Exploring MS-DOS Commands: Understanding the Essentials of MS-DOS Commands

Do you know what the commands in MS-DOS are? You must know very well what MS-DOS is and perhaps you also know that no computer or mobile device can work without an operating system.

DOS commands are internal and external commands available in MS-DOS that are used to communicate the operating system with other software with the help of a command line. Unlike Windows, this is the main way you use the operating system.

In MS-DOS, all work is done through commands in the form of text. There is no graphical user interface here, but there is a screen for writing commands. The mouse is not used in this.

Now you must have understood that we use commands to work in this. So it is important to know how many types of commands are there in DOS that we use on it.

That is why we will now know how many more types of MS-DOS commands are listed.

What Are MS-DOS Commands in Hindi?

MS-DOS is an operating system with the help of which the computer runs. When the operating system runs the computer, it provides the facility to use commands with the help of a command interpreter to create a connection between the user and the hardware.

MS-DOS is present in every Windows operating system. This is an operating system that was most popular in 1980–1990. Its full name is Microsoft Disk Operating System because it was purchased by Microsoft sometime after its launch.

MS-DOS is a very lightweight operating system, so its speed is very good, and it becomes very easy to work in it. This is a single-user, single-tasking operating system. MS-DOS accomplishes this facility through two types of commands. So let’s see how many types of MS-DOS commands there are (Types of MS-DOS Commands in Hindi).

MS-DOS Commands Definition

DOS commands are commands available in MS-DOS that are used to interact with the operating system and other command line-based software. Unlike Windows, DOS commands are the primary way you use the operating system.

Types Of MS-DOS Commands

There are many commands to work with inside the Microsoft Disk Operating System. MS-DOS commands are mainly divided into 2 parts.

Internal Commands

Those commands that are always in MS-DOS are always in the system memory and are loaded from command.com or cmd.exe.

The illustration shows how the commands inside command.com are part of. However, in external commands, each command has its separate file.

External Commands

External commands are commands that are not inside command.com. These commands are called external because they are not stored in the system memory.

External commands are not commonly used. There is a dedicated file for each command, whereas the internal commands are inside the command.com file.

Internal And External DOS Commands With Syntax And Example

Let us now talk about how to use internal and external commands, for this we will have to see the syntax of commands, and also with their examples we will understand how these commands are used.

Internal Commands of MS-DOS

1. YOU COMMAND:

This command is used to view sub-directories and files inside a directory.

Syntax-C: >Dir

If you want to see the files in a particular directory in the form of a list, then after writing the Dir command, write the name of that directory.

Syntax-C: > Dir <Directory name>

Ex. – C: > Dir ABC

2. MD COMMAND (Make Directory):

We use MD command to create a new directory inside MS-DOS.

Syntax-C: > MD <Directory name>

Ex. – C: > MD ABC

3. CD COMMAND (Change Directory):

To go from one directory to another we use the CD command.

Syntax-C: > CD <DIR name>

Ex. – C: > CD ABC

4. CD .. Command:

CD.. command is used to exit a directory.

Syntax-C: > <Dir name> <command>

Ex. – C: > ABC> CD …

C: >

5. RD COMMAND (Remove Directory):

When we want to remove a directory then we use the RD command.

Syntax-C: > RD <DIR name>

Ex. – C: > RD ABC

6. CLS (Clear Screen Command):

To clear the screen of Command Prompt, use the CLS command.

Syntax-C: > CLS

Ex.- C: > CLS

7. COPY COMMAND:

To make a copy of a file or directory, we use the COPY command.

Syntax 1- C: > Copy <File Name> <New Name>

Syntax 2- C: > Copy <Path File Name> <Target Drive>

Ex.- C: > COPY ABC XYZ

Ex.- C: > COPY DELHI D:

8. DEL COMMAND (Delete Command):

We can delete the file by using the Del command.

Syntax-C: > Del <DIR name>

Ex. C: > Del ABC.txt

9. REN COMMAND (RENAME COMMAND):

We use this command to change the name of any file.

Syntax-C: > REN <Old File Name> <New File Name>

Ex. – C: > REN ABC.txt XYZ.txt

10. TYPE COMMAND:

We use the Type Command to open and view the text written inside a file.

