"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,820 tips!

Windows XP and DOS

Tabbed DOS Prompt with Command AutoCompletion

SUMMARY: PromptPal for Windows 2000, Windows XP, and above adds a variety of features for frequent DOS command prompt users including command autocompletion and automatic displaying of command help.

PromptPal is a replacement utility for the DOS command prompt in Windows 2000, Windows XP, and later versions. The software supports a multi-tabbed interface with renameable tabs, allowing you to open multiple prompts without having to open multiple windows. Auto-completion is supported for many commands, as well as auto-opening command help as you type.

Other features include a command history that remembers commands between console and sessions, Windows Explorer integration, the ability to save the console results to a text file, visual directory or file selection when entering a parameter for a DOS command, text searching inside the console, and a toolbar with shortcuts for text editing and other features.


PromptPal automatically showing help for the PING DOS command



Configuration options include changing the default directory, the ability to open multiple tabs in different directories upon startup, display preferences, toggling the command / path histories or adjusting their sizes, and toggling command autocompletion.

Note that PromptPal also comes with its own version of the Unix "tail" command that you can optionally include during the installation.

A 30-day trial may be downloaded from the following site:

* PromptPal

This tip was written regarding PromptPal v1.5.9.0 running on a Windows XP system. Features, information, and screenshots for other versions / operating systems may vary.

Return to the Windows XP and DOS page.

Print this tip


Get the Newsletter

blog comments powered by Disqus

Thanks For Sharing!



Newest Tips:

Microsoft Word 2010
W0rds w8th Numbers Pass the S0ellchecker!
Google Gmail
Automatically Archive a Conversation you Respond to
Digital Photography
[MODIFIED] Did Someone Get in the Way While Taking a Photo?
Google Chrome
View Kittens and Pandas Everywhere!

Follow Us!

About MalekTips and the Author

The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >