Windows 7 - Command Window

When I type cmd into the Start box it comes up with the command window. I then type pdflatex file.tex (where file is replaced with the name of the file) and it says that it can't find the input file. What should I have done, exactly?

This is a guess; are yout looking for a "TEXT" file? If so, the extension is "txt", not "tex".

No, it is a file generated by MikTeX

Command Prompt does not understand (.tex) to the best of my knowledge. As has been mentioned by Ser George. Could you explain what you are trying to do so others might be able to help.
Also make sure you use the cmd.prompt as admin.

Are you typing this in the search box or a command prompt window? If you're in the command prompt window, it probably can't find the file because the file isn't in the default location the command window opens to. You either have to navigate to the directory where the file is located (using "cd" commands) or type the full file path to file surrounded in quotes (e.g. pdflatex "C:\Users\MyName\MyFiles\file.tex").

I am using the Command Window. Yes, you are right, I should have missed off the .tex



How do you access files with the Command Window? I wish to perform the command
pdflatex on a file but it says it can't find the input file. I don't know how to use commands like cd

Introduction to the Windows Command Prompt

Windows CMD Commands

To run a file as an argument to an executable file inside command window, the executable file should be in the path enviroment variable or you have to give the complete the path to the executable file.

Now in windows explorer go to the folder containing the .tex file you wish to pass as argument. Press shift key and right click on the folder. On the context menu, you will see "Open command window here". Select this command to open the command window inside this folder. Now you can give the executable file followed by a space and the file you wish to run.

If there are any spaces in the file names, you have to include the entire file name (and path if any like Program files) in double quotes.