Configuration Commands

BREAK:

This Command is used to set decondition of control and C or ^Break to be effective or not interrupt a programme.

Syntax : Break ON / OFF

If the break is said to on then the user can interrupt a program by using ^Break and the otherwise this is not available to.

SHELL:

It comes out to previous level of command processor or interpreter for a time.

DEVICE:

Specifies a device driver file to located into the RAM to give support to the devices.

Syntax : Device [ Drive: ] [ Path] Device drive.

BUFFERS:

Specifies the number of buffers that can be maintained in the memory at a time.

Syntax : Buffers = NNN

Where the NNN refers to the Maximum number of buffers that the user is going to use.

FILES:

This Command is used to specify the Maximum number of files that can be opened at the time. Syntax: Files = NNN

LAST DRIVE:

It specifies the legal drive that can be operated or specified by the user.

Syntax : Last Drive = [ Largest Legal Drive Letter]

REM:

This Command is used to deactivate the command in the configuration file.

Syntax : Rem REMARK / NOTE / COMMAND

The following are the system commands that can be used at the command prompt.

DATE: Allows to change and display the system date.

TIME; Allows to change and display the system time.

MODE: Used to configure the printers, display, baud rate, key board type, matic rate and code page switching.

PROMPT: To change the system prompt. 

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What is Batch Files and how to Create a Batch file

You see your interpreter Dos contains a file called Command. Com. Which is the actual Command interpreter between you and your computer, which besides recognizing your Command also Contains a set of routines for processing batch files known as the batch file processor. Whenever you enter a Command the Processor checks if its an internal Command then if not it checks the disk for a file called by the given name. The Sequence of search is like this first it searches for the file with extension. Can, if not available it searches for the extension. Exe still it not available it searches for file with extension. BAT and Still not available it gives a message “bad command or file name'. See how true the command is if the file is founded with. BAT Extension the Control is taken over by the batch file processor. This Processor reads the Commands step by step and executes then one after another and when the commands are over it turns Control to the Command interpreter which is term returns you with the prompt. If you wish to stop or break the batch file extension is between then you press 'Control' and 'C' Key Combination the prompt you get is : terminate batch off  [Y/N]

If you type 'Y' it aborts the operation are 'N' is typed the execution Contains from that point from where the echo was suspended.

HOWTO CREATE A BATCH FILE :

      

To Create a Batch file two Commands are used - - - - - Copy can, Edit.

Type the following prompt: Copy con A.BAT and press

A means Name. BAT Extension. Here can means Console (your key board.

Prompt à Copy con A.BAT you will --- the cursor below 'A'.  Now Type DIR.

Copy A: ABC TXT b:

DEL A : ABC TXT

(1)

Now press F6 (or) Control + Z key Combination. In this it is A, so you type prompt à you will see the Command in the A.BAT Can right -- to action to so instead of typing all those Commands one after another performed the same job by Just typing the file name.

BATCH FILES :
(a)	ECHO
(b)	REM
(c)	CALL
(d)	PAUSE
(e)	@ COMMAND

Batch file have their own set of Suspended support Commands known as sub Commands. ,

BATCH COMMANDS :

ECHO

This Command is used to set the states of echo effect on or off. The default states of echo is on.

It is also used to display some massages on the monitor as the file is processed.

Syntax : ECHO ON / OFF,  MESSAGE

@:

This Command is used to suppress the any information following this Command.

Syntax : @ MESSAGE / COMMAND

REM:

This Command is used to make or notes in a file. The information or statement that follows the REM Command is not executable because REM is a NON Executable statement.

Syntax : REM Statement /                                  / [Command]

PAUSE:

It Pauses the command interpreter or processor for some time until we press any key from the key board.

Syntax : PAUSE

                It displays the following message [ press any key to continue]

CALL:

This command is used to call a batch file that is called is over that the control is return to the original batch file from where the batch file was called,

Syntax : Batch file name.

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External Commands - III

UNDELETE :

It recovers the file or files from the current or specified drive or path.

Syntax : Undelete [Drive :] [Path] [File name /File spec] [/list :/AII ] :/ Purge [Drive :] : /s [Drive :]

: /T [Drive :] Entries: /Load :/ Unload :/ Status]

/LIST:

List solves the files that are recoverable as found on the current or specified drive.

ALL:

Recovers all the files found on the disk without prompting for conformation.

/PURGE :

Purges all the files that are found on the deletion Control directory.

/s :

Specifies to use deletion entry control method of recovery of the files.

/T:

Specifies to deletion tracks control method of recovery of the files.

/LOAD:

loads the undeletion program for deletion protection

/UNLOAD :

Unloads the deletion program from the memory.

/STATUS :

Display the current status of the undelete program.

/D:

Display the file names on the back up disk but doesn't restore them.

/M:

Restores only those files that were modified since the last back up was mode.

/N:

Restores only those files that were deleted since the last back up.

/P:

Prompts to conform the restoration of files that were changed since the last backup or marked as read only

/S:

Restores the files in the sub directories nested below the target directory.

EDIT:

This is used to Edit the text files.

Syntax : Edit

Ex : A:\> Edit

DELETE:

It is used for Deleting an entire directory. It will delete the hidden files all.

Syntax: DELTREE [ DRIVE: ] [ PATH] DIRECTORIES [IY].

MODE:

It Controls the mode of the display.

SYS:

Transforms the system files to the target disk from the Specified or Current directory.

The system files are IO-Sys. MS-DOS Sys. Command-Sys. Drive space, Bin ( Binary files ). These files are used for the process of booting or to make a disk bootable.

Syntax: Sys [Drive:1] [Path] [Drive :2]

MOVE:

This Command is used to move a file or a group of files. It is also used to Rename a directory. The target directory does not exist it is created by this command and it exist the files are transferred to the specified target directory.

Syntax : MOVE [ Drive: ] [ Path ] [ File name /File spec]

[TargetDrive ] Path [File name / File spec ]

ATTRIB : This Command displays, sets and delete the file attribute of a file or a group of files.

Syntax : ATTRIB [ +A : -A ] [ +R : -R ] [ +S : -S ] [ +H : -H ]

[ Drive: ] [ Path] [ File name / File spec]

A: Archive Attribute

R: Read only Attribute

S.: System Attribute

H: Hidden Attribute

+: Sets the Attribute

- : Deletes the Attribute

RESTORE:

Restores the files from a back up diskette that were back up using the back up program or command. The restore Command required two parameters the Source drive where the files are located.

The Target drive is to where the files are restored DOS assumes the currently logged Sub directory as the target directory.

Syntax : Restore Source Target

Drive: Drive: [ Path]

File spec [/A : MM-DD-YY ] [/B : MM-DD-YY]

[/E: HH : MM : SS ] [ /L : HH : MM : SS ] { /P ] [/M] [ /N ] [ /S ]

[/A : MM - DD - YY ] : Forces the restoration of files that were modify on or after the specified date.

[/B : MM - DD - YY ] : Forces the restoration of files that were modify on or before the specified date

[/E : HH - MM - SS ] : Forces the restoration of files that were modify at or after a specified time.

[/  : HH - MM - SS ] : Forces the restoration of files that were modify at or earlier than the specified  date on file.

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External Commands - II

DRIVE: 

Indicates the name of Source and Target Drives path name.

[/A ] : Copies the Source files that have their Archive Bit Set.

[/D ] : Copies the Source files Modified or Specified Date.

[/E ] : Copies any Sub-Directories even if they are empty.

[/M ] : After copying a file it turns off the copy of each file.

[/P ] : Issues a prompt asking to confirm the copy of each file.

[/S ] : Copies Directories and Lower level Sub Directories unless they are empty.

[/V ] : Causes XCOPY to verify each file as it is written.

[/W] : Makes XCOPY wait before it starts any file.

HELP : 

This Command is used to give the help about the various DOS Commands.

Syntax: HELP [Command]

Ex : HELP TREE

DOSKEY: 

This Command is used to make DOS Remember all the Commands that you enter.

This is allows DOS to remember DOS Commands and permits the user to move cursor along the command like adding DOS Command before they are invoked.

Syntax : Dos key Macro = Commands {/Options}

Doskey does not effects the standard DOS function key but it adds function keys of its own.

/INSERT :

Changes Command line editing to insert mode as the default, press the insert key to do toggle between insert and overstrike mode.

/OVERSTRIKE:

Changes the Command line editing to over strike mode as the default this is the default state if no option are used press the insert key to toggle between the overstrike and insert in insert mode.  .

/REINSTALL:

it installs the additional copy of DOS key in Ram clears the current Command Buffer resets new option  specified on the command each time.

/BUFFER SIZE = NNNN

Specifies the size of the Command, Buffer, where NNNN is the size is how many bytes occupied. The default size of bytes is 512

/HISTORY:

Display all the stored Command lines.

/MACRO :

Display all the Doskey Macros.

GRAPHICS: 

This command gives much support for the printer to print graphics using the print screen.

Syntax : Graphics [/R] [/B]

[/R] : Removes the attribute of the fore ground, back ground colour on the Monitor. 

[/B] : Forces the printer to print the back ground Colour also.

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External Commands - I

LABEL :

This Command is used to Change or Display or Delete the Current or Specified disk drive volume label.

Syntax : LABEL [DRIVE :] [ LABEL NAME]

Ex: Volume in Drive A is....

FORMAT:

It creates a new disk for recording purpose well formatting creates tracks and sectors and directory area FAT area, well disk is formatted it will be loose all the information prior to formatting. If any found on the disk.

Syntax : Format [Drive: ] [/S] [/B] [/U] [/Q] [/V : Label] 

[F : Size] [/1] [/4] [/8]

[/S] : Formats the disks and transfers the DOS system file on the formatted disk. The system files or IO-Sys. MS-DOS sys. Command.Com and Drv. Spice.Bin

[/B] : Formats the disk and reverse space for DOS system files to be transferred on to the target disk. The Floppy or disk thus formatted can get the system file transferred the on to it by using the sys.Command.

[/U] : Specifies unconditional formatting due to which the disk thus formatted cannot be unformatted at a later stage for setting the old information.

[/Q]  :This switch is used to format on already used disk at a faster rate by deleting or Removing

the file allocation label.

[ /V : [Label]]

This switch is used to specific a volume label for the target disk being formatted.

[ /F  : [Size]] :

This Switch is used to format a disk in a in a drive whose capacity is more than that of the disk

being formatted.

[/1]  : This switch is used to prepare a single side disk.

[/4]  : This switch is used to prepare a 360 KB floppy in a high density drive (1.2 MB).

[/8]  : This switch is used to prepare a disk with 8 Sectors for track for user with Version 2.00 on early version.

DISKCOPY:

If you want to copy the contents of one floppy disk to another floppy disk. This Command helps to copies the entire files. Exactly as they are on-the source disk on the destination disk.

Syntax : Diskcopy [Drive 1]  [Drive 2]

Ex: A:\> Diskcopy A: C: and press<enter>

CHKDSK:

This Command Checks the extent of damage and usability on a floppy disk.

Syntax : CHKDSK [Drive: ] [Path] [ File spec ] [ /F ]

[/F]  : Repairs any error found in any the directory and FAT structure.

Ex : A:\> CHKDSK A: press<enter> 

UNDELETE:

If you erased one file, and then you want to call it once again if you use undelete command.

Syntax : UNDELETE [ /List ] [ /All ]

[/ List] : Lists the files that can be deleted, without actually recovering any of the files. 

[/ ALL] : Recover all the deleted files without asking you to confirm each file.

Ex: A:\> Undelete yourname.dat press<enter>

XCOPY :

It is used to copy the files selectively from one or more sub-directories.

Syntax: X COPY [Drive: ] [ Path ] [ Drive: ]

[Path] [/A ] [/d : Date ] [/E ] [ /M ] [ /P ] [ /S ] [/V] [ /W ]

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Internal Commands - II

MD:
This is the Command which lists the user to create a new directory.
Syntax : MD [\Directory name] [\Directory name]
Ex: A:> MD Shankar


CD:
The 'Change Directory' Command is used to change from one directory to another directory.
Syntax: CD [\Directory Name] [\Directory Name]
Ex : CD\MYHOME\MYCOMPUTER


RD:
The 'Remove Directory' Command is used to remove a sub-directory from a particular directory.
Syntax: RD [\Directory name]
Ex: A:> RD MYHOUSE

NOTE: A directory can not be remove directly first at all the existing files in that directory should be deleted then only the main directory can be removed.


TYPE:
This Command displays the contents of the specified file on the Screen.
Syntax :TYPE < file name extension>
EX: A:\> TYPE YOURNAME


COPY:
This Command is helpful for copying the contents of one file to another file, a path should be specified copying and it is possible to copy the contents of one drive to another drive.
Syntax  : Copy [ < Source file> < Target file> ]
Ex : A:\> Copy sourcename targetname


PATH :
This Command is used to set the path for a Command Search.
Syntax : PATH [Drive :\Path; Drive :\P]
Ex: C:\> DOS path: A:\


DEL:
This Command is used to delete the contests of a specified file
Syntax : DEL [ < File name.Exe> ]
Ex : A:\> DEL NAME


REN :
It is a command which is used to change the name of an existing file name with a new file name. Syntax : REN [ < Old File> <New File> ]
Ex: A:\> Ren Old file new file
A:\> Ren oldname newname

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Internal Commands - I

VER:

It display a version number and the Operating System Currently in use. 
Syntaxtax :VER and Press < Enter>
So you get in your screen "MS-DOS Version 6.22" and returns to the prompt: A:\>


VOL:
It displays a volume label and the serial number of the current or specified disk. The length of the internal label is Maximum of 11 characters.
Syntaxtax: Vol [Drive:]
Example: Volume and Press < Enter>
Example : Volume in A:\> is mycomputer


