Command Prompt at Startup

Information

This will show you how to open a command prompt at startup from the System Recovery Options or Advanced Boot Options screen in Windows 7.

NOTE

Command Prompt is a feature of Windows 7 that provides an entry point for typing MS‑DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) commands and other computer commands. The most important thing to know is that by typing commands, you can perform tasks on your computer without using the Windows 7 graphical interface (GUI). Command Prompt is typically only used by advanced users.

• How to Open a Elevated Command Prompt in Windows 7
• How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc

NOTE

This starts Windows 7 in safe mode with a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface.

1. Boot to the Advanced Boot Options screen.

2. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt and press Enter. (See screenshot below)

3. Windows 7 will now start loading Safe Mode with Command Prompt. (See screenshot below)

4. When finished, you are now in Safe Mode with Command Prompt. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: To exit from here, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or type Exit and press Enter to restart the computer.

NOTE

This will allow you to open a command prompt at boot.

1. Boot to the System Recovery Options screen.

2. Select the Command Prompt option. (See screenshot below)

3. A command prompt window will now open. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: To exit and restart to the Windows 7 logon screen, close the command prompt window and click on the Restart button on the screenshot below step 2.