Doskey

Using Doskey.exe

Doskey.exe is always available for all character-based, interactive programs (such as program debuggers or file transfer programs), and maintains a command history buffer and macros for each program that it starts. You cannot use doskey command-line options from a program. You must run doskey command-line options before you start a program. Program key assignments override doskey key assignments.

Recalling a command

To recall a command, you can use any of the following keys after starting Doskey.exe. If you use Doskey.exe within a program, that program's key assignments take precedence.

Editing the command line

With Doskey.exe, you can edit the current command line. If you use Doskey.exe within a program, that program's key assignments take precedence and some Doskey.exe editing keys might not work.

The following table lists doskey editing keys and their functions.

Using doskey within a program

Certain character-based, interactive programs, such as program debuggers or file transfer programs (FTP), automatically use Doskey.exe. To use Doskey.exe, a program must be a console process and use buffered input. Program key assignments override doskey key assignments. For example, if the program uses the F7 key for some function, you cannot get a doskey command history in a pop-up window.

With Doskey.exe you can maintain a command history for each program you start, repeat and edit previous commands at the program's prompt, and start doskey macros created for the program. If you exit and then restart a program from the same Command Prompt window, the command history from the previous program session is available.

You must run Doskey.exe before you start a program. You cannot use doskey command-line options from a program's command prompt, even if the program has a shell command.

If you want to customize how Doskey.exe works with a program and create doskey macros for that program, you can create a batch program that modifies Doskey.exe and starts the program.

Specifying a default insert mode

If you press the INSERT key, you can type text on the doskey command line in the middle of old text without replacing the old text. However, after you press ENTER, Doskey.exe returns your keyboard to replace mode. You must press INSERT again to return to insert mode.

Use /insert to switch your keyboard to insert mode each time you press ENTER. Your keyboard effectively remains in insert mode until you use /overstrike. You can temporarily return to replace mode by pressing the INSERT key, but after you press ENTER, Doskey.exe returns your keyboard to insert mode.

The insertion point changes shape when you use the INSERT key to change from one mode to the other.

Creating a macro

You can use Doskey.exe to create macros that carry out one or more commands. The following table lists special characters you can use to control command operations when you define a macro.

Running a doskey macro

To run a macro, type the macro name starting at the first position on the command line. If the macro was defined with $* or any of the batch parameters $1 through $9, use a white space to separate parameters. You cannot run a doskey macro from a batch program.

Creating a macro with the same name as a Windows XP command

If you always use a particular command with specific command-line options, you can create a macro that has the same name as the command. To specify whether you want to run the macro or the command, follow these guidelines:

Deleting a macro

To delete a macro, type:

doskey macroname=