The DOS Commands Every PC User Must Memorize

One day, there WILL be a test

To the average Windows user, DOS commands seem like a relic of its time. However, they’re still around and are just as useful as they were years ago.

To fully appreciate how powerful these commands are, we’ve compiled a list of the most helpful DOS commands. Granted, some of them are not totally useful on an average day. But when you do need them, DOS commands are there to save the day.

How To Use DOS Commands

First things first. How do you useDOS commands?

You must open either theCommand PromptorPowerShell. Both programs come with Windows and can be accessed throughWindows Search.

Some commands require you to open either of the programs as an administrator. To do so, right click on the app and selectRun as Administrator. We will be using Windows Powershell in the following examples.

Useful Command Prompts For Windows

From basic troubleshooting to network configuration, there are commands that will get your computer working properly again.

Let’s start with something basic.

TheIPCONFIGcommand lets you determine your IP address. The need to know your IP address often comes when setting up your network or when faced with internet issues.

While IP addresses can be found through the Control Panel, the Command Prompt is a faster way of getting that information.

TypeIPCONFIGin the command line. Look upDefault Gateway. The number assigned to it is your IP address.

There comes a point when you will have trouble accessing a site. When that happens, one of the first things you can try is flushing the DNS.

This would allow your browser to reconnect with the regular version of the website and not the wonky one it’s currently accessing.

EnterIPCONFIG /FLUSHDNSin the command line and press Enter to execute. You’ll be notified if the flush was a success.

If you ever need a list of all applications that can open a specific file type,ASSOCcan help with that.

Note:You will need to run ASSOC using the Command Prompt. This does not work in PowerShell.

EnterASSOCfollowed by the filename extension. Windows will then tell you what applications can work with the extension.

The ping command lets you connect to a website to see how long it would take to receive a packet (data transmitted through a network).

If the target website isn’t receiving those packets, it only means there’s a problem with your connection. It’s a simple way to diagnose a network issue.

EnterPINGin the command line. You’ll be shown how long it took to send those packets.

Unless you’re using a solid state drive (SSD), you can wipe the contents of your hard drive with the command lineCIPHER.

It works by dumping useless files to your drive until it runs out of free space. This way, deleted files cannot be recovered.

In essence,CIPHERwill wipe the drive.

EnterCIPHER /W:followed by the drive you want to clean up. It should look likeCIPHER /W:E:(if you’re wiping theE:\drive).

When your PC’s gone haywire,SCANNOWcan figure out what’s going on with your computer.

So before bringing your PC in for repairs, you’ll want to scan first to rule out missing or corrupted files as a culprit.

EnterSFC /SCANNOWand wait for the verification phase of the system scan to finish.

Note:Windows will automatically useWindows Resource Protectionto fix corrupt files should it find any.

Conclusion

There are more command lines out there that have not been included. Some are more complex but are equally useful.

In a pinch, these useful DOS commands will come in handy so make sure you keep a list on hand in case of an emergency.

Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer for hire who provides actionable and useful web content to small businesses and startups. In his spare time, he religiously watches professional wrestling and finds solace in listening to ’80s speed metal.Read Christopher’s Full Bio

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