DOS and Batch Files

Use Your Up Arrow For Latest Dos Commands

SUMMARY: Install DOSKEY to use your up arrow to retrieve previous DOS commands.

The DOSKEY program is very useful for many reasons, but some people feel that they do not need its powerful features and fail to install it. If for no other reason you should install DOSKEY, do so for this trick - with DOSKEY installed, using the up-arrow scrolls through your latest DOS commands. If you use DOS a lot, this is a *lifesaver!*

Install DOSKEY by editing your AUTOEXEC.BAT file with EDIT or any other text editor. Add the line "DOSKEY" or "LH DOSKEY" to the end of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If this fails to work, you need to add a line to the end of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file with the full path to the DOSKEY.COM program. If you are using Windows 95, DOSKEY.COM probably is in your C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND directory. If you are using DOS 6.xx or earlier, it is probably in your C:\DOS directory. If you are running Windows XP, DOSKEY may already be running.

For example, if DOSKEY.COM is found in your C:\DOS directory, add a line to the end of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file as follows:

C:\DOS\DOSKEY

DOSKEY takes up just a little bit of memory so if every byte counts, you'll have to live without its usefulness.

Return to the DOS and Batch Files page.

Print this tip

Get the Newsletter

Thanks For Sharing!

Newest Tips:

Microsoft Word 2010
Make Sure Others Can See Your Fonts

Microsoft PowerPoint 2010
Animations or Video Displaying Poorly?

Google Chrome
[MODIFIED] Report a Malfunctioning Web Page, Crash, or Other Issue

Google Gmail
Show Unread Message Count as an Icon

Follow Us!

Email Twitter RSS

About MalekTips and the Author