The Start-Run Line

The "Run" line in the Start menu can be used to speed up access to a whole variety of functions. Some examples of the shortcuts that are available are discussed here.

Introduction to the Run Line

The Run command line may be one of the least utilized functions in the Start menu. This is a pity since it can be very useful. It is often the quickest way to launch programs or to open folders and documents. The figure below shows the Start-Run entry.

Clicking the entry "Run" opens the box shown below, where commands may be typed and entered.

Opening applications in Run

Although applications can be opened in a variety of ways, the Run line often provides the quickest route. Desktop shortcut icons are also a quick route but you have to know how to create a shortcut for all the applications and you may end up with dozens of icons.

The best candidates for the Run line are applications that are in the "path" environment. (Go to this page for more discussion of the path.) The path environment is a set of folders whose names do not have to be included when entering a command. The path environment variable normally includes \Windows\ and \Windows\system32\. Many common accessories and Windows applets are in these folders and can be opened by entering just the executable file name. Several that I use constantly are the Registry editor (regedit) and the System Configuration Utility (msconfig). Note that neither of these frequently used system tools has an entry in Start- All Programs. The Run line is the standard method of accessing them.

A table listing some applications that can be opened in the Run line is given below.

A few applications for the Run line

Entry for Run	Function
calc	Opens calculator
cmd	Opens command prompt window
explorer	Opens Windows explorer
magnify	Screen magnifier accessory
msconfig	System Configuration Utility
mshearts	Opens Hearts game
msinfo32	System Information applet
mspaint	Opens graphics accessory Paint
notepad	Notepad accessory
regedit	Registry editor
sol	Opens Classical Solitaire game

Programs not in the path require their full address, including the root folder and all subfolders. Actually typing long path names is not required since a "Browse" function comes with the Run line. This provides a way to search for files of interest and to enter them directly without typing. If desired, frequently used programs can be added to the path environment using the methods that are discussed in a section below.

Opening Management Consoles

Some of the functions that I find convenient to open by means of the Run line include various Management Consoles. For example, the disk defragmenter is opened by entering "dfrg.msc" . I find this easier than the multi-step process involved otherwise. A list of the appropriate file names for opening some of the various services is given in the table below. A more complete list is on this page.

Commands for some Management Consoles (msc extension required)

Entry for Run	Function
ciadv.msc	Manages the Indexing Service
compmgmt.msc	Computer Management Console. It contains a number of the other consoles
devmgmt.msc	Device Manager
dfrg.msc	Disk Defragmenter
diskmgmt.msc	Disk Management
gpedit.msc	Group Policy Editor. Windows XP Professional only
services.msc	Manages the many services involved in Windows and installed software

Opening Control Panel Applets

It is also possible to use Run to open the applets that appear in the Control Panel. A full discussion of shortcuts to Control Panel applets is given on this page. For example,entering "main.cpl" launches the mouse properties window.

Rundll32.exe

There are a number of commands employing Rundll32.exe that can be entered into Start-Run. A full discussion can be found here.

Opening folders in Run

Not only files but also folders can be opened in the Run line. Folders contained by a folder in the path are in this category. Examples are folders within \Windows\ and \Windows\system32\ such as the folders Fonts and "Drivers". Folders that are in \Documents and Settings\{Current User}\ can also be opened in Run. An example is SendTo (written as one word). Being able to open this folder in Run is convenient for editing. It makes it easier to add functions to the "Send To" entry in the right-click context menu. (See this page) Another example of a folder from the same location that can be entered is Cookies.
Note about Vista: Certain system folders like SendTo and Cookies are not directly accessible in Vista. See the page on the Shell command.

There are also some interesting shortcuts to folders that are available in Run. Typing the backslash (\) in the run line and entering it brings up the root folder, usually the C: drive. Typing and entering a period (.) brings up the folder \Documents and Settings\{Current User}\ in Windows XP (or Users\(Current User} in Vista). Entering two periods (..) opens the folder \Documents and Settings\ (or Users in Vista).

Dragging and dropping folders and files into the Run line

If the Run line is open (make sure it is empty) folders or files can be dragged and dropped on it from an open folder window. The full path of the dropped object will be inserted into the Run line and clicking "OK' or pressing the "Enter" key will open the dropped file or folder. Although this feature presents no particular advantage in general, it can be helpful to those who have trouble with double-clicking the mouse.

