path]filename1 Specifies the location and name of the file

or files you want to move.
destination Specifies the new location of the file. Destination
can consist of a drive letter and colon, a directory
 name, or a combination. If you are moving only one
file, you can also include a filename if you want
to rename the file when you move it.
[drive:][path]dirname1 Specifies the directory you want to rename.
dirname2 Specifies the new name of the directory.

/Y Suppresses prompting to confirm creation of a directory

or overwriting of the destination.
/-Y Causes prompting to confirm creation of a directory or
overwriting of the destination.

The switch /Y may be present in the COPYCMD environment variable.

This may be overridden with /-Y on the command line.

Additional information :
Move http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-move.html

MSCDEX Loads CD ROM Drivers

usage: MSCDEX [/E/K/S/V] [/D: ... ] [/L:] [/M:]

Additional information :
Mscdex http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-mscdex.html

Command-Line Switches for MSCDEX.EXE

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q87165
(W95/98/ME Feb. 11, 2002)

Loads country-specific information.

NLSFUNC [[drive:][path]filename]

[drive:][path]filename Specifies the file containing country-specific

information.

Additional information :
NlsFunc http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-nlsfunc.html

NUMLOCK DOS Command.

Additional information :
NUMLOCK http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-numlock.html

NUM LOCK Not Synchronized When Using ALT+TAB in Terminal Server

Client
The NUM LOCK keyboard indicator may not be synchronized in Windows
95-based or Windows 98-based Terminal Server client sessions. For example,
you not be able to type numbers on the numeric keypad even though the NUM
LOCK light (or indicator) is on.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q258070
(W95/98/se Feb. 28, 2001)
 

Displays or sets a search path for executable files.

PATH [[drive:]path[;...]]
PATH ;

Type PATH ; to clear all search-path settings and direct Windows to search
only in the current directory.
Type PATH without parameters to display the current path.

Additional information :
Path http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-path.html

Suspends processing of a batch program and displays the message:

Press any key to continue....

PAUSE

Additional information :
Pause http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-pause.html

Changes the Windows command prompt.

PROMPT [text]

text Specifies a new command prompt.

Prompt can be made up of normal characters and the following special codes:

$Q = (equal sign)
$$ $ (dollar sign)
$T Current time
$D Current date
$P Current drive and path
$V Windows version number
$N Current drive
$G > (greater-than sign)
$L < (less-than sign)
$B | (pipe)
$H Backspace (erases previous character)
 $E Escape code (ASCII code 27)
$_ Carriage return and linefeed

Type PROMPT without parameters to reset the prompt to the default setting.

Additional information :
Prompt http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-prompt.html

RAMDRIVE DOS Command.

Additional information :
RAMDRIVE http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/v-ramdrive-sys.html

Windows 95/98 RAM Disk Software

RamDisk98 is a Windows port driver that emulates as fully as possible the low-
level functionality of a hard disk (up to 2GB!) or a 1.44MB or 2.88MB floppy
drive. RamDisk98 supports much larger disks than Microsoft's ramdrive.sys
(which is limited to 32MB) and the RamDisk98 drive can be compressed using
Windows DriveSpace. The user can select the drive letter for the RAM disk for
either floppy or hard disk emulation modes. New Version 1.2! RamDisk98 is
Windows Me Compatible!
http://www.jlajoie.com/ramdsk98/

Unable to Load Ramdrive.sys in Windows Millennium Edition

RAM drives are not supported in Windows Me. To view a RAM drive, you must
start the computer by using a Windows Me Emergency Boot Disk (EBD).
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q278620 (ME
May. 14, 2001)

Removes (deletes) a directory.

RMDIR [drive:]path
RD [drive:]path

Additional information :
RD http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-rd.html

Records comments (remarks) in a batch file or CONFIG.SYS.

REM [comment]

Additional information :
REM http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-rem.html

Renames a file/directory or files/directories.

RENAME [drive:][path][directoryname1 | filename1] [directoryname2 |

filename2]
REN [drive:][path][directoryname1 | filename1] [directoryname2 |
filename2]

Note that you cannot specify a new drive or path for your destination.

Additional information :
REN http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-ren.html

UTILITY: CKRename
CKRename is a handy utility you can use to perform batch file renaming
operations.
http://www.musicsucks.com/CKSoft/CKRename/index.htm
Displays, sets, or removes Windows environment variables.

SET [variable=[string]]

variable Specifies the environment-variable name.

string Specifies a series of characters to assign to the variable.

Type SET without parameters to display the current environment variables.

Additional information :
SET http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-set.html

Sets the MS-DOS version number that Windows reports to a program.

Display current version table: SETVER [drive:path]

Add entry: SETVER [drive:path] filename n.nn
Delete entry: SETVER [drive:path] filename /DELETE [/QUIET]
 

[drive:path] Specifies location of the SETVER.EXE file.

filename Specifies the filename of the program.
n.nn Specifies the MS-DOS version to be reported to the program.
/DELETE or /D Deletes the version-table entry for the specified program.
/QUIET or /Q Hides the message typically displayed during deletion of
version-table entry.

Additional information :
SetVer http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-setver.html

Setver.exe Is Not Loadable in Windows Millennium Edition

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q250238 (ME
Jan, 30, 2001)

SHARE DOS Command.

Additional information :
SHARE http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-share.html

Works 3.0 Err Msg: Setup Is Unable to Find SHARE.EXE

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q109052 (Mar.
12, 2000)

Share.exe Is Not Supported in Windows 95 OSR2, Windows 98 or ME

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q161619
(W95/98/MEMay. 15, 2001)

Cannot Find Share.exe. Installing MS Office Under Windows 95/98

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q166673
(W95/98 Dec. 14, 2000)

SHELL DOS Command.

