The Top Command Prompt (cmd.exe) Interview Questions and Answers Guide for 2023

Command Prompt (cmdexe) remains one of the most widely-used tools for interacting with Windows. While GUI apps and PowerShell grab the spotlight, cmd’s simplicity and versatility ensure its place in every Windows user’s toolkit

That’s why knowledge of cmd is a must for any IT role dealing with Windows servers infrastructure or support. Whether you’re prepping for interviews or just looking to level up your command-line skills, this comprehensive guide has got you covered!

Below we’ve compiled the 25 most common and crucial cmd interview questions – along with detailed explanations and examples. Read on to ace your next tech interview and become a cmd power user!

Q1. How Would You Describe Command Prompt’s Basic Functions for a Beginner?

For newcomers, I describe Command Prompt as a “text-based window” that allows typing in instructions directly to control the computer. It’s like having a conversation with your PC!

Some of the most common commands include:

• cd – Changes the current directory or “folder”
• dir – Lists contents of a directory
• copy – Copies files
• del – Deletes files
• mkdir – Makes a new folder
• exit – Closes the Command Prompt window

The key is that the commands require specific details like folder names or file locations to work. Once you learn the basics, cmd gives you immense control over Windows!

Q2. How Does Command Prompt Differ from PowerShell? When Would You Use One Over the Other?

PowerShell is more advanced, packed with powerful features and automation capabilities. But cmd is simple and straightforward.

Cmd is better for basic tasks like file management or running scripts. PowerShell excels at system administration due to its deep integration with Windows and support for structured data.

For a server admin who needs to manage systems at scale PowerShell cannot be beat. But for lower-level tasks or running quick one-off commands cmd gets the job done easily.

The choice depends on the use case. Cmd is simpler; PowerShell is far more capable. Pick the best tool for the task at hand.

Q3. What Is the PATH Variable’s Role in Cmd, and How Can You Edit It?

The PATH variable tells cmd where to look for executable programs when you run a command. By default, it includes Windows’ own program directories.

You can customize PATH to add folders containing your own programs. Then you can run them easily from any location!

To add a folder:

setx PATH "%PATH%;C:myfolder"

This appends the new entry onto PATH. To remove an entry, open System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables and edit PATH there.

Q4. How Can You Use Cmd to Troubleshoot Network Issues? What Commands Are Helpful?

Cmd contains a toolbox of network utilities ready for troubleshooting!

ping – Tests connectivity by sending packets to a target IP/domain. Successful replies indicate an active connection.

ipconfig – Displays detailed network configuration and can renew DHCP and DNS settings.

nslookup – Retrieves DNS info for a domain to check settings and connectivity.

tracert – Traces the path to a destination, showing each network hop. Helps identify lag or failed points.

netstat – Displays in-depth network stats and connections for thorough analysis.

These powerful commands quickly isolate connectivity and configuration problems when networking issues arise.

Q5. How Can You Schedule Recurring Cmd Tasks Like Scripts or Commands?

The schtasks command provides full task scheduling capabilities from the command line.

For example, to run script.bat daily at 9 AM:

schtasks /create /sc daily /tn "My Script" /tr "C:scriptsscript.bat" /st 09:00

This creates a new scheduled task with a daily recurrence, named “My Script”, which runs the specified bat file at 9 AM.

You can schedule cmd tasks to recur daily, weekly, monthly etc. and control every parameter. Automation made easy!

Q6. What Is the System File Checker (SFC) and How Do You Use It?

SFC scans for and restores corrupted system files using cached copies in the DLL cache folder.

To run a scan, use:

sfc /scannow

SFC will scan and automatically repair issues where possible. If files can’t be fixed immediately, it will request your Windows install media to extract good copies.

This powerful built-in tool ensures critical OS files haven’t been accidentally altered or damaged, maintaining stability.

Q7. How Can You Redirect Command Output to a File Rather Than the Screen?

The > redirector sends cmd output to a file rather than the screen.

For example:

dir > directory_listing.txt

This will list the current directory contents and output it to a file called directory_listing.txt. To append rather than overwrite, use >> instead.

Redirectors let you log output from any command to a file for archival or troubleshooting!

Q8. What’s the Difference Between COPY and XCOPY? When Would You Use Each?

COPY is simpler but XCOPY is more powerful.

COPY moves individual files. XCOPY can replicate entire directory structures thanks to switches like:

• /S – Copies subfolders
• /E – Copies empty folders
• /V – Verifies after copying

For simple file copies, COPY will do. But to duplicate folders or sync content, XCOPY is indispensible!

Q9. What Are Switches or Command Line Arguments in Cmd, and Why Are They Used?

Switches modify commands by giving them additional parameters and flags to alter their behavior.

For example, DIR /S lists folder contents including subfolders due to the /S switch.

Switches allow commands to be tailored to specific use cases. You can control sorting, verbosity, conditions and much more. This flexibility is why cmd remains ubiquitous even in the GUI era!

Q10. Can You Show an Example Batch Script That Automates a Routine Task?

Batch scripts allow automating almost any routine task by combining multiple commands in a file with .bat extension.

For example, this script backs up my important folders to an external drive:

@echo offxcopy "C:UsersMeDocuments" "F:Backup" /S /E /D:30 /C /Ixcopy "C:UsersMePictures" "F:Backup" /S /E /D:30 /C /I  

It uses XCOPY with some switches:

• /S – copies subfolders
• /E – copies empty folders
• /D:30 – excludes older files for differential backup
• /C – continues despite errors
• /I – prompts before overwriting

Now I just run this script whenever I want to backup quickly!

Q11. How Can You Diagnose and Repair Disk Errors Using Command Prompt?

The CHKDSK utility is built into cmd for diagnosing and fixing disk problems.

To detect issues on drive C::

chkdsk C:

To repair errors:

chkdsk C: /f

If the disk is being used, schedule the repair for next reboot.

For bad sector detection and recovery:

chkdsk C: /r

CHKDSK maintains healthy disks by scanning, detecting, and rectifying filesystem corruption and physical defects. An essential disk recovery tool!

Q12. How Can You Manage Windows Services Using Cmd?

The SC command provides full Windows service management capabilities.

To start a service:

sc start servicename

To stop a service:

sc stop servicename

To query status of a service:

sc query servicename

To configure service parameters:

sc config servicename [params]

With these simple SC commands, you can control services easily without GUI tools.

Q13. What Is Command Chaining and When Could You Use It?

Command chaining allows running multiple cmds sequentially by separating them with operators like:

• & – Runs cmds in order regardless of result
• && – Runs second cmd only if first succeeds
• | – Pipes output of one to another
• || – Runs second cmd only if first fails

For example:

ipconfig & netstat

Runs IPCONFIG then NETSTAT unconditionally.

Command chaining lets you combine utilities to perform complex tasks!

Q14. How Do FIND and FINDSTR Differ? When Would You Use Each?

FIND just searches for