Windows Xp Tips and Tricks- XP Run Command Tips-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

Opening applications in Run-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

Opening applications in Run

Although applications can be opened in a variety of ways, the Run line often provides the quickest route. Desktop shortcut icons are also a quick route but you have to know how to create a shortcut for all the applications and you may end up with dozens of icons.

The best candidates for the Run line are applications that are in the "path" environment.The path environment is a set of folders whose names do not have to be included when entering a command. The path environment variable normally includes \Windows\ and \Windows\system32\. Many common accessories and Windows applets are in these folders and can be opened by entering just the executable file name. Several that I use constantly are the Registry editor (regedit) and the System Configuration Utility (msconfig). Note that neither of these frequently used system tools has an entry in Start- All Programs. The Run line is the standard method of accessing them.

Opening folders in Run-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Opening folders in Run

Not only files but also folders can be opened in the Run line. Folders contained by a folder in the path are in this category. Examples are folders within \Windows\ and \Windows\system32\ such as the folders Fonts and "Drivers". Folders that are in \Documents and Settings\{Current User}\ can also be opened in Run. An example is SendTo (written as one word). Being able to open this folder in Run is convenient for editing. It makes it easier to add functions to the "Send To" entry in the right-click context menu. Another example of a folder from the same location that can be entered is Cookies.
Note about Vista: Certain system folders like SendTo and Cookies are not directly accessible in Vista.

There are also some interesting shortcuts to folders that are available in Run. Typing the backslash (\) in the run line and entering it brings up the root folder, usually the C: drive. Typing and entering a period (.) brings up the folder \Documents and Settings\{Current User}\ in Windows XP (or Users\(Current User} in Vista). Entering two periods (..) opens the folder \Documents and Settings\ (or Users in Vista).

Dragging and dropping folders and files into the Run line-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

Dragging and dropping folders and files into the Run line

If the Run line is open (make sure it is empty) folders or files can be dragged and dropped on it from an open folder window. The full path of the dropped object will be inserted into the Run line and clicking "OK' or pressing the "Enter" key will open the dropped file or folder. Although this feature presents no particular advantage in general, it can be helpful to those who have trouble with double-clicking the mouse.

Adding applications to the Path-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:40:00.001-08:00

Adding applications to the Path

The ability to enter a short file name into the Run line to open a program can be extended to any program by putting the folder containing the program executable into the path.

Alternatively, the Registry can be edited to explicitly contain the path to the desired executable file or files. The Registry key involved is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths
Create a new sub-key with the name of the executable file that you wish to add to the path. e .g.,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\somefile.exe
In this new key, add a string variable named "Path" containing the value of the the path to your new executable file, e.g.,
C:\Program files\newprogramfolder\
The new key will already have an empty variable (Default). Edit it to have the string value of entire address of the new program executable , e.g.,
C:\Program files\newprogramfolder\somefile.exe
You can now enter "somefile.exe" into the Run line to open the program. An example of what the Regedit entries look like is shown in the figure below. I have added a chess game with the executable "winchen.exe" to the path.

A number of files are likely to have already been added on your system. Many applications place themselves here when they are installed. Examples are Microsoft Office components. It is sufficient to enter "winword" into the Run line to open Microsoft Word or "excel" to open Microsoft Excel.

Internet Applications-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Internet Applications

If you are connected to the Internet, entering an URL into Run opens Internet Explorer (or other browser if it is properly associated) and takes you right to the appropriate web site. The "Browse" function can be used to go to your Favorites folder and you can then click on a link. (Be sure the Browse function is showing "All files" as the file type.) On some systems it will even initiate a Web connection if you are not already on-line. You can also start e-mail by entering “mailto:someone@somewhere.com”. This will open a blank new e-mail with the address already entered. If you want to use an e-mail client other than the Microsoft application Outlook Express, it will have to be associated with the “mailto” function. Many e-mail clients do this automatically when they are installed. (As far as I know, this does not apply to AOL.)

Google supports a command line function that allows for simple searches on on a single term. Enter "www.google.com/search?q=%1" into the Run line, where %1 is the term that is being searched. A dash can be used to combine words. For example, try "www.google.com/search?q=windows-registry" (Omit the quotes.)

Comparison of Run with the Command Prompt-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:36:00.001-08:00

Comparison of Run with the Command Prompt

Although a great many commands can be executed in either the Run line or a command prompt, some commands will run directly only in one or the other. Commands which are built into the command interpreter cannot be entered in the Run line without first invoking cmd.exe. These include commands like "dir" and "del". Certain special features of the Run line such as the direct way of opening folders or the Internet shortcuts discussed above do not work in a command prompt unless prefaced with the command "Start".

