Commands in DOS

Backup Files

It is possible to lose files by mistake, although the more you practice the less likely it becomes. For your own peace of mind, it is good practice to make backup copies of your most valuable files on a separate diskette. Store your backup disk in a safe place and don't carry it through a metal detector. Use the COPY command to create the backup.

There is no need to backup every file you create, only the ones in which you've invested much work. Also, prune your backup diskette every week or two using the ERASE command. Backup files which have been made redundant by subsequent additions will simply create clutter on your backup diskette. An effective file naming convention is essential to keeping track of your backups. Change the Default Drive

To change the default drive, simply type the letter of the your choice. The new default will be listed in subsequent DOS prompts.

Example:

C> A: [enter]
Changes the default drive from C to A.

A> C: [enter]
Changes the default drive from A to C.

[enter] means that you must press the Enter Key before the format command will execute. [Enter] is required after any DOS command, it is assumed in all commands found below. CHDIR (CD) Change Directory Command

Once you have located the directory you want, you may move from directory to directory using the CD command (change directory)

Example:

C> cd furniture
Moves you to the directory called 'FURNITURE'

C> cd \furniture\chairs
Moves you to the directory called 'CHAIRS' under the directory called 'FURNITURE'.

C> cd ..
Moves you up one level in the path.

C> cd \
Takes you back to the root directory (c: in this case). COPY Command

The COPY command can be used both to copy files from disk to disk or to create a second copy of a file on a single disk. (There are many more uses of the COPY command, but only the basic operation is discussed here.)

Example:

C> copy c:kermit.exe a:
Copies the file 'KERMIT.EXE' from the C drive to the A drive and gives it the same name.