by Christopher Gagnon
This appendix contains the following sections:
The command line structure of Windows 98 is the same as that of MS-DOS and Windows 95 commands. An executable file will end in the extension .EXE, .COM, or .BAT. This is the typical command structure: C:\command.exe parameter /switch Here's how it looks for an actual command: C:\copy.exe C:\myfile.txt A:\ /V In this example, the command is FORMAT.EXE, the parameter is C:, and the switch is /s. This command tells Windows 98 to format the C: drive and place the system files on it after the format is complete.
This command structure is consistent throughout Windows 98. Some commands might not have switches or parameters, but those that do will use this structure.
NOTE: Depending on the command, the dash (-) might be substituted for the front slash (/) before a switch.
Several basic Windows 98 commands are loaded into memory at all times. These commands are actually part of the file COMMAND.COM that defines the command line environment. In fact, when you run a Command Prompt in Windows 98, you are actually executing the file COMMAND.COM. These commands are called internal commands because they do not exist on the disk. This is opposed to external commands, which are executable files on the hard drive. Table D.1 outlines all the internal commands included with Windows 98.
| Command | Function |
| BREAK | Activates extended Ctrl+C checking |
| CD (CHDIR) | Changes the active directory |
| CHCP | Changes the current Code Page number |
| CLS | Clears the screen |
| COPY | Copies files from one location to another |
| CTTY | Changes the control terminal of the system |
| DATE | Modifies the system date |
| DEL (ERASE) | Deletes unwanted files from a disk |
| DIR | Displays a list of files in the current directory |
| EXIT | Exits the current command prompt |
| LH | Loads a program into upper memory |
| MD (MKDIR) | Creates a directory on a disk |
| PATH | Sets the PATH system environment variable |
| PROMPT | Sets the command prompt |
| RD (RMDIR) | Removes an empty directory from a disk |
| REN (RENAME) | Renames a file on a disk |
| SET | Sets and displays the environment variable |
| TIME | Sets and displays the system time |
| TYPE | Displays the contents of ASCII files |
| VER | Displays the current version of Windows on the system |
| VERIFY | Sets an environment variable that instructs Windows 98 to verify that files are written correctly |
| VOL | Displays the volume label and serial number for a specified disk |
System commands can be used to display and modify the environment settings of the system. The following sections discuss the system commands included with Windows 98. After each command is the location where it is stored on the hard drive.
Location: C:\Windows\System\ACCWIZ.EXE
This command starts the Windows Accessibility Settings Wizard. This wizard allows you to change the various accessibility settings that are available via the Accessibility icon in the Control Panel. This application gives you the same controls the Accessibility properties sheet does, but in a wizard format.
Location: C:\Windows\Command\DEBUG.EXE
Debug is an interactive program you can use to test and edit any type of file on the system. To load a program into debug, type the following command: DEBUG filename Debug loads the file and displays a Debug prompt. The Debug prompt is a dash (-). To display the commands you can use in Debug, type ? and press Enter. Debug displays the contents of the file in hexadecimal form and allows you to change the values.
Debug is intended for programmers with a knowledge of Assembler and hexadecimal. It is a complicated tool that is not covered in detail here.
[BEEG]CAUTION: Debug will allow you to modify any file on your disk, including Windows system files. Do not make any modifications using Debug unless you are absolutely sure you know what you are doing. You can easily destroy your system files beyond repair using this utility.
Location: C:\Windows\Command\DOSKEY.COM
Doskey is a program that allows you to create a command buffer in memory. This buffer holds the last several commands you have typed. You can recall these commands by pressing the Up Arrow key on the keyboard. Then you can scroll through the list of commands with the Down Arrow. This command is handy when you need to type the same several commands repeatedly.
DOSKEY takes the following parameters and switches:
| /BUFSIZE | Changes the size of the command buffer |
| /ECHO | Displays or suppresses display of macros |
| /FILE | Points to a file containing multiple macros |
| /HISTORY | Shows a list of the commands in the buffer |
| /INSERT | Inserts new characters while typing |
| /KEYSIZE | Adjusts keyboard buffer size |
| /LINE | Adjusts size of line buffer |
| /MACROS | Displays all macros in use |
| /OVERSTRIKE | Overwrites any characters on the current line |
| REINSTALL | Starts a new copy of DOSKEY |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\EDIT.COM
Edit is a simple text editor that can be used at the command prompt. It is nearly identical to the editor included with Windows 95 and previous versions of MS-DOS. You can use EDIT to create and modify any ASCII file.
EDIT takes the following parameters and switches:
| /B | Forces EDIT to display in monochrome |
| /H | Tells EDIT to display the maximum number of lines that will fit on the screen |
| /R | Loads files as read-only |
| /S | Restricts the use of long filenames when saving |
| /nnn | Forces word wrapping at nnn characters |
| filename | Loads the specified file into EDIT. |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\KEYB.COM
The KEYB command configures your keyboard for a specific language. To use a keyboard definition file to remap your keyboard, type the following command: C:\KEYB filename The filename parameter is the name of the keyboard map file. This instructs Windows 98 to load the custom keyboard map into memory. This is a handy way of customizing functional keys for a specific application.
KEYB takes the following parameters and switches:
| xx | Specifies a two letter keyboard code |
| yyy | Specifies the code-page used for the character set |
| /E | Informs Windows that an enhanced keyboard is in use |
| /ID:nnn | Specifies the ID of the keyboard currently in use |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\MEM.EXE
The MEM command displays the amount of memory in your system. It breaks the output into Conventional, Upper, Reserved, Extended, Total, and Free memory.
MEM takes the following parameters and switches:
| /C | Lists all programs currently running, classified by memory usage |
| /D | Displays the status of each memory register, along with driver information |
| /F | Displays detailed information on the amount of free memory in the system |
| /M program | Displays memory information for a specific program in memory; must be followed by the name of the program |
| /P | Pauses after each screen |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\MODE.COM
This command configures system-level devices such as COM and LPT ports. The command syntax changes depending on the task you are trying to complete. You can use this command to set baud and parity rates for your COM ports, for example. This command is rarely used because these settings can be made from the GUI.
Location: C:\Windows\Command\MORE.COM
More is a program that is used to display output from other commands one page at a time. This command is usually piped onto another command. For example, you can use the following command to force the TYPE command to display a large file one page at a time: C:\TYPE longfile.txt | MORE This command prevents the text from scrolling to the end.
The MORE command is handy when another command does not contain a switch that pauses output after each screen is displayed. If MORE is used as the primary command, it displays the contents of the file as if you used the TYPE command. The following command produces the same syntax as the previous command: C:\MORE longfile.txt
Location: C:\Windows\Command\NLSFUNC.EXE
The NLSFUNC command loads country-specific information into the system. Usually, you use this command in conjunction with other country-specific commands, such as KEYB, to convert your system to a specific language.
This command requires a file containing the country-specific information. For example, the following command loads the information from the SPAIN.NFO file: C:\NLSFUNC spain.nfo
Location: C:\Windows\PROGMAN.EXE
PROGMAN launches the classic Windows Program Manager. Although the Explorer interface included with Windows 95 and Windows 98 provides more functionality and ease of use, some people prefer the classic Program Manager interface from Windows 3.1. Running PROGMAN launches that interface.
Location: C:\Winodws\REGEDIT.EXE
This command launches the Windows 98 Registry Editor. The Registry Editor enables you to modify system settings; it is covered extensively in other sections of this book. It is mentioned here, however, because it is not displayed as an icon by default in the Windows GUI.
CAUTION: It is possible to cripple your system by making the wrong changes in Registry Editor. Be sure you understand the ramifications of your changes before you make them.
Location: C:\Windows\SETVER.EXE
This command sets the version number that Windows 98 reports to a program. This is important when you're running certain applications that run only under a previous version of Windows. The following example of this command sets the reported version of WIN.COM to 3.11: C:\SETVER WIN.COM 3.11 After you use this command, when an application requests the version number for this file, it will receive 3.11 instead of 4.1. This fools the application into thinking it is running under Windows for Workgroups.