Adding applications to the Path

The ability to enter a short file name into the Run line to open a program can be extended to any program by putting the folder containing the program executable into the path. Adding folders to the path is described here.

Alternatively, the Registry can be edited to explicitly contain the path to the desired executable file or files. The Registry key involved isHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths

1. Create a new sub-key with the name of the executable file that you wish to add to the path. e .g., HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\somefile.exe
2. In this new key, add a string variable named "Path" containing the value of the the path to your new executable file, e.g., C:\Program files\newprogramfolder\
3. The new key will already have an empty variable (Default). Edit it to have the string value of entire address of the new program executable , e.g., C:\Program files\newprogramfolder\somefile.exe

You can now enter "somefile.exe" into the Run line to open the program. An example of what the Regedit entries look like is shown in the figure below. I have added a chess game with the executable "winchen.exe" to the path.

A number of files are likely to have already been added on your system. Many applications place themselves here when they are installed. Examples are Microsoft Office components. It is sufficient to enter "winword" into the Run line to open Microsoft Word or "excel" to open Microsoft Excel.

Internet Applications

If you are connected to the Internet, entering an URL into Run opens Internet Explorer (or other browser if it is properly associated) and takes you right to the appropriate web site. The "Browse" function can be used to go to your Favorites folder and you can then click on a link. (Be sure the Browse function is showing "All files" as the file type.) On some systems it will even initiate a Web connection if you are not already on-line. You can also start e-mail by entering “mailto:someone@somewhere.com”. This will open a blank new e-mail with the address already entered. If you want to use an e-mail client other than the Microsoft application Outlook Express, it will have to be associated with the “mailto” function. Many e-mail clients do this automatically when they are installed. (As far as I know, this does not apply to AOL.)

Google supports a command line function that allows for simple searches on on a single term. Enter "www.google.com/search?q=%1" into the Run line, where %1 is the term that is being searched. A dash can be used to combine words. For example, try "www.google.com/search?q=windows-registry" (Omit the quotes.)

Comparison of Run with the Command Prompt

Although a great many commands can be executed in either the Run line or a command prompt, some commands will run directly only in one or the other. Commands which are built into the command interpreter cannot be entered in the Run line without first invoking cmd.exe. They are listed here. These include commands like "dir" and "del". Certain special features of the Run line such as the direct way of opening folders or the Internet shortcuts discussed above do not work in a command prompt unless prefaced with the command "Start".

Accessing the Command Shell from Run

The command interpreter can be invoked to carry out a command from the Run line by entering cmd /c some_commandWith the switch "/c", some_command will be carried out and the command shell will then close. If you want the command shell to remain open, use the switch "/k". Enter cmd /k some_command

The Run Line in Vista

The Start menu in Vista has no Run line in its default setting. Many of the functions of Run can be carried out in the new Search function that is at the bottom of the Vista Start menu but I still like to use Run sometimes. You can get Run back temporarily by using the keyboard shortcut Windows key+R. To put Run permanently back in the Start menu :

1. Right-click on the Start menu and choose "Properties"
2. Select the "Start Menu" tab and click on the "Customize..." button
3. Check the "Run command" option

Command Line List and Reference

The complete list of possible commands is quite large. Collected here is a selection of those that I believe are likely to be the most applicable to home PC use.

Many of the commands listed below are also discussed in more detail elsewhere on this site as is indicated by the link "details here". Most commands have switches that are not given in the table. For more information, open a command prompt and enter "commandname /?" (without quotes). Detailed information about these commands and a larger list is available at this Microsoft reference.

