How to Open a Command Prompt at Boot in Windows 7

   Information

This will show you how to open a command prompt at boot 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.

OPTION ONE

To Open a Command Prompt at Boot

1. Boot from either your Windows 7 installation disc or Windows 7 System Repair Disc, and press Shift + F10 when at either screen below.

A) Go to step 3.

OR

2. Boot to the System Recovery Options screen, and select the Command Prompt option. (see screenshot below)

A) Continue on to step 3.

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.

OPTION TWO

To Boot to "Safe Mode with Command Prompt"

   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.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Open a Command Prompt in Windows 7
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