When I go to cmd prompt and try to type a command (ping, ipconfig) it returns an error saying the the command or program or batch file doesn't exist. I can change directory to c:windows/system32 and the command works. Why doesn't it work from any path in the command shell?

In the command prompt window enter SET Look for the Path statement. The first part should read similar to:

Path=C:\WINDOWS\system32;C:\WINDOWS;C:\WINDOWS\System32\Wbem;

If not, go to Control Panel, System, Advanced. In the System Variables section, locate the Path statement. Highlight it and click Edit. Copy the contents of the dialog into Notepad and save the file, for future reference. Then modify the path statement so that it is correct.

Note: If XP is not installed on C:, or in the Windows folder, adjust the Path statement accordingly.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows XP/ Windows Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
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http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
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"Larry Suddith" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:5D63A38D-E632-4938-80CD-(E-Mail Removed)...
> When I go to cmd prompt and try to type a command (ping, ipconfig) it returns an error saying the the command or program or batch file doesn't exist. I can change directory to c:windows/system32 and the command works. Why doesn't it work from any path in the command shell?