SETVER takes the following parameters and switches:
| FILENAME | Indicates which file's version is to be altered |
| n.nn | Indicates the new version number to be assigned |
| /D | Deletes the version table information for the specified file |
| /Q | Suppresses the warning message displayed when the /D switch is used |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\START.EXE
This command runs a Windows or DOS program. The reason you would use this command instead of just typing the filename of the program is that it allows you to specify how the program runs initially. To run the GO.BAT file in the background, for example, you would use the following command: C:\START /m GO.BAT START takes the following parameters and switches:
| /M | Starts the program minimized in the background |
| /MAX | Starts the program maximized in the foreground |
| /R | Runs the program restored (foreground) |
| /W | Prevents the command prompt from returning until the other program exits |
Location: C:\Windows\WINFILE.EXE
This command starts the classic Windows File Manager. In Windows 95, this program was replaced by Windows Explorer, but some users prefer to use the File Manager from Windows 3.1. This command was included to give you both options.
Location: C:\Windows\WINVER.EXE
This command displays the version of Windows currently running on the system.
Disk and file commands enable you to manipulate files on your system. The following sections cover the Disk and File commands included with Windows 98. After each command is the location where it is stored on the hard drive.
Location: C:\Windows\Command\ATTRIB.EXE
Use this command to change file attributes from the command line. Each file on the system contains an attribute that Windows 98 uses to protect important files. Those attributes include the following:
To change the attributes of your files with the ATTRIB command, you would use the following command syntax: ATTRIB [+R | -R] [+A | -A] [+S | -S] [+H | -H] filename The plus and minus sign parameters add or remove the specified attribute. For example, to add the Hidden and Read-Only attributes to a file called TESTDATA.DAT, you would use the following command: C:\ATTRIB +H +R testdata.dat You can verify that the attributes have been changed by using the following command: C:\ATTRIB testdata.dat When you enter the ATTRIB command followed by the filename only, you see the list of attributes associated with that file.
If you want to change the attribute for all files with a specified path, you can use the /s switch with the command, as shown here: C;\ATTRIB +r C:\DATA /s This command adds the Read-Only attribute to all files in the C:\DATA directory.
Location: C:\Windows\Command\CHKDSK.EXE
The CHKDSK command runs a quick check of your disk drive and displays a report showing the allocation of space on the disk. CHKDSK is capable of fixing minor problems on a disk, such as file fragmentation. The following command checks a disk and repairs any errors that are found: C:\CHKDSK C: /F CHKDSK takes the following parameters and switches:
| /F | Tells CHKDSK to fix any errors it finds on the disk |
| /V | Displays the name and path of every file on a disk |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\DELTREE.EXE
The DELTREE command deletes every file in a specified directory and then deletes the folder. This utility is useful for removing unwanted file structures from your drive. For example, to remove a directory called olddata that contains multiple subdirectories, you would use the following command: C:\DELTREE D:\olddata
CAUTION: This command line utility deletes the specified directory structure without using the Recycle Bin. Be very careful if you use this command.
DELTREE takes the following parameters and switches:
| /Y | Tells DELTREE to delete the structure without prompting you for confirmation |
| path | Specifies the directory you want to delete |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\DISKCOPY.COM
This command copies the contents of one disk to another. This provides an easy way to duplicate floppy disks. The disadvantage of using DISKCOPY is that both disks must be of the same type. For example, you cannot use DISKCOPY to copy the contents of a 5.25" floppy to a 3.5" floppy. This is because DISKCOPY copies files by tracks. Therefore, both types of media must have the same number of tracks.
