MS-Dos Commands: A Comprehensive List - Coding

MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System and serves as the fundamental building block of computer operating systems.

Understanding MS-DOS commands is still valuable for computer professionals and the fundamentals of computing. A deep understanding of its commands can significantly boost your computational efficiency.

In this article, we will be discussing:

What Are MS-Dos Commands?
Why are MS-Dos Commands used?
Core MS-DOS commands along with their syntax

A Comprehensive List of MS-Dos Commands

What Are MS-Dos Commands?

MS-DOS is a text-based system of Microsoft Operating System, The users interact with the computer by typing text-based commands rather than a Graphical User Interface. These commands allow users to perform various tasks, such as copying, deleting, or moving files, and managing programs.

Why are MS-Dos Commands used?

File Management: MS-Dos commands enable users to navigate through directories and create, delete, or copy files, enabling efficient file management.
System Configuration: Users can configure system settings, manage drives, and analyze hardware issues using MS Dos commands, providing a robust toolkit for system customization.
Program Execution: MS-Dos for commands facilitate the execution of programs and scripts, offering a streamlined approach to launching applications without the need for graphical interfaces.

List of MS-Dos Commands:

Here’s a table of some of the essential and commonly used commands MS-Dos for Commands for quick reference:

Command	Syntax	Description
CD	CD [drive:][path]Change	ges the current directory to the specified folder.
DIR	DIR [drive:][path]	Displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory.
COPY	COPY [destination]	Copies files from one location to another.
DEL	DEL [drive:][path]	Deletes one or more files.
REN	REN [drive:][path][filename1] [filename2]	Renames a file or directory.
MKDIR	MKDIR [drive:][path]	Creates a new directory.
RMDIR	RMDIR [drive:][path]	Removes an existing directory.
TYPE	TYPE [drive:][path]	filename Displays the contents of a text file.
EDIT	EDIT [drive:][path]filename	Opens the MS-DOS text editor for editing a specified file.
CHKDSK	CHKDSK [volume:][[path]filename] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X] [/I] [/C] [/L[:size]] [/B]	Scans and fixes errors on a disk.
FORMAT	FORMAT volume [/FS:file-system] [/V:label] [/Q] [/L[:size]] [/A:size] [/C] [/X]	Prepares a storage medium for data storage.
XCOPY	XCOPY [destination] [/E] [/C] [/H] [/R] [/Y]	Copies files and directories, including subdirectories.
TREE	TREE [drive:][path]	Graphically displays the folder structure of a drive or path.
DATE	DATE [MM-DD-YYYY]	Displays or sets the system date.
TIME	TIME [HH: MM: SS]	Displays or sets the system time.
HELP	HELP [command]	Provides help information for MS-DOS commands.
EXIT	EXIT	Exits the MS-DOS command prompt or a batch file.
ATTRIB	ATTRIB [+ R\|-R] [+A\|-A] [+ H\|-H] [+ S\|-S] [d:][path]filename [/S]	Sets or clears file attributes (Read-Only, Archive, System, Hidden), managing file visibility and access in MS-DOS.
MODE	MODE [device] [BAUD=b] [PARITY=p] [DATA=d] [STOP=s]	Configures system devices.
DISKCOPY	DISKCOPY [drive1:][path1][filename1] [drive2:][path2][filename2]	Copies the contents of one disk to another.
MEM	MEM[/program\|/debug\|/classify\|/free\|/module(name)] [/page]	Displays the amount of used and free memory in the system.
SCANDISK	SCANDISK [/SURFACE] [/AUTOFIX] [/CHECKONLY]	Scans and fixes disk errors.
UNDELETE	UNDELETE [drive:][path][filename]	Restores a deleted file.
ASSIGN	ASSIGN [drive1:=[drive2:]]	Redirects requests for drive letters to a different drive.
FDISK	FDISK	Manages disk partitions.
BACKUP	BACKUP [destination] [/S]	Backs up files and directories.
RESTORE	RESTORE [destination] [/S]	Restores files and directories from a backup.
MSCDEX	MSCDEX [/D: driver /L:drive] [/M:bufsize] [/E /S /V]	Provides CD-ROM access.
SYS	SYS [drive1:][path]	Transfers system files to a disk.
SHARE	SHARE [/F:(space)] [/L:(locks)]	Installs file-sharing and locking capabilities.
SMARTDRV	SMARTDRV [size] [/E /V] [/C] [/L:size]	Disk caching utility.
SETVER	SETVER [drive:][path]filename [/B:bytes]	Sets the MS-DOS version number for a program.
ASSIGN	ASSIGN [/D]	Disables automatic drive-letter assignments.
FASTHELP	FASTHELP [command] [command] /?	Provides a quick overview of MS-DOS commands.
FC	FC [/A] [/C] [/L] [/LBn] [/N] [/OFF[LINE]] [/T]	Compares two files or sets of files and displays the differences between them.
FIND	FIND [/V] [/C] [/N] [/I] [/OFF[LINE]] “string” [[drive:][path]filename[ …]]	Searches for a text string in files.
MORE	MORE [filename]	Display the content of a text file one screen at a time
ECHO	ECHO [on/off]	This command can either show or hide the text of the commands you type. Command echoing is on by default
ECHO	ECHO [<message>]	Specifies the text to display on the screen.
PATH	PATH [[drive:][path] [;…]]	Displays or sets a search path for executable files.
SET	SET [variable=[string]]	Sets or displays environment variables.
VOL	VOL [drive:]	Displays a disk label and serial number.
SUBST	SUBST [drive1: [drive2:]path]	Associates a path with a drive letter.
EDLIN	EDLIN [drive:][path][filename]	Edits text files.
DEBUG	DEBUG [drive:][path][filename]	Starts the Debug program for testing and debugging assembly-language programs.
HIMEM.SYS	HIMEM.SYS [/TESTMEM:off] [/HMAMIN=amount]	Provides upper memory block (UMB) and high memory area (HMA) support.
UNFORMAT	UNFORMAT [drive:][path]	Restores a formatted disk.
GRAPHICS	GRAPHICS [type] [[drive:][path]filename] [/R] [/B] [/LCD][/PRINTBOX:STD\|/PRINTBOX:LCD]	Enables output of graphical screen content to print
QBASIC	QBASIC [drive:][path]	Starts the MS-DOS-based application for creating and running BASIC programs.
KEYB	KEYB [/CODEPAGE=page[,country]] [/E]	Configures a keyboard for a specific language.
CHOICE	CHOICE [/C:choices] [/N] [/S] [/T:c,nn]	Provides a prompt with a list of choices.
DISKCOMP	DISKCOMP [drive1:][drive2:]	Compares the contents of two floppy disks.
PRINT	PRINT [/D:device] [filename]	Sends a text file to a printer.
SORT	SORT [drive:][path][filename]	Sorts the contents of a text file.
APPEND	APPEND [[drive:]path[;…]]	Sets or displays the search path for data files.
ASSOC	ASSOC [.ext[=[fileType]]]	Associates file extension with a file type.
LABEL	LABEL [drive:][label]	Creates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk.
RECOVER	RECOVER [drive:][path][filename]	Recovers readable information from a bad or defective disk.
FASTOPEN	FASTOPEN [/X] [drive:] [path] [/R]	Speeds up the opening of files.
GOTO	GOTO <label>	Directs the command interpreter to a labeled line in a batch program.
SHIFT	SHIFT [/n <N>]	Shifts the position of batch parameters in a batch file.
JOIN	JOIN path [drive:]	Joins a drive letter and directory path.
SMARTDRV	SMARTDRV [size] [buffers] [doublebuffer] [/E] [/C] [/L] [/V] [/B]	Manages and optimizes disk caching.
BATCH	BATCH [filename]	Executes the commands specified in a batch file.
CALL	CALL [drive:][path]filename [batch-parameters]	Calls one batch program from another.

