How to start a command prompt in a folder in Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000

This step-by-step article describes how to open a command prompt in a folder on a computer that is running any of the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft Windows XP
• Microsoft Windows 2000

If you use a command prompt frequently, it may be helpful to start a command prompt in a specific folder instead of using the cd command to move to the folder that you want. You can place a Command Prompt command on the shortcut menu in My Computer or Windows Explorer to start a command prompt in the folder that you want.

You must modify the registry to add the Command Prompt command. You can modify the registry manually, or you can use a script.

To Add a "Command Prompt" Command

Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Modify the Registry Manually

To add the Command Prompt command to the shortcut menu:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate the following registry key:
   HKEY_CLASES_ROOT\Directory\shell
3. Right-click the shell key, point to New, and then click Key.
4. Name the new key OpenNew.
5. Click the OpenNew key, and then double-click the Default value in the right pane.
6. Change the value to Command Prompt. Click OK.
7. Right-click the OpenNew key, point to New, and then click Key.
8. Name the new key Command.
9. Double-click the Default item in the right pane.
10. Change the value to cmd.exe /k cd %1.

If you have multiple drives on your computer, you can add a similar command to the shortcut menu that appears when you right-click a drive in Windows Explorer or My Computer. The steps to do this are the same as those for creating the Command Prompt command, except that you use the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell registry key as the starting point. Also, change the value of the Default value in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\OpenNew\Command key to cmd.exe /k.

Modify the Registry with a Script

To add the Command Prompt command to the shortcut menu:

1. Copy the following text to a file named Cmdhere.reg:
   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
   [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\OpenNew]
   @="Command Prompt"
   [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\OpenNew\Command]
   @="cmd.exe /k cd %1"
2. Save the Cmdhere.reg file.
3. Double-click the Cmdhere.reg file to automatically add the registry entries.