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Windows Command Prompt - 3 Cool Tips

Many times we use windows command prompt for running batch files or simple operations. DOS users still prefer to interact with the systemthrough command (cmd) prompt. Here are 3 cool tips known to very few users.

(1) Give title to the command prompt

By default system gives title something like "C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe" to the command window. It becomes very confusing when you open multiple command prompts and minimize them. Use the following syntax to give title to every window.

title
like
C:\>title OneSmartClick.com
will override the default title by 'OneSmartClick.com'

(2) Browse command History (Doskey feature) through F7

Hit F7 Key to browse through the command history. To select a specific command by number, hit F9 after hitting F7. You can use Up/Down arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down keys for faster browsing. To cancel history window hit Escape key.

(3) Colorize the Command Prompt

If you are running different applications/scripts in different windows, colors help you to identify application/script easily.Use the following command to change background and foreground. (Note : There is NO SPACE between backround and foregroundcolor digits)

color

e.g.
C:\>color 5e

Sets background to 'Purple' and foreground to 'Light Yellow'. Use 'color -help' to check hex digits for colors.

Visit my Windows Batch Programming Page for cool tips

(C) Prashant N Mhatre (OneSmartClick.Com)

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posted by PNM @ April 26, 2006