Command Prompt (cmd.exe)

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The cmd.exe shell processes the legacy command set that has been part of Windows since its earliest versions.

• can also run legacy commands in PowerShell prompt
• Run as administrator to run commands with elevated privileges
  • the default folder is in C:\Windows\System32 rather than C:\Users\Username

Command Syntax

• command name + switches + arguments
• switches are preceded by forward slash /
• cls clears the screen
• some commands use interactive mode
  • E.g., nslookup or telnet
  • using the command starts the program
  • exit or quit or CTRL+C to exit

Getting Help

• help shows a list of commands
• help 'command' lists the syntax and switches of a command
  • alt: 'command' /? displays help screen