Syntax-C: > TYPE <DIR name>

Ex. C: > RD ABC.txt

11. DATE COMMAND:

By using this command, we can see the current date in (MM-DD-YY) format.

Syntax-C: > date

Ex. C: > date

12. TIME COMMAND:

By using the time command, we can see the current time.

Syntax-C: > time

Ex.-C: > time

13. VER (VERSION):

With the help of this command, we can see the version of the disk operating system inside the system.

Syntax-C: > Ver

Ex.- C: > Ver

14. COPY CON COMMAND:

We use this command to create a file.

Saving file: The file is saved by CTRL Z.

Syntax-C: > Copy Con <File Name>

Ex.- C: > Copy Con ABC.txt

^ Z (Ctrl Z) / F6

1 file copied

15. PATH COMMAND:

By using this command, we can know the path of any directory.

Syntax-C: > PATH

Ex-C: > PATH

Changing the drive: – To change the name of a drive, we enter the name of the drive and then enter Colon (:).

Syntax-C: > <Drive name>

Ex. C  > A:

16. EXIT COMMAND:

By using this command, we exit the DOS prompt.

Syntax-C: > Exit

Ex-C: > Exit

17. PROMPT COMMAND:

To change the prompt, use the prompt command.

Syntax-C: > prompt_name

Ex. C: > prompt_paragon

External Commands of MS-DOS

1. LABEL Command

By using this command, you can see the label and serial number of the drive and change its label.

The label size is 11 characters in Windows XP and 32 characters in Windows 7. Apart from this, you can also delete the label.

Syntax: c: > LABEL <Drive Name>

Example: c: > LABEL A:

2. Tree Command:

By using Tree Command, we can see files and directories in the format of a tree, just as there are branches in the tree.

Syntax: – c: > TREE / [Switch] [path]

Example: – c: > TREE / F micro

3. CHKDSK Command:

CHKDSK’s full name is Check Disk, with this, we check the secondary memory.

Syntax: – c: > CHKDSK <Drive Name>

For example: – c: > CHKDSK D:

3. Append Command:

This command provides the path to the data file. The append command path works like a comma. We mainly use this command for 3 tasks.

With the help of this command,, we can see the path of the data file, break it, and change the path.

To see the path

c: > append

To break the path

c: > Append;

No Path

To set the path

Syntax: – Append = data file address; other data file address

c: > Append = c: micro; d: Mukesh

4. DiskCopy Command:

We use this command to copy the floppy disk. Most of the floppy disks get damaged again and again and hence this command is used to keep a copy of the data in multiple floppy disks.

Note: The size of both floppy disks should be equal. First, format the floppy disk on which you want to copy. After that, copy both disks.

Syntax: c: > Diskcopy <First Drive Name> <Second Drive Name>

Example: c: > DiskCopy A:

• Insert the disk from which to copy, i.e., the source disk, into drive A.
• After that press any key.
• Then insert the target disk i.e. the disk to which you want to copy and send the data in Drive A:.
• After this press any key.

5. DiskComp Command:

With this, we can compare 2 floppy disks. Use this command immediately after using diskcopy.

In this, it is checked whether any file is missed while copying the floppy disk.

Syntax: c: > DiskComp <First Drive Name> <Second Drive Name>

Example: – c: > disk-comp A:

6. SYS Command:

Its full name is System of the Command. By using this, we can create a bootable disk.

They can also make copies of bootable file disks. After the process is completed, a message appears stating that the disk has become bootable. The computer can be booted with the help of a disk.

Syntax: – C: > SYS A:

Example: – C: > SYS A:

7. Help Command:

By using the Help command, we can get help with DOS commands and how each command works.

Syntax: – c: > HELP <command Name>

Or

c: > Command Name /?

Example: – C: > dir /?

8. Print command:

Using Print, we can take out any printout with the help of LinePrinter, that too in the background.

Syntax: – Print <file Name>

Example: – C: > Print micro.txt

9. DOSKEY Command:

It works like a camera. It is available in operating systems above 5.0. We can use it in its above versions. It records everything.

Which you can see later also. And can also use it. You can also delete the record history by using Alt + F7. You can view the record by using the UP and DOWN buttons.

Syntax: – c: > DOSKEY

Example: – C: > DOSKEY

10. Attrib Command:

With the help of Attrib, you can see the attributes of any file or folder. You can also change its attributes.

