Skip to main content

Path

The PATH command is used to provide access to files located in other directories or on other disks. The PATH command is usually entered as a line in an AUTOEXEC.BAT (or batch) file, which most often contains one or more DOS commands. The AUTOEXEC.BAT file is automatically executed upon system turn-on to run one or more desired programs without the need for user intervention. Other batch  files are executed upon command. When an AUTOEXEC.CAT file is used, each command contained in the file executes as it is encountered.
The creation and use of batch files is described in Section 8.

To illustrate the PATH command, assume you have a program named GATOR.COM that is located in a sub directory. You are not sure if it is cn disk C or disk A, so you want to search both disks and execute the command when found. To complicate matters, you are not sure if the
program is in the SWAMP sub directory or the MUD sub directory. Here is where the PATH command comes to your rescue. To set up a search for GATOR.COM, you can specify the disk and directories using the PATH command. While logged on disk C, assuming that you have a fixed disk system, enter the following command line from the DOS prompt.

                         PATH \SWAMP;\MUD;B: SWAMP;B:\MUD

When you type GATOR to run your program, DOS first searches the C:\SWAMP sub directory, then the C:\MUD sub directory. Next, it
searches the B: SWAMP sub directory. Finally, it searches the B:\MUD sub directory where GATOR.COM is found and executed.

You also can use the PATH command to display the path setup. To do this, type PATH and press Enter. A display similar to the following is displayed.
                                    C> PATH
                                             PATH=\SKAMP; \MUD;B: \SKAMP;2:\MUD

To cancel the path settings, type PATH; and press Enter. The semicolon is the critical agent in this PATH command. Now when you check your paths with the PATH command, the message "No Path" is displayed.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MEM

MEM The MEM command was introduced in DOS version 4.01 and memory information. The MEM command is entered alone or with a modified slightly in MS-DOS 5.00. MEM is used to display system memory information. The MEM command is entered alone or with a parameter. MEM-Displays to all system memory values, including expanded and extended memory values. MEM PROGRAM--Displays programs presently loaded in memory with used and unused memory. You may use /P if you are using DOS 5.00 MEM/DEBUG--Dispiays a list of programs, device drivers, install drivers, and used unused memory. You may use / if you are using DOS 5.00. MEM CLASSIFY (or MEM /C)-Displays programs and cor-responding memory usage. The largest available memory block is also displayed. You may use /C if you are using DOS 5.00. Typing MEM and pressing Enter displays information similar to the following (typical of DOS 5.00): C:\>MEM                  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Disk Construction

The various parts of standard 5.25- and 3.5-inch disks are contained in Figure 1-2. A description of each part is also provided. Write protect notch--When covered, prevents information from being recorded on the disk; when uncovered, information can be recorded. Temporary label--An adhesive-backed label allowing the contents of a disk to be identified. Permanent label--When used, contains disk manufacturer and capacity information. Exposed recording surface--Metal oxide surface used to magnetically record data. Do not touch! Protective jacket --House magnetic disk; provides protective cover. Disk sleeve (envelope)--Used to store disks;prevents  accidental contact with exposed surface. Protective slide --Protects magnetic media surface; slides open when inserted into a diskette drive (only on 3 1/2-inch diskettes). Figure 1-2 The Parts of a Floppy Disk Construction : Almost everyone is familiar with audio recording tape. The tape is a long, flexible acetate or mylar strip coated wit...
Post a Comment
Read more

DOS CONFIGURATION AND AUTOMATIC EXECUTION FILES

The CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files can be used to set the way your computer responds to commands. The purpose of each of these files is briefly described. Although these files are not always essential to the proper operation of your computer, there are certain programs that depend on their presence. At this point in your exploration of DOS, you are not expected to make use of these commands. However, it is important to know what they are and how they can be used. When you finish this blog, you may wish to experiment with the effect of these files on the way your computer interacts with certain programs, its operating speed, and the allocation of memory. CONFIG.SYS When your computer is turned on, DOS  checks for a CONFIG.SYS file and adjusts your computor's configuration according to commands contained in that file. The CONFIG.SYS file is always found on the main directory of the DOS book disk. If you have a hard disk system, it is found on drive C, although you can boot from ...
Post a Comment
Read more