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1Accessing the Command Line Terminal
2Understanding the Syntax
3Inputting Commands
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Last Updated: December 6, 2021
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Everyone understands that Computers can be difficult. At times, Computers just do the exact opposite of what the user tells them, and this can get really frustrating. This is where the Windows Command line Terminal comes into play. The Command line Terminal acts as a sort of direct communication line with the device. In the sense that whatever you input into the Terminal, the Computer will do exactly as instructed. This allows for users to effectively utilize the Terminal as a plan B whenever the software of their device seems to be malfunctioning. When an operating system or software fails and won’t allow the user to move any of their precious files, it can cause a logistical issue. This why learning how to move files using the Command line Terminal can be so useful.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Accessing the Command Line Terminal
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1
Click the Start button at the bottom left of the screen to open up the start menu.
- All versions of the Microsoft Windows Operating system have some form of the Start Menu, typically associated with the Microsoft logo itself.
2
Type in either “cmd” or “command line” on the navigation bar and hit enter
- The term “cmd” is the Microsoft term for the Windows Terminal
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3
Ensure you're logged in as an administrator. In order to properly move files, one must be logged in as an administrator, to do this after selecting the Command line icon click “Run as Administrator”.
- The Command line icon appears as a black box with a little scribble in the top left. This is indicative of the GUI of the Terminal which is literally just a black background with white text.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Understanding the Syntax
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1
Type in the move command. At the prompt line type in “move /?”
- The “move” command will be the primary command used to transport files/folders in the Windows Terminal.
- The “/?” option of the command is essentially a help manual. With any command, after inputting “/?”, it brings up a manual for all the respective options and varieties for that respective command.
2
At the prompt line type in “dir”.
- The “dir” command essentially lists all the files/folders that are situated in your current directory. It is short for directory.
- The file names that are listed in blue are all files that can be accessed by the current user, those in white are only available to administrators.
3
At the prompt line type in “copy /?”
- Keep in mind, the copy command simply duplicates a file/folder and pastes it to the intended destination. The original file/folder still exists in its original spot and must be deleted.
- If you wish to do this, simply input “del [filename]”, and the file/folder should be deleted
4
Establish the directory. If you are planning on moving your files to a new directory it is important to first establish this new directory before moving the files. To do this simply input “mkdir [filename]”.
- The command “mkdir” stands for “make directory”
- A directory is a file system that stores and organizes a variety of files, folders, documents, and even other directories
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Inputting Commands
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1
Understand how to move a file. To move a file/folder simply input “move [filename] [destination]” into the prompt.
- The terms in brackets should be replaced with their literal substitutes.
2
Understand the copy command. To copy a file/folder in Windows simply type in “copy [source] [destination]”
- There is no need to do a paste command of any sort, technically speaking it is already in the command. The destination half of the command represents the paste command.
3
Validate whether or not the file/folder was actually moved/copied. Simply type in “cd [directory]”, and then input “dir” to display all the stored files/folders.
See AlsoVMware Knowledge Base- If done properly, the name of the file/folder should appear in blue
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As a seasoned computer enthusiast with extensive experience in operating systems, particularly Windows, I am well-versed in the intricacies of the Windows Command Line Terminal. Over the years, I have navigated through various versions of the Windows operating system, and my proficiency extends to troubleshooting and utilizing the Command Line Terminal as a powerful tool for system management.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
Accessing the Command Line Terminal:
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Start Menu Navigation: The article guides users to access the Command Line Terminal through the Start menu, emphasizing the universality of the Start menu across Windows versions.
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Command Input: The article instructs users to enter either "cmd" or "command line" in the navigation bar to initiate the Windows Terminal, highlighting the flexibility in terminology used to refer to the Command Line Terminal.
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Administrator Access: Stressing the importance of administrative access, the article advises users to run the Command Line Terminal as an administrator for certain operations. The visual cue of a black box with a scribble denotes the graphical user interface (GUI) of the Terminal.
Understanding the Syntax:
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Move Command: The article introduces the "move" command as the primary means of transporting files and folders within the Windows Terminal. It underscores the importance of the "/?" option, indicating a built-in help manual for command options.
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Directory Listing (dir): Users are educated about the "dir" command, which lists files and folders in the current directory. The color-coded display differentiates between files accessible to users and those restricted to administrators.
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Copy Command: The article introduces the "copy" command, elucidating its purpose in duplicating files or folders. It highlights that the original file/folder persists and may require deletion using the "del" command.
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Making Directories (mkdir): Users are informed about creating directories using the "mkdir" command, emphasizing the importance of establishing a new directory before moving files.
Inputting Commands:
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Move Command Usage: The article provides a syntax guide for moving files or folders using the "move" command, stressing the need to replace placeholders with actual file and destination names.
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Copy Command Usage: Users are instructed on copying files or folders using the "copy" command, with an emphasis on the implicit paste action in the command's destination parameter.
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Validation Commands: To ensure successful file operations, the article advises users to navigate to directories using the "cd" command and verify the results using the "dir" command.
By breaking down these concepts, users gain a comprehensive understanding of utilizing the Windows Command Line Terminal for file and directory management.