Selected list of commands

Command	Description	Example
assoc	Displays or modifies file name extension associations. Used alone, displays a list of all the current file name associations	details here
at	Schedules commands and programs to run on a computer at a specified time and date. Requires the Schedule service. Superseded by schtasks
attrib	Configures file attributes read only, hidden, system	details here
bootcfg	Used to repair or edit the boot.ini file	details here
cd or chdir	Displays the name of the current directory or changes the current folder	cd folderpath
chkdsk	Checks hard drives for errors. With switches,does repairs.	details here
cls	Clears the screen	cls
copy	Copies a file from one location to another	copy somefile somefolder
del	Deletes one or more files	details here
dir	Displays a list of a folder's files and subfolders	details here
echo	Used to display a message or to turn off/on messages in batch scripts	echo message
exit	Exits batch script or current command control	exit
fc	Compares two files and displays the differences between them	fc file1 file2
for	Runs a specified command for each item in a set	details here
fsutil	Displays and configures certain file system properties. A suite of various commands	details here
ftype	Displays or modifies file types used in file name extension associations	details here
getmac	Returns the media access control (MAC) address for your network card	getmac
goto	Directs the Windows command interpreter to a labeled line in a batch program	details here
if	Performs conditional processing in batch programs	details here
ipconfig	Displays all current TCP/IP network configuration values and refreshes Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS) settings	details here
md or mkdir	Creates a directory (folder) or subdirectory (subfolder)	details here
more	Displays one screen of output at a time. Used with another command that has extensive output	command |more
move	Moves a file from one folder to another	details here
net	A suite of various networking and service commands	details here
netsh	Network services shell . Complex suite of commands.	details here
netstat	Displays active TCP connections, ports on which the computer is listening, Ethernet statistics, the IP routing table, statistics for the IP, ICMP, TCP, and UDP protocols	details here
path	Sets the command path in the PATH environment variable, which is the set of directories used to search for executable files	details here
pathping	Provides information about network performance and conditions at intermediate hops between a source and destination	details here
pause	Used in batch scripts	pause
ping	Checks connectivity to other networked computers, routers, or Internet sites	details here
popd, pushd	Changes the directory being referenced in a command prompt. Pushd changes the directory and stores the previous directory. Popd changes the current directory to the directory stored by the pushd command	pushd somefolder popd
powercfg	Manages the power settings such as hibernation. Has numerous switches
reg	Adds, changes, and displays registry entries. A suite of various commands	details here
rd or rmdir	Deletes a directory (folder)	details here
ren or rename	Changes the name of a file or a set of files	details here
sc	Used to obtain information about services and to configure them. A suite of various commands	details here
schtasks	Schedules commands and programs to run periodically or at a specific time
set	Displays, sets, or removes environment variables	details here and also here
sfc	System file checker scans and verifies the versions of all protected system files	sfc /scannow
shutdown	Shuts down or restarts a computer	details here
start	Starts an application or opens a new command window	details here
subst	Associates a folder with a drive letter	details here
systeminfo	Displays detailed configuration information about a computer and its operating system	systeminfo | more
taskkill	Ends one or more tasks or processes	details here
tasklist	Displays a list of applications and services with their Process ID (PID) for all tasks running	details here
tree	Graphically displays the directory structure of a folder or drive	tree somefolder
type	Displays the contents of a text file	type somefile.txt
xcopy	Powerful command with many switches for copying and backing up files and folders	details here

Hack Back Your Computer - Revive Your Lagging Pc

Over time and use with a windows machine you may notice that it does not run as fast as when you first got it.

This is usually because of a number of different problems that can occur with regular use of a computer. The smart computer user knows about these things and how to repair them on their own rather then having to hire a technician to solve the problem, (costing you time with out your computer and usually around 50 dollars an hour).

Possible problems usually include one or many of the following things:

Viruses

They happen, even if you spend all the money you can on antivirus software, you likely don’t even know you have one.

Spam

Loosely falls under the same definition as a virus but with some negligible variations, can also include programs that hit you computer with nasty pop ups and redirect you to web pages you don’t want to visit.

Registry

This is a comprehensive list of all programs that have ever been installed on your computer, sometimes when you uninstall a program some information can still be left on this list, the longer you have your computer the larger this list is likely to be.

To much junk

Unused programs and applications (different browser menus, and other programs)

Start up programs

On the bottom right of your computer beside the clock is usually a bunch of icons. These represent programs that are running on your computer at a given time, the problem is that not all programs that are running display an icon in the taskbar. There is usually much more programs running at a time that you are unaware of.

So lets get started then. Bellow are some tips almost any computer user can performe, to help speed up your computer

1. Restore Point

Before we get started we are going to record a windows restore point. If at any point you feel you’ve made a big mistake you can always go back into the windows restore program and reverte to where you’re computer was at before you tried to fix it. This should give you the confidence to play and adjust settings on your computer without the worry of messing it up. To do this you go to the start menu -> Program files - > Accessories -> System tools -> System restore.

A new program will open from there all you have to do is ask your computer to set a restore point, later if needed you can revert to it. A restore point is a virtual snap shot of your computers settings. It may take a few moments to process.

2. Safe Mode

Because you probably have viruses and unwanted programs slowing down your computer, in order to make the clean up process easier and more efficient we will put your computer into safe mode to run quicker. Safe mode is a basic start up of windows without all the extra bells and whistles that slow down your computer. Also if there is any viruses or programs running on your computer they will very likely not be running in safe mode.

