Change drive letters or directories in the dos command (cmd) window

By Mitz

Free computer Tips

Writing commands into a dos command window is not a secret, because before Windows was invented, you needed to be able to navigate around the computer somehow. Windows can now help you get from one folder or directory to the next or even simple right click and copy folders to other locations. It does all this without the need to remember long strings of the dos language. However For those of us who started learning about computers and the dos command language from the beginning we can't help but still use some aspects of it to perform certain tasks. Sometimes it is easier to type a command in a dos window to get results.

Two basics commands that you will need to know is how to change a drive letter and how to change directories.

How to change between drive letters in a dos command window.

 The drive letters are usually C: for your main drive and then D, E, F and so on.. I have a partition so my main drive is C: and the second part is D:. Then I have a cd drive (E) and a dvd burner

(F).

How to change between directories in a dos command window.

1. When you go to the run box (by pressing the WIN key and R) and typing cmd the dos command window will appear. You will be in this directory C:\document and settings\Username> Username will be the name you logged in as.

2. To go back one directory type cd..(cd and dot dot)

3. This will take you to C:\document and settings

4. If you type cd.. again you will be in C:\>

5. If you want to go to the windows directory on your computer you can type cd C:\windows

6. If you want to go to my pictures type cd C:\document and settings\your username\my documents\my pictures

Watch this video for more information on how to change drive letters and directories in a dos window.

Notes:

• Here are some more Run commands you can try.

• Make sure you type it exactly with a space when there is a space. One mistake and it will not work. You will have to retype it.

• Changing directories in the dos command window is the first step to navigating around your computer with out the help of Windows.

• Before Windows XP came along, you needed to change the drive letter to get to the Windows setup disc and then type in setup for it to start installing.

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About the Author

Mitz wrote this article and others for tips4pc.com  Browse for more articles that are written in an easy to understand way. Also see our very popular Video Tutorials page. Watching a video is a very easy way to learn about computers.

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