To copy the contents of one disk to another using only one disk drive, use the following syntax: C:\DISKCOPY a: a: DISKCOPY takes the following parameters and switches:
| /1 | Forces DISKCOPY to copy only one side of the disk |
| /V | Verifies the information during transfer |
| /M | Forces multi-pass copy in memory |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\EXTRACT.EXE
You use the EXTRACT command to extract individual files from cabinet files. Microsoft uses cabinet files to store files on distribution media. CAB files can be found on almost every CD or disk that Microsoft distributes. You might use this command, for example, if you wanted to extract a single file from the CD. The syntax of the EXTRACT command is as follows: C:\EXTRACT cabfile.cab desiredfile.xxx EXTRACT takes the following parameters and switches:
| /A | Processes all cabinets starting with the one specified |
| /C | Copies source file to destination |
| /D | Displays directory of specified cabinet |
| /E | Extracts all files |
| /L | Specifies where to place files after extraction |
| /Y | Suppresses the confirmation prompt to overwrite existing files |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\FC.EXE
The FC command compares two files and shows the differences between them. To compare the files file1.dat and file2.dat, for example, you would use the following command: C:\FC file1.dat file2.dat FC takes the following parameters and switches:
| /A | Displays first and last lines of differences only |
| /B | Forces a binary comparison |
| /C | Ignores case in letters |
| /L | Forces ASCII comparison |
| /LBn | Used to set maximum number of mismatches |
| /N | Displays line number when using an ASCII comparison |
| /T | Specifies not to treat tabs as spaces |
| /W | Removes tabs and spaces before comparing the files |
| /nn | Specifies the number of consecutive matching lines required after a mismatch is detected |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\FDISK.EXE
The FDISK utility enables you to create and delete partitions on a hard drive. FDISK itself is covered earlier in this book. To view partition information from the command line, use the following command: C:\FDISK /STATUS
Location: C:\Windows\Command\FIND.EXE
The FIND command locates a text string in a specified file. For example, to find the word "service" in the file dept.dat, you would use the following command: C:\FIND "service" dept.dat FIND takes the following parameters and switches:
| /V | Displays every line in the specified file that does NOT contain the specified text string |
| /C | Displays only the number of lines containing the string (as opposed to displaying the lines themselves) |
| /N | Displays line numbers with the lines |
| /I | Ignores case |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\FORMAT.COM
You can use the FORMAT command to format a disk. For example, to format a floppy disk in the A: drive, you would use the following command: C:\FORMAT A: FORMAT takes the following parameters and switches:
| /V | Specifies the volume label for the disk |
| /Q | Forces a quick (erase only) format |
| /F:size | Specifies the size of the disk to be formatted |
| /B | Allocates space on the disk for system files |
| /S | Copies the system files to the disk after formatting |
| /T:tracks | Specifies the number of tracks on each side of the disk |
| /N:sectors | Specifies the number of sectors on the track |
| /1 | Formats only one side of a floppy disk |
| /4 | Allows the format of a 360K floppy in a 720K drive |
| /8 | Forces eight sectors per track |
| /C | Performs a test on any clusters that are marked as bad |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\LABEL.EXE
The LABEL command allows you to add a volume label to a disk. To add the label HDD1 to your C: drive, for example, you would use the following command: C:\LABEL C: HDD1 To view the label on your disk, type LABEL or DIR.
Location: C:\Windows\Command\MOVE.EXE
The MOVE command enables you to move files from one location to another. It accomplishes this by copying the file to the new location and then deleting the old file. The effect is similar to dragging a file to a new location in Windows Explorer while holding the Shift button.
For example, to move the file EXAM.DAT from C:\data to C:\archive, use the following command: C:\MOVE C:\data\exam.dat C:\archive\exam.dat If you want to rename the file to exam.arc while you move it, modify the command as shown here: C:\MOVE C:\data\exam.dat C:\archive\exam.arc The MOVE command can also be used to rename a directory without actually moving anything. To rename the data directory to examdata without altering any of the files in it, use the following command: C:\MOVE C:\data C:\examdata
Location: C:\Windows\Command\SORT.EXE
The SORT command sorts input and displays the results. For example, to sort the names in the file NAMES.TXT and write them to the file SORTNAME.TXT, use the following command: C:\SORT names.txt sortname.txt You can also pipe other commands through the SORT command in order to sort the output of the primary command. For example, you could type the contents of the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and display each line in alphabetical order with this command: C:\TYPE autoexec.bat | SORT SORT takes the following parameters and switches:
| /R | Sorts the input in descending order |
| /+n | Sorts the input by the character in column n |
Location: C:\Windows\Command\SUBST.EXE
You can use the SUBST command to associate a path with a drive letter. For example, you would use the following command to associate the path C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM with the drive letter F: C:\SUBST F: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM This would allow you to quickly access your system directory without having to type the path repeatedly. Windows 98 will also display a new drive in My Computer and Windows Explorer that corresponds to the specified path. This drive mapping will remain in effect until the system is rebooted or until you use the following command to remove the association: C:\SUBST F: /D
Location: C:\Windows\Command\XCOPY.EXE
The XCOPY command enables you to copy files and directories from one disk to another. This command is similar to the DISKCOPY command except that XCOPY does not require both disks to be of the same type. Therefore, you can use XCOPY to copy files from a 2GB hard drive to a 6GB hard drive. This is because XCOPY transfers data bit-for-bit instead of copying by tracks.
