Filed under: Windows, Productivity, Microsoft, How-Tos
Vista: open command prompt window from right-click menu
by Danny Mendez Jun 4th 2008
If you ever need to open a command prompt window from a Vista right-click menu (example: you sit down to use your computer and a message suddenly pops up -- "open a command prompt window from a right-click menu your computer will blow up"), how would you go about doing it?
The process is simple: hold down the shift key, then right click on a folder icon, in a folder, or the desktop. An "Open Command Window Here" option will appear in the menu as a result of the shift key's ability to, well, shift stuff. Finally, when the command window opens, take a look at the current path: it's whatever you clicked on.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James said 10:44AM on 6-04-2008
Yesterday, I was looking up how to edit my HOSTS file on my new Vista box, and came across an "MS MVP" post with a reg entry that lets you open an Administrator command prompt:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hostsvista.htm
I'm not sure how the reg file works, though -- I don't see any switches for cmd.exe that flag it to "run as Admin". It does work though -- of course, you have to use e.g. EDIT.COM to make the changes, but I'm comfortable with that =-)
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reddevil7nine said 11:40AM on 6-04-2008
Actually, if you delete this registry value:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\cmd\Extended
you no longer have to hold down the shift key, it's available all the time! BONUS!
This holds true for all items that have the Extended value. I'm pretty sure you can add it to other items as well and create your own "hidden" items.
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Randy said 5:14PM on 6-05-2008
You can also add a registry key (or two) so that you don't have to hold the shift key… also add the option for an Elevated Command Prompt which can also be handy…
http://www.randyrants.com/2007/02/vista_tip_eleva.html
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