Think Different: Windows Commands

Windows Commands

There are some things you can only do from the command line, even some commands that remain useful

Serial number and Machine type:

The following commands can be used to retrieve Serial number and machine type from Windows command prompt.

Machine Serial Number:

C:\> wmic bios get serialnumber

Machine Type:

C:\> wmic csproduct get name

Ipconfig

This command relays the IP address that your computer is currently using. However, if you’re behind a router (like most computers today), you’ll instead receive the local network address of the router.

Still, ipconfig is useful because of its extensions. “ipconfig /release” followed by “ipconfig /renew” can force your Windows PC into asking for a new IP address.

Netstat

Entering the command “netstat -an” will provide you with a list of currently open ports and related IP Address.

Ping

Typing “ping” followed by an IP address or web domain will send a series of test packets to the specified address

Pathping

This is a more advanced version of ping that’s useful if there are multiple routers between your PC and the device you’re testing. Like ping, you use this command by typing “pathping” followed by the IP address.

Tracert

The “tracert” command is similar to pathping. Once again, type “tracert” followed by the IP address or domain you’d like to trace. You’ll receive information about each step in the route between your PC and the target.

Powercfg

Powercfg is a very powerful command for managing and tracking how your computer uses energy. You can use the command “powercfg /hibernate on” and “powercfg /hibernate off” to manage hibernation, and you can also use the command “powercfg /a” to view the power-saving states currently available on your PC.

Shutdown

This command can also be used to restart your computer. On Windows 8, you can even use a special switch to restart your computer into the advanced startup options menu.

· Shut Down: shutdown /s /t 0

· Restart: shutdown /r /t 0

· Restart Into Startup Options: shutdown /r /o

System File Checker

System File Checker is an automatic scan and repair tool that focuses on Windows system files.

Tasklist

The “tasklist” command can be used to provide a current list of all tasks running on your PC.

Taskkill

Tasks that appear in the “tasklist” command will have an executable and process ID (a four-digit number) associated with them.

Telnet – Connect to Telnet Servers

The telnet client isn’t installed by default. You’ll have to install it from the Control Panel. Once installed, you can use the telnet command to connect to telnet servers without installing any third-party software.