Accessing the Command Shell from Run-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

Accessing the Command Shell from Run

The command interpreter can be invoked to carry out a command from the Run line by entering
cmd /c some_command
With the switch "/c", some_command will be carried out and the command shell will then close. If you want the command shell to remain open, use the switch "/k". Enter
cmd /k some_command

The Run Line in Vista-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

The Run Line in Vista

The Start menu in Vista has no Run line in its default setting. Many of the functions of Run can be carried out in the new Search function that is at the bottom of the Vista Start menu but I still like to use Run sometimes. You can get Run back temporarily by using the keyboard shortcut Windows key+R. To put Run permanently back in the Start menu :
Right-click on the Start menu and choose "Properties"
Select the "Start Menu" tab and click on the "Customize..." button
Check the "Run command" option

Run commands-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

Run commands

Calc - Calculator
Cfgwiz32 - ISDN Configuration Wizard
Charmap - Character Map
Chkdisk - Repair damaged files
Cleanmgr - Cleans up hard drives
Clipbrd - Windows Clipboard viewer
Cmd - Opens a new Command Window (cmd.exe)
Control - Displays Control Panel
Dcomcnfg - DCOM user security
Debug - Assembly language programming tool
Defrag - Defragmentation tool
Drwatson - Records programs crash & snapshots
Dxdiag - DirectX Diagnostic Utility
Explorer - Windows Explorer
Fontview - Graphical font viewer
Ftp - ftp.exe program
Hostname - Returns Computer's name
Ipconfig - Displays IP configuration for all network adapters
Jview - Microsoft Command-line Loader for Java classes
MMC - Microsoft Management Console
Msconfig - Configuration to edit startup files
Msinfo32 - Microsoft System Information Utility
Nbtstat - Displays stats and current connections using NetBios over TCP/IP
Netstat - Displays all active network connections
Nslookup- Returns your local DNS server
Ping - Sends data to a specified host/IP
Regedit - registry Editor
Regsvr32 - register/de-register DLL/OCX/ActiveX
Regwiz - Reistration wizard
Sfc /scannow - Sytem File Checker
Sndrec32 - Sound Recorder
Sndvol32 - Volume control for soundcard
Sysedit - Edit system startup files (config.sys, autoexec.bat, win.ini, etc.)
Taskmgr - Task manager
Telnet - Telnet program
Tracert - Traces and displays all paths required to reach an internet host
Winipcfg - Displays IP configuration

Management Consoles-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T20:03:00.000-08:00

Management Consoles

certmgr.msc - Certificate Manager
ciadv.msc - Indexing Service
compmgmt.msc - Computer management
devmgmt.msc - Device Manager
dfrg.msc - Defragment
diskmgmt.msc - Disk Management
fsmgmt.msc - Folder Sharing Management
eventvwr.msc - Event Viewer
gpedit.msc - Group Policy -XP Pro only
iis.msc - Internet Information Services
lusrmgr.msc - Local Users and Groups
mscorcfg.msc - Net configurations
ntmsmgr.msc - Removable Storage
perfmon.msc - Performance Manager
secpol.msc - Local Security Policy
services.msc - System Services
wmimgmt.msc - Windows Management

Shortcuts-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

Shortcuts

access.cpl - Accessibility Options
hdwwiz.cpl - Add New Hardware Wizard
appwiz.cpl - dd/Remove Programs
timedate.cpl - Date and Time Properties
desk.cpl - Display Properties
inetcpl.cpl - Internet Properties
joy.cpl - Joystick Properties
main.cpl keboard - Keyboard Properties
main.cpl - Mouse Properties
ncpa.cpl - Network Connections
ncpl.cpl - Network Properties
telephon.cpl - Phone and Modem options
powercfg.cpl - Power Management
intl.cpl - Regional settings
mmsys.cpl sounds - Sound Properties
mmsys.cpl - Sounds and Audio Device Properties
sysdm.cpl - System Properties
nusrmgr.cpl - User settings
firewall.cpl - Firewall Settings (sp2)
wscui.cpl - Security Center (sp2)

Windows Environment Commands-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

Windows Environment Commands

%ALLUSERSPROFILE% - Open the All User's Profile
%HomeDrive% - Opens your home drive e.g. C:\
%UserProfile% - Opens you User's Profile
%temp% Opens - temporary file Folder
%systemroot% - Opens Windows folder

