I'm running windows xp home edition, service pack 2. I was wondering if there was any way i can change the home directory in the command prompt from "C:\Documents and Settings\" to just "C:\". this would make my life so much easier, thanks
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command prompt
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The Command Prompt shortcut can be modified as Bob suggested. There is also a simple way to make the change, when desired, within the Command Prompr window. If your Command Prompt comes up with the default
C:\Documents and Settings>
just type cd.. and you will be at C:\>
If you are set up for multiple users, the default will be
C:\Documents and Settings\currentusername.
In this case, type cd..\.. to get to C:\>
These will not be permanent changes, but apply only to the current window. If you really want the change to be permanent, then you must modify the shortcut.
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01. Find the file cmd.exe in C:\Windows\System32.
02. Copy that file to every directory or subdirectory in which you want to open a command prompt.
03. Create another directory somewhere on your C:\ drive; name it whatever you like; I suggest naming it DOS.
04. From Windows Explorer, enter that directory just created.
05. In the File menu, create a new shortcut; browse to a directory or subdirectory in which you placed a copy of cmd.exe; give the shortcut a name that you like.
06. Do steps 04 and 05 for each directory/subdirectory in which you have a copy of cmd.exe.
06. Right-click a blank area of the toolbar; select Toolbars, New Toolbar...; browse to the directory you created in step 03. You will now find a new toolbar just to the left of the clock tray. It will have the name you used in step 03, and it will have a double right arrow to the right of the name.
07. Click on that double right arrow and you will see all the shortcuts you created in steps 05 and 06.
08. Left-Click on one of those shortcuts in your special toolbar, and a DOS window will pop up in that directory or subdirectory.
This is a lot safer than using one of the Power Toys from MS. I managed to corrupt the Open command of Windows XP and had to reformat and reinstall Windows to repair the mess.
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