To copy the contents of drive C: to drive D:, use the following command: C:\XCOPY C: D: XCOPY takes the following parameters and switches:
| /A | Copies files without changing file attributes |
| /M | Turns off the Archive attribute when copying files |
| /D:date | Copies only the files that have been modified since the specified date |
| /P | Prompts before creating each file |
| /S | Instructs XCOPY not to copy empty directories |
| /E | Instructs XCOPY to copy empty directories |
| /W | Prompts for confirmation before copying |
| /C | Continues copying even if an error occurs |
| /I | Assumes destination is a directory if it does not exist and multiple files are being copied |
| /Q | Copies without displaying filenames |
| /F | Displays full filename while copying |
| /L | Displays files that will be copied |
| /H | Copies hidden and system files also |
| /R | Overwrites read-only files |
| /T | Creates directory structure without copying the files |
| /U | Overwrites files that already exist in destination |
| /K | Copies attributes with files |
| /Y | Prevents display of a prompt before overwriting existing files |
| /-Y | Displays a prompt before overwriting existing files |
| /N | Copies using the short filenames |
Network commands can be used to display and modify network settings. The following sections discuss the command line network commands included with Windows 98. After each command is the location where it is stored on the hard drive.
Location: C:\Windows\ARP.EXE
The ARP command enables you to display and modify the ARP tables used by Address Resolution Protocol to resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses. To display the current ARP tables, type the following command: C:\ARP -a For example, to add a static entry to the ARP table that associates IP address 172.221.138.14 to MAC address 00-aa-0b-21-c4-02, you would type the following command: C:\ARP -s 172.221.138.14 00-aa-0b-21-c4-02 Putting this entry in your ARP table effectively ties an IP address to a specific NIC card. Whenever your machine tries to communicate with 172.221.138.14, it ties the specified MAC address into the packet header. You can delete this static ARP table entry with the following command: C:\ARP -d 172.221.138.14
NOTE:otice that the switches for this command use the dash (-) instead of the front slash (/).
ARP takes the following parameters and switches:
| -A | Displays the current ARP table entries |
| -N xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx | Displays the ARP table of the NIC, specified by IP address; this is handy if you have a multi-homed machine and you need the ARP entries for a specific NIC |
| -D | Deletes the entry for the specified IP address |
| -S | Adds an entry to the ARP table |
Location: C:\Windows\FTP.EXE
The FTP command starts the command line File Transfer Protocol utility. This program transfers files with an FTP server. To connect with the FTP server ftp.microsoft.com, for example, you would type the following command: C:\FTP ftp.microsoft.com You will be prompted for a username and password. After you enter them, you are returned to the FTP prompt.
Several commands included in the FTP program allow you to navigate through an FTP server. For example, to change to the public directory and download a file called filelist.txt on an FTP server, type the following command: FTP> cd public FTP> get filelist.txt
NOTE: Most FTP servers are case sensitive. This is because most FTP servers are running on UNIX systems, and UNIX differentiates between case. If a filename is Filelist.TXT, you must type the name exactly, including case. Typing GET FILELIST.TXT will result in a file not found error.