Wupdmgr - Takes you to Microsoft Windows Update

General Commands-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

General Commands
Accessibility Controls -access.cpl
Accessibility Wizard -accwiz
Add Hardware Wizard -hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs -appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools -control admintools
Adobe Acrobat (if installed) -acrobat
Adobe Designer (if installed) -acrodist
Adobe Distiller (if installed) -acrodist
Adobe ImageReady (if installed) -imageready
Adobe Photoshop (if installed) -photoshop
Automatic Updates -wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard -fsquirt
Calculator -calc
Certificate Manager -certmgr.msc
Character Map -charmap
Check Disk Utility -chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer -clipbrd
Command Prompt -cmd
Component Services -dcomcnfg
Computer Management -compmgmt.msc
Control Panel -control
Date and Time Properties -timedate.cpl
DDE Shares -ddeshare
Device Manager -devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)* -directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter -dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility -cleanmgr
Disk Defragment -dfrg.msc
Disk Management -diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager -diskpart
Display Properties -control desktop
Display Properties -desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected) -control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility -drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility -verifier
Event Viewer -eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool -sigverif
Files and Settings Transfer Tool -migwiz
Findfast -findfast.cpl
Firefox (if installed) -firefox
Folders Properties -control folders
Fonts -control fonts
Fonts Folder -fonts
Free Cell Card Game -freecell
Game Controllers -joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof) -gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game -mshearts
Help and Support -helpctr
HyperTerminal -hypertrm
Iexpress Wizard -iexpress
Indexing Service -ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard -icwconn1
Internet Explorer -iexplore
Internet Properties -inetcpl.cpl
Internet Setup Wizard -inetwiz
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents) -ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration) -ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID) -ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents) -ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID) -ipconfig /setclassid
IP Configuration (Refreshes/Re-Registers DHCP) -ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections) -ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections) -ipconfig /renew
Java Control Panel (If Installed) -jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed) -javaws
Keyboard Properties -control keyboard
Local Security Settings -secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups -lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows -logoff
Malicious Software Removal Tool -mrt
Microsoft Access (if installed) -access.cpl
Microsoft Chat -winchat
Microsoft Excel (if installed) -excel
Microsoft Frontpage (if installed) -frontpg
Microsoft Movie Maker -moviemk
Microsoft Paint -mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed) -powerpnt
Microsoft Syncronization Tool -mobsync
Microsoft Word (if installed) -winword
Minesweeper Game -winmine
Mouse Properties -control mouse
Mouse Properties -main.cpl
Nero (if installed) -nero
Netmeeting -conf
Network Connections -control netconnections
Network Connections -ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard -netsetup.cpl
Notepad -notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed) -nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager -packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator -odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard -osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed) -ac3filter.cpl
Outlook Express -msimn
Paint -pbrush
Partition -x: (X=driveletter)
Password Properties -password.cpl
Performance Monitor -perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor -perfmon
Phone and Modem Options -telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer -dialer
Pinball Game -pinball
Power Configuration -powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes -control printers
Printers Folder -printers
Private Character Editor -eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed) -QuickTime.cpl
Quicktime Player (if installed) -quicktimeplayer
Real Player (if installed) -realplay
Regional Settings -intl.cpl
Registry Editor -regedit
Registry Editor -regedit32
Remote Access Phonebook -rasphone
Remote Desktop -mstsc
Removable Storage -ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests -ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof) -rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras -sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks control -schedtasks
Security Center -wscui.cpl
Services -services.msc
Shared Folders -fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows -shutdown
Sounds and Audio -mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game -spider
SQL Client Configuration -cliconfg
System Configuration Editor -sysedit
System Configuration Utility -msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache) -sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting) -sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately) -sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) -sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot) -sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x) -sfc /cachesize=x
System Information -msinfo32
System Properties -sysdm.cpl
Task Manager -taskmgr
TCP Tester -tcptest
Telnet Client -telnet
TEMP Folder -%temp%
Tweak UI (if installed) -tweakui
User Account Management -nusrmgr.cpl
User Profile -%USERPROFILE%
Utility Manager -utilman
Windows Address Book Import Utility -wabmig
Windows Address Book -wab
Windows Backup Utility (if installed) -ntbackup
Windows Explorer -explorer
Windows Firewall -firewall.cpl
Windows Folder -%windir%
Windows installed Directory -\
Windows Magnifier -magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure -wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player -wmplayer
Windows Messenger -msmsgs
Windows Picture Import Wizard -wiaacmgr
Windows System Security Tool -syskey
Windows Update Launches -wupdmgr
Windows Version -winver
Windows XP Tour Wizard -tourstart
Wordpad -write