There are 4 types of attributes for file and folder.

Read Only: – This attribute means that the file can only be read.
Hidden: – Using this attribute the file or directory can be hidden.
System: – Using this attribute, files, and directories can be converted into system files and directories.

Archive: – With the help of the archive attribute, files, and directories can be archived.
Note: – “can set attribute from this and “-” remove the attribute from this.

Syntax: – ATTRIB / – ATTRIBUTES [PATH FILE OR DIRECTORY NAME]

Command to set attribute
and remove attribute

• Read R -R
• Hidden H-H
• Archive A-A
• System S -S

11. Backup Command:

You must know why we use backup. When we store data in another disk, it is called a backup.

Taking a backup is very important because if we have kept a file or directory in one place and if it gets corrupted by mistake, then backup helps us a lot in getting our data back.

If we get our files and directories back from the backup. For this, we have to use the Restore command.

Syntax: – c: > Backup <source address> <destination disk or address> 

Edit [path file name or new file name]

Example: – c: > backup c: micro A:

12. Edit command:

To make some changes in a created file and to correct some errors in it, we use EDIT. With its help, you can also create a new file.

There is a menu system in it with the help of which we can do the work easily and we can also use the mouse in it. To exit from the EDITOR, the exit menu is used.

Syntax: – c:micro>edit student

Example: – c:micro>edit student

13. Move Command:

Using MOVE you can move a file from one location to another. After moving the file, 1 file moved message comes.

Syntax: – move <Source address> File Name> <Destination Address> 

Example: -move d: computer e:

14. FORMAT Command:

With the help of this command, we can format the disk. Whenever you use this command, extra caution should be taken because data can be deleted. In this, the quick format can be done by using a Q switch.

Syntax: – c: > FORMAT / [SWITCH] Drive Name:

Example: – c: > FORMAT / Q d:

Warning all data on a non-removable disk

Drive d: will be Lost!

Proceed with the format (Y / N). _Y

Volume label (Enter for none)? _

15. FDISK Command:

This command is used to delete the partition. It can also be used to create a new partition. This command should be used very carefully.

These are the 3 types of Disk Partition.

1. Primary partition
2. Extend partition
3. Logical partition

Delete Partition: – To delete partitions, first delete the logical partitions. After that, delete the extended partition. And finally, delete the primary partition.

To delete a partition, the logical partitions have to be deleted first. After that delete the extended partition. And then finally delete the primary partition.

Logical> Extend Partition> Primary Partition

Creating Partition: – Creating a primary partition first creates a partition. After this, make the expanded partition. Finally, create a logical partition.

When it comes to creating a partition, first of all, we create the primary partition. Its extended partition has to be created and last of all the logical partition is created.

Primary> extend> logical

C: > Fdisk

Yes

1. Create Partition

2. Delete Partition

3. Display Partition

16. Sort command:

Sort is a filter command. With the help of this command, we can alphabetize the file.

Here you can tell which column of the file you want to SORT. If you do not specify the column, then SORT alphabetizes according to the character of the first column.

Syntax: – c: > Sort File Name

or

Sort filename >> new fileName

Example: – c: > Sort computer

17. MSAV Command

This is an external command. Which can be used to scan the virus in the computer. Whichever dress we want to scan, we just give the name of that type through a comment, then it scans it. If you do not give the name of any drive then it will scan only the one at that time.

This command creates a CHECKLIST.MS file in every directory in which it scans. In this, it keeps a record of its empty cannings.

Syntax MSAV [d:] [/S|/C]

/S – If you just want to scan your Tribe without removing the virus, then you can use this.

/C – If you want to scan for viruses then you can use this attribute.

18. LESS Command

This is a command used in Linux to read the contents of a text file, one page at a time, on a single screen. It works very fast because it does not load the entire file at once but only as much as is needed.

Syntax: less filename

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

In Short

If you ever see people connected to the network or internet, then go to the command prompt and test the internet connectivity by using the Ping command. This operating system has maintained its presence since ancient times till now, which means that it is special.

Today you learned the syntax of Internal and External DOS Commands and how to use them has been explained with examples.

How did you like this post  What are MS DOS commands? In this, you learned how many types of commands are there in this operating system.

I hope you liked this post and you too can now use internal and external commands yourself.

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