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Windows 2000 and DOS

Auto-Complete Paths and Filenames

SUMMARY: Let Windows 2000 automatically complete your keyed-in paths and filenames.


 

If you use the Windows 2000 DOS prompt often (CMD.EXE), you may often find it cumbersome to type in long directories or filenames. With this trick, you can use the TAB key to have Windows automatically complete your path or filename.

For example, if you are at C:\ and type in:

C:\>cd doc

And then press the TAB key, Windows will automatically type in:

C:\cd "Documents and Settings".

Follow these instructions carefully, and do so at your own risk as they involve modifying the Windows Registry.

1) Open Regedit by clicking "Start" - "Run" and typing "Regedit" and press "ok". You may need to log in as an administrator first.

2) Navigate the Registry to My Computer, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, Software, Microsoft, Command Processor.

3) In the right pane, double-click "CompletionChar" and key in "9", then press "OK".

4) Do the same for "PathCompletionChar".

5) Press F5, then open up a new command prompt.



 

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