Windows 2000 Quick Fixes

Use more than 25 lines of text in a window

By default Windows 2000 sets up the command console with an 80-column by 25-line display. For some tasks a 25-line display is fine, but when you’re working with a long directory listing or want to see all the options for a command as the result of a /? switch, 25 lines just isn’t enough. Or, perhaps you’re working with an application that outputs more than 80 columns. Fortunately, you can change the screen size to provide more lines or columns, plus configure a screen buffer to give you a scrollable window, providing a history of screen output.

Change buffer and screen size

You change screen buffer and size settings through the Layout page of the console’s property sheet:

1. Click Start → Programs → Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Properties.

2. Click the Layout tab.

3. Configure settings according to the following list:

   Screen buffer size

   Use these two controls to specify the size of the buffer Windows 2000 uses to store the console’s output. Increase the Height value to maintain a longer history of console output. Increase the Width value to accomodate a wider display.

   Window size

   Use these two controls to specify the number of columns and lines for the console window. For example, increase the Height value to increase the number of lines you can view at one time in the window. Increase the Width value to obtain a wider display.

   Window position

   Use these two options to specify the X and Y coordinates for the upper-left corner ...