Command Prompt

Command prompt is the Windows command-line interpreter or terminal window (or console). Command prompt program is cmd.exe.

Windows 7
Note: Command Prompt should be run as Administrator, to do so right-click on cmd before opening and select "Run as administrator" to avoid problems in the future.
 * From Start Menu, type "cmd" and select "cmd" from Program list.
 * From Start Menu, select All Programs, select Accessories, then select Command Prompt.
 * From Computer, select OS (C:), select Windows, select System32, then select cmd.
 * Hold down Windows key and press "r" key, from Run window type "cmd", then select "OK".

Windows XP
'''Note: Command Prompt should be run as Administrator, to do so right-click on cmd before opening and select "Run as.." then select "Administrator", to avoid problems in the future.'''
 * From Start Menu, select Run, then type cmd and select OK.
 * From Start Menu, select Programs, select Accessories, then select Command Prompt.
 * From My Computer, select C:, select Windows, select system32, then select cmd.
 * Hold down Windows key and press "R" key, from Run window type cmd, then select "OK".

PATH Variable
A PATH variable is very helpful when using command prompt. It allows easy access to a certain location or program. For instructions on how to set a PATH variable view:  PATH Variable.

Copy and Paste
Windows Shortcuts (Ctrl C, Ctrl V, and Ctrl X) do not work in the command prompt.

Copy

 * To copy text from the command prompt window into another window, click on the top left side of the menu bar (on the icon that looks like the cmd window).
 * From the drop-down list select Edit > Mark. This allows for highlighting of text.
 * Once text is highlighted press Enter. This copies the text to the clipboard.

Paste

 * To paste text into the command prompt window, click on the top left side of the menu bar (on the icon that looks like the cmd window).
 * From the drop-down list select Edit > Paste. This will paste text.

Resize Terminal Window

 * To resize the terminal window, click on the top left side of the menu bar (on the icon that looks like the cmd window).
 * Select Properties, on the Properties window select Layout tab.
 * Under Window Size, change the numbers in Width and Height to resize the window.
 * Then select OK.

Basic Commands used in Command Prompt

 * dir: Displays what folders are in the current directory
 * cd: Displays full path of the current directory
 * cd name of directory: Changes the directory to specified directory
 * cd \: Changes the current directory, up one directory/folder level
 * E: : Changes the directory to E:

Wikipedia links

 * Command Prompt
 * List of DOS commands