CLS:
Syntaxtax : Cls
It clears the screen and displays the prompt at the top of the left corner of the Screen.
Syntaxtax: Cls
Ex: A:\> Cls and press < Enter>


DATE:
Date Command displays the current date and allows you to change it.
Syntaxtax : Date
Ex: A:\> Date and press < Enter> 
Ex : A:\> Date
Current date is Thu 05-28-2010
Enter new date (MM-DD- YY) TIME:


TIME: 
Time Command displays the Current system time allows you to change it.
Syntaxtax : Time
Ex: A:\> is TIME


DIR:
The DOS Directory Command (DIR) is used to display a listing of files on floppy diskette / hard disk.
Syntaxtax : DIR [ DRIVE :] {PATH} [FILE SPEC/FILE NAME] 
[/P] [/W] [/B] [/C] [/SJ [/A : ATTRIBUTE]
[/O: SORT ORDER]

NOTE:
DIR displays a list of files, directories present in the Current or Specified drive or directory.


DIR/P
It lists one Screenful of files in the normal order, waits for to read it, and when you press any key. It scroll up one more screenful information.
Syntaxtax : DIR/P 
Ex: A:\> DIR/p


DIR/W
It provides an easy - to - read directory listing which Contains only file names and their extensions.
Syntaxtax : DIR/W 
Ex: A:> DIR/W


DIR/B
Listed the files on the diskette in 'B' drive though the present working drive is 'A'.
Syntax: DIR B: 
Ex: A:> DIR B:


DIR/L 
Displays the directory listing in lower case mode.


DIR/S
Display the all files and directories with Sub-Directories of the current or specified drive.


[/A: Attribute] : Display files or Sub-Directory having specified attributes which can be any of the following.

A - Archive
H – Hidden
S - System 
D - Directory
R - Read Only
`-` - not

[/0: Sort order] : Specifies the order for starting the directory listing by primary name extension date or file size where the sorting order may be any of the following.

N - Alphabetical by primary name.
E - Alphabetical by Extension. 
D - Date and Time [First]
G - Directories grouped before files. 
" - " - Reverse Order.

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Types of Commands

DOS Commands are two types

1) Internal Commands.

2) External Commands.

INTERNAL COMMANDS:

The internal commands are those which are automatically loaded in the memory of your personal computer when DOS is loaded. Then those commands can be used without the need of any file or diskette. The internal commands are simple and are used for common jobs, such as copying, erasing and renaming file or changing the directory and changing the current date, time in your personal computer.

All internal commands are called memory resident commands.

All internal commands are part of Command.com

These are do not require any special files for being executing and are brought into the memory as soon as the computer is switched on.

List of Internal Commands :

DIR	CD
COPY	MD
DEL	CLS
TYPE	DATE
TIME	PATH
REN	RD1
BREAK	CALL
ECHO	EXIT
GOTO	IF
PAUSE	PROMPT
REM	SET
SHIFT	VER
VERIFY	VOL

EXTERNAL COMMANDS:

The external commands are used for relative complex jobs such as copying the entire diskette, comparing or joining files, sorting text and formatting a diskette. For using external commands, you need to use corresponding file available in the DOS diskettes or the hard disk.

All External commands are disk  resident commands. These commands will be loaded at the use of request.

Any command which contains COM, EXE, BAT may called as external commands.

These are require certain special DOS files for being executed.

List of External Commands :

FORMAT	ATTRIB
CHKDSK	TREE
XCOPY	DISKCOPY
PRINT	SWISS
BACKUP	GRAPHICS
CHKDSK	LABLE
DISK.COM	MODE
DELTREE	MORE
UNFORMAT	FDISK
SORT	UNDELATE
DOS-KEY	MOVE
EDIT	SCANDISK

Various DOS Command List :

List of Directory Commands :

DIR	MD
RD	TREE
PATH	SUBST

List of File Management Commands :

COPY	XCOPY
DEL	RENAME
ATTIB	BACKUP
RESTORE	FIND
SYS	COPYCON
EDIT

List of File Disk Management Commands :

FORMAT	CHKDSK
DISKCOPY	LABLE
VOL	DISKCOMP
COMP	RECOVER

List of File General Commands :

TYPE	DATE
TIME	PROMPT

List of Batch File Commands :

CALL	CHOICE
@	IF
FOR	GOTO
PAUSE	REM
SET	SHIFT

List of DOS Utility File Commands :

MEMMAKER	MSAV
DBLSPACE	MOVE
DEFRAG	DELTREE
MSBACKUP	SCANDISK
SETVER	UNDELETE
UNFORMAT	XCOPY

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