Command-line Reference

Updated: October 25, 2010

Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista

You can use the Windows command reference to familiarize yourself with new and enhanced command-line tools, to learn about the command shell, and to automate command-line tasks by using batch files or scripting tools.

The following sections contain information about the syntax and usage of the command line tools.



Community Content

JudithH_msft
"Net use" command reference info missing from A-Z section
Where'd it go? I know the command's still valid because we're using it in some batch file scripts.<br /><br /> Thanks very much.<br /><br /> Thanks for reporting this. It will be added to the A-Z list within the next two weeks. In the meantime, you can get to net use through this link: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg651155(v=ws.10).aspx
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HankW512
Help for quincy451
I've had a similar problem. They say that the title after the start command is optional, but if you put anything in quotes there, it thinks it's the title, so try putting anything in quotes as a title between start and your file name in quotes.<br />
Tags : start

quincy451
start command line confusion
I enter this and it works.<div>start my_video.flv</div><div>the video starts.</div><div><br /></div><div>But this does not</div><div>start "my video.flv"</div><div>Instead of starting the video it simply gives a command prompt on c:&gt; </div><div><br /></div><div>Any ideas? </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you</div>
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Z3L0
call command
how do i use the call command in a batch file as i am making a batch file and i want to know how to make it open up another batch file a beacuse i want to make other batch files run of a main batch file can you do a video or instructions for a idiot or in symple terms so i know what to do thanks Z3L0

rimistri
Command Shell Overview missing for Windows Server 2008
Apparently the CMD.EXE command syntax document, <i>Command Shell Overview</i>, is missing in the Windows Server 2008 TechNet documentation.$0 $0 The Windows Server 2003 version can be found at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc737438%28WS.10%29.aspx, and is linked from both the "C" section in the A-Z reference and the command-line tree.$0 $0 $0
Tags : contentbug cmd

Gis_A-Bun
DSM wrong
In the A....Z index, it says DSM but the content is DSRM. Ooops.<br />
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Brian Borg
Index is back but some commands still missing 1/17/11
Thanks JudithH for the link.<br /><br />The Server 2003 list is missing some of the commands. For example I found ICACLS at <mtps:InstrumentedLink NavigateUrl="http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753525(WS.10).aspx" runat="server" xmlns:mtps="http://msdn2.microsoft.com/mtps">http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753525(WS.10).aspx</mtps:InstrumentedLink> by searching, and then following a link.<br /><br />For Net Use and other Net Services, see <mtps:InstrumentedLink NavigateUrl="http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc773034(WS.10).aspx" runat="server" xmlns:mtps="http://msdn2.microsoft.com/mtps">http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc773034(WS.10).aspx</mtps:InstrumentedLink>.
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JudithH_msft
A-Z list missing due to broken links
We are working to fix the problem that caused this. Until the links are fixed, you can find most of the content on the 2003 page, <mtps:InstrumentedLink NavigateUrl="http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc778084(WS.10).aspx" runat="server" xmlns:mtps="http://msdn2.microsoft.com/mtps">http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc778084(WS.10).aspx</mtps:InstrumentedLink>.
Tags : contentbug

RuddyBridge
Which is proper substitute?
Oct.14/10: still not fixed! (sigh)<br />There are a number of differing doc's for various OS's. Which (if any) is a substitute for the broken links?<br />
Tags : contentbug

Darril
A-Z list missing
The link to the A-Z list is no longer working. It indicates the page has been removed.
Tags : contentbug

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