Table D.2 lists the commands you can use to navigate the FTP server.
| Command | Description |
| ! | Drops you to a command prompt without exiting FTP. (To return to FTP from the command shell, you must use the exit command.) |
| ? | Displays a list of commands |
| APPEND | Appends a file to the end of another file |
| ASCII | Sets the transfer mode to ASCII |
| BELL | Causes the system to beep when a command is completed |
| BINARY | Sets the transfer mode to binary |
| BYE | Disconnects from the remote system and exits FTP |
| CD | Changes the active directory on the remote system |
| CLOSE | Disconnects from the remote system |
| DELETE | Used to delete a file on the remote machine |
| DEBUG | Activates debug mode |
| DIR | Displays a list of files in the active directory on the remote system |
| DISCONNECT | Disconnects from the remote system |
| GET | Transfers a file from the remote system to the local system |
| GLOB | Used to expand local filenames |
| HASH | Prints a pound sign (#) for each buffer transferred. (This is used to monitor file transfer progress.) |
| HELP | Displays a list of available commands |
| LCD | Changes the active directory on the local machine |
| LITERAL | Sends an arbitrary command |
| LS | Displays the contents of the active directory on the remote machine |
| MDELETE | Deletes multiple files |
| MDIR | Displays the contents of multiple directories on the remote machine |
| MGET | Transfers multiple files from the remote machine to the local machine |
| MKDIR | Creates a directory on the remote machine |
| MLS | Displays the contents of multiple directories on the remote machine |
| MPUT | Transfers multiple files from the local machine to the remote machine |
| OPEN | Establishes a connection to an FTP server |
| PROMPT | Forces interactive prompts on any of the multiple-file commands |
| PUT | Transfers files from the local machine to the remote machine |
| PWD | Shows the contents of the active directory on the local machine |
| QUIT | Exits FTP |
| QUOTE | Sends an arbitrary FTP command |
| RECV | Transfers a file from the remote machine to the local machine |
| REMOTEHELP | Requests help from the remote server |
| RENAME | Renames a file |
| RMDIR | Removes a directory on the remote system |
| SEND | Transfers a file from the local machine to the remote machine |
| STATUS | Shows the current environment settings |
| TRACE | Activates tracing of packets |
| TYPE | Changes file transfer type |
| USER | Changes logon credentials without disconnecting from the FTP server |
| VERBOSE | Activates detailed responses |
Location: C:\Windows\IPCONFIG.EXE
You can use the IPCONFIG command to display a list of the IP configuration. To display this information, type the following command: C:\IPCONFIG If you are using DHCP, you can use the IPCONFIG command to release and renew your IP address.
IPCONFIG takes the following parameters and switches:
| /ALL | Displays detailed information |
| /BATCH filename | Writes the information to a specified filename |
| RENEW_ALL (DHCP Only) | Renews the IP address for all adapters on the system |
| RELEASE_ALL (DHCP Only) | Releases all IP addresses on all adapters |
| RENEW n | Renews IP address for the specified adapter |
| RELEASE n | Releases IP address for the specified adapter |
[BEEG]NOTE: The n in the last two switches refers to the LANA number of the card. You can see these numbers by running the IPCONFIG command with no switches.
Location: C:\Windows\NBTSTAT.EXE
The NBTSTAT command enables you to view current IP connections that are using NetBIOS over TCP/IP. To view the remote machine name table for a machine with an IP address of 169.254.36.201, you would use the following command: C:\NBTSTAT -A 169.254.36.201 NBTSTAT takes the following parameters and switches:
| -a | Displays the remote machine's name table when given its name |
| -A | Displays the remote machine's name table when given its IP address |
| -c | Displays the remote name cache |
| -n | Displays local NetBIOS names |
| -r | Lists names resolved by broadcast and WINS |
| -R | Reloads the remote name table |
| -S | Lists sessions table using IP addresses |
| -s | Lists sessions table, but resolves IP addresses using the HOSTS file |
NOTE:otice that the switches for this command use the dash (-) instead of the front slash (/) and that they are case sensitive.
Location: C:\Windows\NET.EXE
The NET command displays and manages NetBIOS connections to other machines. For example, you can view any network drive mappings by typing the following command:
C:\NET USE
The NET command consists of multiple sections that depend on the first parameter in the command. The following list details the commands available for use with the NET command.
NET CONFIG The NET CONFIG command displays your current Computer Name, Workgroup name, User Name, and software versions.
