Get to a MS-DOS prompt or Windows command line

DOS-Prompt

A. Windows Vista and 7 users

1. Click Start.
2. Type cmd and press enter.

If you're attempting to get into a MS-DOS prompt to troubleshoot the computer boot the computer intoSafe Mode.

B. Windows NT, 2000, and XP users

1. Click Start.
2. Click Run.
3. Type cmd or command and press enter.

• Difference between the command.com and cmd.exe.

If you get into an MS-​​DOS command prompt to try to solve the computer, restart the computer, enter the safe mode.

Windows 2000 and XP users who are unable to start the computer in normal Windows mode or in Safe Mode, the Recovery Console to manage their computer from a command prompt. For more information about how to do this can be found on document CH000627.

Finally, if you have problems with Windows NT, 2000 or XP, it may be necessary to perform the troubleshooting steps in an MS-​​DOS command prompt. It is recommended that the Network Administrator in MS-​​DOS command prompt, using a standard MS-DOS startup disk (note: not able to access data through a standard MS-DOS bootable floppy disk) to preserve or the ERD disks that after installing Windows NT, or boot from the Windows XP CD.

C. Windows 95, 98, and ME users

If you are able to get into Windows 95, 98 or ME, you can get to a MS-DOS prompt by following the steps below.

1. Click Start
2. Click Run
3. Type "command" and press enter.

This will open a MS-DOS shell. However, if you are attempting to troubleshoot an issue with the computer and are using Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98, we suggest you restart the computer into MS-DOS. To do this follow the below steps.

1. Click Start
2. Click Shutdown
3. Choose the option to restart the computer into a MS-DOS prompt.

If you are unable to get into Windows 95 or Windows 98 to get into a MS-DOS prompt, follow the below instructions (Windows ME does not have this option).

1. Reboot the computer
2. As the computer is booting, press the F8 key when you hear a beep or when you see "Starting Windows 95" or "Starting Windows 98." Windows 98 users sometimes may find it easier to press and hold the left CTRL key as the computer is booting.
3. If done properly the user should get to a screen similar to the below screen.

Microsoft Windows 95 Startup Menu ============================= 1. Normal 2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) 3. Safe mode 4. Step-by-step confirmation 5. Command prompt only 6. Safe mode command prompt only Enter a choice: 1 F5=Safe Mode Shift+F5=Command prompt Shift+F8= Step-by-step confirmation [N]

   4.   Select the option for Safe mode command prompt only.

D. MS-DOS users

If you are using MS-​​DOS with no other operating systems, you can automatically start the computer in an MS-​​DOS command prompt, if you have a shell or another program has loaded automatically.

If your computer is not permitted and does not have an MS-​​DOS command prompt, restart the computer and the computer starts, press the F5 key when the message "Starting MS-​​DOS" or MS-​​DOS version. This is the default standard MS-DOS.

If you want to avoid in an MS-​​DOS command prompt and successful would be like the computer, loading the program you off, to prevent MS-DOS command prompt, or if you correct any mistakes you might want during the reception to start the computer, edit the autoexec.bat and config.sys files.

E. Windows 3.x users

If you are using Windows 3.x, it is likely that the computer into Windows automatically and bypassing the MS-DOS command prompt. If Windows loads successfully into Windows, to end MS-DOS Prompt from the Program Manager, click File, then Exit.

When the computer tries to load Windows, but encounters errors during startup, restart the computer and press F5 when the message "Starting MS-​​DOS" or MS-​​DOS version. This is the default standard MS-DOS.

If you do not want to load automatically with Windows 3.x, Windows 3.x, you need autoexec.bat file and remove the "win" line.

F. Other operating system users

If you use another operating system like OS / 2, Linux versions or flavors of Unix, and you have to go to an MS-​​DOS command prompt, it is recommended that an MS-​​DOS startup disk if you have a dual have the computer starts . Remember that booting from an MS-​​DOS disk will not allow you to use the files from different operating systems access. But if you delete everything and start again start this you can remove all existing information and over again.

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Windows Safe Mode

A. Windows 2000 / XP users

If you are running Safe Mode because you cannot get into Windows, you may want to first try loading the last known good configuration.

To access the Windows 2000 / XP in Safe Mode when the computer starts press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to select "Safe Mode" and enter your key move.

Note: Some computers, when you press a button as the computer starts, you get a solid core message. If this happens, instead of pressing and holding the "F8", continuously tap the "F8" to the Start menu.

Difficulty in Windows 2000 or Windows XP in Safe mode - If after several attempts, you are not on Windows 2000 or Windows XP in Safe Mode as the computer boots up Windows, turn off the computer. If the computer is turned on when the next time Windows should notice that the computer does not start, and enter the safe mode screen.

Windows Advanced Options Menu Please select an option: Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking Safe Mode with Command Prompt Enable Boot Logging Enable VGA mode Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked) Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only) Debugging Mode Start Windows Normally Reboot Return to OS Choices Menu Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice.

Once you do in safe mode, when you get back into normal Windows, restart your computer normally, and want, it's normal to go start.

B. Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7 users

To get into the Windows Vista and Windows 7 in Safe Mode when the computer starts press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move the "Safe Mode" and enter your key.

Note: On some computers, you press a button as the computer starts, you get a solid core message. If this happens, instead of pressing and holding the "F8", continuously tap the "F8" to the Start menu.

Difficulty in Safe mode - If after several attempts, you can not use Safe Mode when the computer boot up Windows, turn off the computer. If the computer is turned on when the next time Windows should notice that the computer does not start, and enter the safe mode screen.

Choose Advanced Options for: Microsoft Windows Vista Please select an option: Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking Safe Mode with Command Prompt Enable Boot Logging Enable low-resolution video (640x480) Last Known Good Configuration (advanced) Directory Services Restore Mode Debugging Mode Disable automatic restart on system failure Disable Driver Signature Enforcement Start Windows Normally Description: Start Windows with only the core drivers and services. Use when you cannot boot after installing a new device or driver.

Once you do in safe mode, when you get back into normal Windows, restart your computer normally, and want, it's normal to go start.

C. Windows 98 / ME users

To get into Windows 98 / ME in safe mode when the computer starts, press "F8" at the top of the keyboard or press and hold the left or right Ctrl key while the computer starts. If done correctly you would the "Windows 98 / ME Startup Menu" similar to the example screen below. In this menu choose option 3 by pressing the button 3 and press Enter.

Note: On some computers, you press a button as the computer starts, you get a solid core message. If this happens, instead of pressing and holding the "F8", continuously tap the "F8" to the Start menu.

Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu ============================= 1. Normal 2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) 3. Safe mode 4. Step-by-step confirmation 5. Command prompt only 6. Safe mode command prompt only Enter a choice: 1 F5=Safe Mode Shift+F5=Command prompt Shift+F8= Step-by-step confirmation [N]

Once you do in safe mode, when you get back into normal Windows, restart your computer normally, and want, it's normal to go start.

D. Windows 95 users

To get into Windows 95 Safe Mode, as the computer is booting, when you either hear a beep or when you see the message "Starting Windows 95", press your F8 key on the top of your keyboard. If done properly you should get into the Windows 95 Startup menu similar to the below screen. In this menu choose option 3 by pressing the 3 key and press enter.

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