Common Windows Run Line Commands
I have compiled a list of useful commonly used run-line commands for Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7. These commands are used from the Run line (Start/Run). Using run-line commands is often a quicker way of accessing a program or a Windows service, instead of clicking through a series of screens and options to get where you want to go.
| Function | Command (Run from Start/Run) | Description |
| Accessibility | access.cpl | Windows Accessibility Control Panel |
| Hardware Wizard | hdwwiz.cpl | Hardware Installation Wizard |
| Add/Remove Programs | appwiz.cpl | Adding or removing programs or Windows components |
| Administrative Tools | certmgr.msc | Windows Administrative Tools Console |
| Calculator | calc | Windows Calculator |
| Character Map | charmap | Used to copy and paste accented letters and other foreign language characters characters. |
| Check Disk | chkdsk | Windows hard disk diagnostic utility |
| Command Prompt | cmd | DOS command window |
| Component Services | dcomcnfg | Windows Component Services Management Console |
| Computer Management | compmgmt.msc | Windows Computer Management Console |
| Control Panel | control | Windows Control Panel |
| Date/Time | timedatecpl | Windows Date and Time management |
| Device Manager | devmgmt.msc | Windows Device Manager Console |
| Disk Cleanup | cleanmgr | Cleans out temporary files and junk files |
| Disk Defragmenter | dfrg.msc | Windows built-in hard disk defragmenter |
| Display Properties | desk.cpl | Control display resolution, desktop, screensaver, and multi-monitor configuration |
| Driver Verifier | verifier | Used for troubleshooting driver issues |
| Event Viewer | eventvwr.msc | Application, Security, and System event logging |
| File Signature Verification | sigverif | Signed Driver Verification |
| Font Viewer | fontview | Provides a graphical view of installed fonts |
| File Transfer Protocol | cmd/ftp | File transfer Protocol |
| Group Policy Editor | gpedit.msc | Administering local system and security policies |
| Microsoft System Information | msinfo32 | Displays a comprehensive view of your hardware, system components, and software environment. |
| NetStat | cmd/netstat | A command-line tool that displays network connections (both incoming and outgoing), routing tables, and a number of network interface statistics |
| Network Connections | ncpa.cpl | Displays network connections |
| Note Pad | notepad | Windows Note Pad application |
| Object Packager | packager | A Windows utility that embeds a document as an icon inside another document. |
| ODBC Data Source Manager | odbccp32.cpl | Manage database drivers and data sources |
| Onscreen Keyboard | osk | A virtual onscreen keyboard component of Windows |
| Performance Monitor | perfmon.msc | Displays system performance statistics and measures |
| Phone/Modem Options | telephon.cpl | Displays Phone and Modem options |
| Power Configuration | powercfg.cpl | Displays Power Configuration options |
| Printers and Faxes | control printers | Printer and Fax configuration utility |
| Regional Settings | intl.cpl | Regional and Language options configuration utility |
| Registry Editor | regedit | Edits values and settings for Windows operating systems, hardware, and software environments. |
| Remote Desktop | mstsc | Windows Remote Desktop Utility |
| Removable Storage | ntmsmgr.msc | Removable Storage Management |
| Security Center | wscui.cpl | Opens the Windows Security Center |
| Services | services.msc | Windows Services management utility |
| System Configuration Editor | sysedit | Windows System Configuration Editor |
| System Configuration Utility | msconfig | Windows Boot and Startup Options |
| System File Checker | cmd/sfc | (Requires Windows Installation CD) |
| cmd/sfc /scannow | Scans system immediately | |
| cmd/sfc /scanonce | Scans system at next boot | |
| cmd/sfc /scanboot | Scans system on every boot | |
| cmd/sfc /revert | Retruns to default settings | |
| cmd/sfc /purgecache | Purge file cache | |
| cmd/sfc /cachesize=x | Sets cache size to x | |
| System Properties | sysdm.cpl | Displays System Properties |
| Task Manager | taskmgr | Displays Windows Task Manager utility |
| Telmet Client | cmd/telnet | A network protocol that allows a user on one computer to log on to another computer |
| Tracert | cmd/tracert | A computer network tool used to show the route taken by packets across an IP network |
| Windows Account Management | nusrmgr.cpl | Displays User Accounts Management console |
| Utility Manager | utilman | Displays User Interface and Accessibility options |
| Windows Explorer | explorer | Displays Windows file manager application |
| Windows Firewall | firewall.cpl | Windows Firewall Configuration |
| Windows Shutdown | shutdown | Shuts down Windows and turns off computer |
| Windows Security | syskey | Utility that encrypts the hashed password information in a SAM database |
| Windows Update | updmgr | Windows Update Utility |
Related posts:
- Clear Page File on Shutdown To save on Random Access Memory (RAM), Windows uses your Page File as a sort of cache. This can slow down your PC’s overall performance. To remedy this situation, Windows XP has an option that allows users to clear the...
- Creating a system Image DVD for Windows 7 If you’ve ever experienced a computer crash, or a failure that ultimately ends up in you having to reinstall Windows and all your drivers and software, then you know what a living hell feels like. Even if you’re a seasoned...
- Creating a System Repair CD in Windows 7 If there is one thing that holds true for all operating systems, across all platforms, at some point in time, they crash. Sadly, Windows is prone to crashing. Well, that’s more true for older versions of Windows than for newer...
- Back up Windows Registry in Windows XP The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services,...
- Debunking some common computer myths There are some common myths that may influence your online security practices. Knowing the truth will allow you to make better decisions about how to protect yourself. How are these myths established? There is no one cause for these myths....
- Recommended Free Programs for home and small office users The following programs are recommended for home, home office or small office users. I selected these programs based on recommendations and reviews from my industry peers and my own personal experience, and research based on user rating and complaints. The...
- Resolve: No e-mail through VPN Here’s an interesting issue I dealt with last week. The company I work for has a lot of employees that frequently work through vpn connections, through which they have access to network resources and the Exchange server. Last week, we...
- Starting SMC Project Today starts a new project in working with Swedish Medical Center as a Desktop Support II technician installing and configuring computer and network equipment in the brand new facility under construction in Issaquah, Washington. My duties on this project include: Physically...
Leave a Reply
Please Support