To get into safe mode simply restart your computer then right as it is starting up press F8 on your keyboard, A menu will come up listing some options for you, you need to select Safe mode with networking so that you can still have access to the internet.

It is important to press F8 at a precise time as windows is starting up, some computers will prompt you on the bottom of the screen as its loading but its ok if you just keep pressing it until the menu loads, you can definitely press it more than once.

3a. Windows Updates

Windows frequently releases security updates for problems they find with their operating system. It is usually set up to do it automatically but most people ignore it for whatever reason. Even if this is not the case go to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and run through their automatic updates program. Its really easy just basically keep clicking yes and next until it is complete. Once the updates are finished it will prompt you to restart your computer, do so before you continue onto the next step.

3b. Restart Again

The computer will likely restart you into normal windows mode, we will continue to work on your computer through safe mode as it will run the next steps quicker, and we can pretty much guarantee that the viruses won’t be running aswell. So restart your computer again and enter into safe mode again.

4. Anti-virus

Ok the easy step to do now is to run a virus scan. Even if you don’t have an anti-virus program on your computer you can still scan your computer for free. The site I recommend is antivirus.com put on by a company called trendmicro, this company mainly profits from its corporate clients but offers a free online scan to public users. Simply go to antivurs.com and look for their free online services for home and office use. Then follow the instructions to run the housecall program on all your local hard drives. This program will provide a current scan of your computer removing all known viruses. Its updates everyday with new definitions so you always know you have an up to date program.

There are a couple other virus programs I should mention. Some of the commercial versions of virus software (Norton and Mcafee) are usually expensive, and require a subscription. In addition to the cost they all use alot of your computers resources to run. So if you are trying to remove virus to speed up a computer by installing Norton you likely won’t notice a difference in speed as it is probably making just as slow.

The solution is to get AVG free edition, Which is a free virus program for all to use, They do also have a subscription version that has a few more features but even the full version of AVG uses way less resources on your computer then norton or Mcafee.So after you’ve finished fixing your computer if you do want to install an antivirus program you may choose to.

4b. Restart in normal mode

At this point you will need to restart you computer and let it boot normally to get out of safe mode

5. MSCONFIG

This program isn’t very well known to most computer users but it is crucial to keeping your computer clean and organized. MSCONFIG is a windows program on all windows machines that controls all start up settings. To access it go to your start menu and click on the run command then type MSCONFIG and press enter.
This program will open in a new window and there will usually be 4 tabs at the top of the window. The main one that you can edit with little difficulty or computer knowledge is the start up tab, click on it and you will see a list of all programs that start when your computer starts up. In reality there is really only 2 or 3 programs that are absolutely necessary These are your systray and anything to do with windows explorer. At this point what you can do is go through the list and uncheck any programs that look suspicious or that you know are malicious or unwanted. When you apply the settings it will ask you to reboot. Once the reboot is complete if all is well you can uncheck more of the programs from the list and see if you computer will still run as you need it. Usually I uncheck almost all of them then add the ones I absolutely need back in after. You can also work in reverse and gradually remove a few at a time and make sure your computer is still ok after each reset. You will need to performe this step a number of times until you have the computer running as quickly as possible with the programs you need.

Usually some of the types of programs that are ok to have on your start up include your software for your burner, msn, your antivirus software, printer software,windows themes.

Tip: If your not sure what a particular program does then you can google all the information list in the startup list on that program and you can usually get an answer.

6. Registry

Similarly to MSCONFIG and the start up list. Your computer registry stores a list of all programs that have ever been installed on your machine. So if you’ve had your computer a while and added and removed alot of programs there can be alot of entries in your registry. A handy program also available on the antivirus.com site is the Hijack This program. This program allows you to clean up and edit your registry.

Caution!!!!!
Be very careful with this step, only remove entries you are sure that are old and unused. This can mess up your computer if done incorrectly, that is why the hijack this program is a good tool to use. Risk of failure can be reduced by setting another restore point before you performe this task.

The windows program that is used to allow you to perform the same task is called REGEDIT. I would only suggest this program for advanced users, and I only use it when I know specifically what program I want to remove from the registry as I can search for it with the find and replace tool.

Hope these tips provide you with a little more confidence and can save you a few service call to the tech support companies.

By Geoffrey Vaughan