18th June 2001

Once in a while, using a "DOS" window is faster than moving around in Explorer; if you plan on executing batch files, you'll want to use a command prompt. This way, you'll be certain to see the ultimate results without having the window automatically close upon completion. With the advent of long file names, moving around the file system "manually" can leave you with wads of ripped-out hair in your hands. Windows 2000 introduced some changes to the CMD.EXE binary; it's responsible for initiating a command prompt interface within Windows. If you modify its shortcut and append "/f:on" to the end of the command line, you'll have hotkeys available when you launch it again. These will enable you to cycle through the names of files or directories. Hit CTRL + F to whiz through the list of files in alphabetical order. SHIFT + CTRL + F will reverse the process. CTRL + D will act similarly for Directory (Folder) names. You can narrow down the list by prefacing the first character or two of the file or directory name.

For example, typing "CD Pr" then CTRL + D from the root directory of the system drive should display the "Program Files" directory assuming there are no other directory names that would be listed ahead of it in alphabetical order. Another "prompt" trick is to use a wildcard to complete the file or directory name. Issuing "CD Pro*" at a prompt will likely drop you right into the Program Files directory. You can even use this trick when passing filenames to the classic edit utility. Using a file called lockergnome.txt for an example, you would enter "edit lock*" and instantly be editing that file. This doesn't usually work with non-DOS-mode applications, however. As far as Windows 9x users are concerned, there's always DOSKEY (or JP Software's 4DOS).