NET DIAG The NET DIAG command enables you to test the connection between two machines on a network. When you run NET DIAG on the first machine, it becomes a network diagnostics server. Subsequent machines will connect to this server when they run NET DIAG.
NET HELP The NET HELP command provides detailed help on each NET command. You can also use NET HELP to decipher any error number you might receive from a NET command.
NET INIT You can use the NET INIT command to initialize the network. Basically, it loads the NIC drivers and the protocols, but it doesn't bind them to the Protocol Manager. This command is rarely used anymore because most networking is handled by protected-mode drivers in Windows 98.
NET LOGOFF This command removes the network bindings from your NIC, which breaks all network connections. This command prevents any network traffic from reaching your system.
NET LOGON This command allows you to connect to other machines by identifying you as a member of a workgroup. This command is rarely used because you are now given the option of logging on when you start Windows 98.
NET PASSWORD This command changes your network password stored in the username.PWL file on your system. Changing your password here affects all subsequent logons, including logons on from the GUI at system startup.
NET PRINT This command allows you to view the printer queues on any network printer you have configured. This command is also rarely used because it is much easier to use the Printers window in the GUI to view print jobs.
NET START The NET START command allows you to start network services. Note, however, that you cannot start network services from a command prompt. In order to use this command, you must run Windows 98 in MS-DOS mode. This allows you to connect to the network in a fully DOS-compatible environment.
NET STOP This command stops all network services. Like the NET START command, you cannot stop network services from a command prompt. This command is of value only if you are running in MS-DOS mode.
NET TIME The NET TIME command enables you to synchronize your system clock with another machine on the network. To synchronize your clock with a computer named TIMESERVER, for example, you would type the following command:
C:\NET TIME \\TIMSERVER
NET USE The NET USE command lets you map local drives to network shares. To view a list of drive mappings on your system, type the NET USE command with no parameters. To map your M: drive to the Public share on a computer named HAL9000 from the command prompt, you would use the following command:
C:\NET USE M: \\HAL9000\PUBLIC
To remove this drive mapping, you would use the following command:
C:\NET USE M: /DELETE
NET VER This command displays the type and version of the current redirector.
NET VIEW The NET VIEW command requests a list of machines on the network from the system designated as the Master Browser. This list is often more up-to-date than what you see in Network Neighborhood because the machine list displayed in Network Neighborhood is received from a backup browser that might not have received the latest update from the Master Browser yet.
Location: C:\Windows\NETSTAT.EXE
The NETSTAT command displays a list of current IP connections, as well as protocol statistics. This information is useful in troubleshooting connection problems.
The NETSTAT command uses the following switches to modify its output:
| -A Displays all connections |
| -E Displays Ethernet statistics |
| -N Displays IP addresses and ports numerically |
| -P protocol Displays connections for only the specified protocol |
| -R Displays the routing table |
| -S Displays statistics separated by protocol |
Location: C:\Windows\PING.EXE
You use PING to measure the stability of a connection by sending ICMP requests to a remote host and measuring the amount of time it takes to receive a response. You can send a ping to either a machine name or an IP address. To ping the IP address 134.16.27.218, you would use the following command: C:\PING 134.16.27.218
Location: C:\Windows\ROUTE.EXE
The ROUTE command enables you to view and manage the routing table. The routing table is a table of static routes used to direct traffic across the network. Four subcommands are used with the ROUTE command to allow you to perform different functions on your routing tables. These are the four subcommands:
| Displays information in the routing table | |
| ADD | Adds a route to the routing table |
| CHANGE | Modifies a route in the routing table |
| DELETE | Deletes a route from the routing table |
Location: C:\Windows\TRACERT.EXE
TRACERT enables you to trace the route to a remote machine. For example, you might want to see how many routers you go through when you connect to www.microsoft.com. You could then use this information to help troubleshoot where connection problems exist. To trace a route to www.microsoft.com, use the following command: C:\TRACERT www.microsoft.com TRACERT takes the following switches:
| -D | Suppresses name resolution |
| -H nn | Indicates the maximum number of hops TRACERT will allow before failure |
| -W nn | Specifies the amount of time to wait for each hop before timeout |
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