Additional information :
SHELL http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-shell.html

SHIFT DOS Command.

Additional information :
SHIFT http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-shift.html

Installs and configures the SMARTDrive disk-caching utility.

SMARTDRV [/X] [[drive[+|-]]...] [/U] [/C | /R] [/F | /N] [/L] [/V | /Q | /S]
[InitCacheSize [WinCacheSize]] [/E:ElementSize] [/B:BufferSize]
 

/X Disables write-behind caching for all drives.

drive Sets caching options on specific drive(s). The specified
drive(s) will have write-caching disabled unless you add +.
+ Enables write-behind caching for the specified drive.
- Disables all caching for the specified drive.
/U Do not load CD-ROM caching module.
/C Writes all information currently in write-cache to hard disk.
/R Clears the cache and restarts SMARTDrive.
/F Writes cached data before command prompt returns (default).
/N Doesn't write cached data before command prompt returns.
/L Prevents SMARTDrive from loading itself into upper memory.
/V Displays SMARTDrive status messages when loading.
/Q Does not display status information.
/S Displays additional information about SMARTDrive's status.
InitCacheSize Specifies XMS memory (KB) for the cache.
WinCacheSize Specifies XMS memory (KB) for the cache with Windows.
/E:ElementSize Specifies how many bytes of information to move at one time.
/B:BufferSize Specifies the size of the read-ahead buffer.

Sorts input and writes results to the screen, a file, or another

device.
SORT [/R] [/+n] [[drive1:][path1]filename1] [> [drive2:][path2]filename2]
[command |] SORT [/R] [/+n] [> [drive2:][path2]filename2]
 

/R Reverses the sort order; that is, sorts Z to A,

then 9 to 0.
/+n Sorts the file according to characters in
column n.
[drive1:][path1]filename1 Specifies file(s) to be sorted
[drive2:][path2]filename2 Specifies a file where the sorted input is to be
stored.
command Specifies a command whose output is to be sorted.

Additional information :
SORT http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-sort.html

START DOS Command.

Additional information :
START http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/y-start.html

How to Start Programs Sequentially in Windows

To start programs sequentially in Windows, create a text file containing the
following lines:
and save the text file with a .bat extension.
start /w <program1.exe>
start /w <program2.exe>
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q198044
(W95/98/se Jan. 1, 2001)
Associates a path with a drive letter.

SUBST [drive1: [drive2:]path]

SUBST drive1: /D

drive1: Specifies a virtual drive to which you want to assign a path.

[drive2:]path Specifies a physical drive and path you want to assign to
a virtual drive.
/D Deletes a substituted (virtual) drive.

Type SUBST with no parameters to display a list of current virtual drives.

Additional information :
SUBST http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-subst.html

SWITCHES DOS Command.

Additional information :
SWITCHES http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/x-switches.html

SYS DOS Command.

Additional information :
SYS http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-sys.html

Displays or sets the system time.

TIME [time]
Type TIME with no parameters to display the current time setting and a prompt
for a new one. Press ENTER to keep the same time.

Additional information :
Time http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-time.html

TRUENAME DOS Command.

Additional information :
TRUENAME http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-truename.html

Displays the contents of text files.

TYPE [drive:][path]filename

Additional information :
Type http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-type.html

UNLOCK DOS Command.

Additional information :
UNLOCK http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-lock.html

Displays the Windows version.

VER

Additional information :
VER http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-ver.html

Tells Windows whether to verify that your files are written correctly to a
disk.

VERIFY [ON | OFF]

Type VERIFY without a parameter to display the current VERIFY setting.

Additional information :
VERIFY http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-verify.html

Displays the disk volume label and serial number, if they exist.

VOL [drive:]

Additional information :
VOL http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-vol.html

Copies files and directory trees.

XCOPY source [destination] [/A | /M] [/D[:date]] [/P] [/S [/E]] [/W] [/C] [/I]
[/Q] [/F] [/L] [/H] [/R] [/T] [/U] [/K] [/N]

source Specifies the file(s) to copy.

destination Specifies the location and/or name of new files.
/A Copies files with the archive attribute set,
doesn't change the attribute.
/M Copies files with the archive attribute set,
 turns off the archive attribute.
/D:date Copies files changed on or after the specified date.
If no date is given, copies only those files whose
source time is newer than the destination time.
/P Prompts you before creating each destination file.
/S Copies directories and subdirectories except empty ones.
/E Copies directories and subdirectories, including empty ones.
Same as /S /E. May be used to modify /T.
/W Prompts you to press a key before copying.
/C Continues copying even if errors occur.
/I If destination does not exist and copying more than one file,
assumes that destination must be a directory.
/Q Does not display file names while copying.
/F Displays full source and destination file names while copying.
/L Displays files that would be copied.
/H Copies hidden and system files also.
/R Overwrites read-only files.
/T Creates directory structure, but does not copy files. Does not
include empty directories or subdirectories. /T /E includes
empty directories and subdirectories.
/U Updates the files that already exist in destination.
/K Copies attributes. Normal Xcopy will reset read-only attributes.
/Y Overwrites existing files without prompting.
/-Y Prompts you before overwriting existing files.
/N Copy using the generated short names.

Additional information :
XCOPY http://www3.sympatico.ca/rhwatson/dos7/z-xcopy.html