The most important DOS-commands

With the proliferation of Windows, the use of the good old DOS commands is almost forgotten. Calling programs, copying files, and settings - all of this was already with DOS possible. In this practical tip we will show you the most important DOS-commands.

Prompt call and use

The use of DOS commands in Windows, but also in times of colorful Windows and animated programs are still in use. For example, remember, if your Windows has problems and you need to back up your data by Hand and without a graphical user interface. Start the DOS window (under Windows "command prompt") in two different ways, which is also in our photo gallery to see are:

Call from the start menu under All programs - accessories.
Call about the Windows search, by entering the command "cmd".

Navigation in the file system

The Navigation through your file system is controlled under DOS with the command "cd". This command stands for "change directory" and can be used in different ways:

Direct access to a folder, e.g. "cd Documents". With this command, you change directly in the "Documents"folder.
Call "cd\". This command brings you directly into the main directory of your hard disk.
The command "cd" is often used in conjunction with the "dir" command, with the directories on your hard disk can see. With these two commands, you now have the opportunity to navigate through your entire hard drive. The command "dir" has the values "dir /w" and "dir /p" to the contents of your directories page view way. This is recommended for very large directories.

Create, Copy and Delete folders

After we have dealt with in the previous point with the directory navigation, now let's look at how you can create folders, copy and delete files.

The command "md" stands for "make directory" and creates a new folder in the current directory where you are currently located. The folder is created with "md [directory name]", for example, "md Test".
The commands "del [file name]" or "erase [filename]" to delete a file. The command "rd [directory name]" deletes an empty directory.
The command "copy" to Copy the files is a little more complex. Here you need to specify the source and destination with the directory and file name. Example: copy c:\test\testdatei.txt c:\testdatei.txt. In this example, copy the file "testdatei.txt" out of the folder c:\test in the main directory of c:\.

Network functions in the DOS window

Now let's look at a function that you might use more often under Windows in DOS-mode: determining your IP address and network settings.

With the invocation of the command "ipconfig" to retrieve your current IP address, Gateway and subnet. With "ipconfig /all" you can find all the detailed information, such as, for example, the MAC address of your network card.
With "ipconfig" is also used like the "ping" command. This command can check the connection between the two PCs in the network, and is invoked with "ping [hostname] or ping [IP address]".

In order to obtain a complete DOS command summary, enter in the DOS window, the command "help". You will be displayed in the form of a list of all the important commands. Detailed information on specific commands, you will also receive the call with "help [command]", e.g. "help cd" or "help copy". Also from the good old DOS-times known, are classic games, you DOSBox run can.