how to use dos commands?

Question

in my dos prompt when i am typing -- cd windows -- it is getting into windows folder but when i am typing -- cd program files -- it is giving a message as -- too many parameters-files --. could u please help me solve the problem, i want to get into my program files in DOS mode

Answer 1

This problem occurs when using a DOS box in a Windows system because of the inability of DOS to directly handle long filenames. Using the command "dir /p" will show the actual DOS filenames and directory names for the contents of the current working directory one screen at a time. You scroll up the next screen by typing a key after you read through the screen. You'll usually see a bunch of names like "Progra~1" and "SomeLon~1" in there. When DOS looks at the filenames and directory names, it "fixes" the problem by using the first six letters with a ~ and a number appended. It is assumed that you won't likely get more than 9 files or directories with the same 6 letters in the name! Looking up the DOS name and using it with the cd command will get you where you're going better. A quick tip: When you have a Windows view of a directory that you'll need to get to later, right click, view the properties and pay attention to/copy/write down the path and DOS Name from it to get there more easily.

Answer 2

give this command
dir/p
this will show the available folders. find how the program files is displayed there..it may be like program~files
now try giving cd program~files.this will work.

other wise if u use windows xp u can give like
cd pro* this will take u to program files folders provided there is only one folder starting with the letters "pro"

Answer 3

The problem is the space in the directory name confuses MSDOS. To solve this, enclose the name in quotes like this:

cd "\program files"

and that should take you there. This applies to ANY MSDOS command which accepts a file or directory name. The entiire name must be enclosed in quotes or it won;t be understood by command.com as it tries to parse the command string. The space is a delimiter between arguments.

Answer 4

Dos names are usually limited to 8 characters. try cd program~

Answer 5

Type ms-dos help in ur search browser then click on the link... ms-dos help and commands u may find something that will help u there