Depending on how you run a command-line program, its output console window may briefly be displayed, but vanish before you've been able to read it.

This will happen if you type the command into the Run box on the Start menu, or double-click on the program's .exe file. Command-line programs are generally intended to be run from the command prompt.

First, you must open a command prompt. Type 'cmd' into the Run box, or choose 'Command Prompt' from Start -> Programs -> Accessories.

Then, in the command prompt's window, type the command you're interested in. The output from the command will go to the command prompt's window, which will not vanish when the command terminates.

To close the command prompt window, type 'exit'.

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by dave edited by MSeng
last modified: 2002-05-29 00:57:26