How to Change Default Start Folder for Windows Command Prompt

command linewindowswindows xp

My new Windows XP work computer's command prompt automatically brings up "H:\>" when I open it. Is there a way for me to change that safely? Specifically, to "C:\foo\bar\Something Else"? I found the method of changing the Autorun value through Google, but it came with a warning that it "might affect the functionality of batch scripts."

Bonus note: I was originally getting at this issue in this question, but I didn't ask very directly. The answer I ended up accepting was really good, so I wanted to leave it there.

Best Answer

The command prompt automatically starts in the Home Directory specified in your user profile.

A "workaround" to avoid messing with scripts and such is to create a new shortcut to cmd.exe.

  • Create a new shortcut to %systemroot%\system32\cmd.exe
  • Once the shortcut is created, right-click and select Properties
  • In the Shortcut tab, set the "Start in" field to the path you want to start in, ie, C:\foo\bar\Something Else
  • Click OK and try your new shortcut!
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