Windows 2000 Quick Fixes

Quickly open a command prompt in a specific folder

A command console opens by default in the root folder of the boot drive. While you can use the cd command to change to the folder you want, it’s nice to be able to go straight to the required folder without having to traverse several folders. You have two options that will make it possible to open a command console in a local folder. These options require add-on utilities from Microsoft. You can actually add this functionality by directly editing the registry, but it’s much easier to use one of the methods that follows.

Tip

Use the AutoRun setting described in Section 6.2 to issue a cd command if you want to start all consoles in the same folder.

Use the Resource Kit CMD Prompt Here

The Windows 2000 Resource Kit includes a tool called CMD Prompt Here that adds a command to the context menu for folders that lets you quickly open a command console with the selected folder active. You right-click the folder, choose CMD Prompt Here, and Windows 2000 opens a command console in the selected folder.

Follow these steps to install CMD Prompt Here from the Resource Kit:

1. Open the folder where the Resource Kit is installed.

2. Right-click the file cmdhere.inf and choose Install.

3. After installation, right-click a folder and choose CMD Prompt Here to test the installation.

Use PowerToys

The Microsoft Windows 95 development team put together a collection of add-ons for Windows 95 called PowerToys that expanded functionality and made certain tasks easier. ...