Windows Command Prompt - Key Concepts and Commands

Introduction to Command Prompt

• CLI (Command Line Interface): Access to the OS via text-based commands.
• Running Commands:
  • Most commands can be run by users with standard privileges.
  • For administrative rights, use an elevated prompt.
  • Launch CMD as administrator: "CMD" + Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Starting the Command Prompt

• Search for CMD and choose options like Open, Run as Administrator.
• Command prompt starts with no information; requires user input.
• Help Command: Provides assistance for other commands (e.g., DIR, Check Disk, Copy).

Basic Navigation Commands

• DIR: Lists files and directories in the current folder.
• CD (Change Directory): Move to a different folder.
• Dot Notation:
  • .. moves to the parent directory.
• Creating/Removing Folders:
  • MKDIR / MD for making directories.
  • RMDIR / RD for removing directories.

Viewing and Manipulating Files

• File Explorer vs. Command Line:
  • Both show files and directories but command line is useful without GUI.
• Example Commands:
  • DIR to list files.
  • MD/RD to create/remove directories.

Drive Letters

• Designation: Letters assigned to drives (e.g., C: for local drive).
• Multiple Drives: System can have multiple drive letters (e.g., C, D, E).

Identifying Systems

• Hostname Command: Shows the name of the computer to ensure actions are on the correct system.

File Systems and Formatting

• FORMAT Command: Installs a file system on a partition; can erase existing data.
• Example: format k: for creating file system on drive K.

Copying Files

• COPY Command: Copies files with options like /v for verification, /y to overwrite without prompts.
• XCOPY Command: Use /s to copy directories and subdirectories.

Advanced File Copying

• ROBOCOPY Command: Enhanced version of XCOPY with more options (e.g., bandwidth control).

Shutting Down and Restarting

• SHUTDOWN Command:
  • /s to shut down.
  • /r to restart.
  • /a to abort a shutdown.

Managing Partitions

• DISKPART Command: Creates, modifies, or deletes partitions.

Checking Windows Version

• WINVER Command: Displays version and build number of Windows.

Group Policy Commands

• GPUPDATE Command: Forces a Group Policy update.
• GPRESULT Command: Shows current Group Policy settings.
• Practical Use: Use GPUPDATE to apply new policies without logging out.