Note: These commands are instructive and may differ slightly based on the different version of MS-DOS . Always refer to the detailed documentation or use the command followed by /? for detailed information on each command.

FAQs on MS-Dos Commands

1. Are MS-Dos commands still relevant in modern computing?

Definitely! While graphical interfaces dominate, MS-Dos commands remain relevant for specific tasks, especially in troubleshooting and automation.

2. Can I harm my computer using all MS-Dos commands?

Yes, some commands can cause data loss. It’s crucial to double-check your commands before executing them to avoid unintended consequences.

3. Can all MS-Dos commands be used in all versions of Windows?

Yes, MS-Dos commands are supported in various versions of Windows, ensuring compatibility across different systems.

4. Are MS-Dos commands case-sensitive?

No, MS-Dos commands are not case-sensitive, allowing users to input commands in uppercase or lowercase letters.

5. What the is comp command in MS-DOS?

COMP compares two files byte by byte, highlighting differences. Options include /D (decimal), /A (ASCII), and /L (line numbers).

Syntax: COMP [drive1:][path1][filename1] [drive2:][path2][filename2] [/D] [/A] [/L]

6. How many types of commands are there in MS-DOS?

There are two types of command in MS-Dos:

Internal Commands: These are built-in functions of Ms-DOS Operating System, It can be used directly from cmd. Examples include `DIR`, `CD`, `CLS`, `TIME`, and `DATE`.

External Commands: These commands are stored in separate executable files (.exe) and require their own files to run. When you type an external command, MS-DOS loads the corresponding program into memory. Examples include `FORMAT`, `CHKDSK`, `DISKCOPY`, and `XCOPY`.

Reffered: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org

TechTips

Related
How to Use the Tracert (Traceroute) Command in Windows?
7 Common Windows Errors and How to Fix Them
How to Change Directories in Command Prompt?
How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode?
How to Fix Right-Click Not Working in Windows 11?

Type:	Geek
Category:	Coding
Sub Category:	Tutorial
Uploaded by:	Admin
Views:	11