Microsoft KB Archive/929457

Knowledge Base

The path of a file or the path of a folder does not appear when you drag a file or a folder to a Command Prompt window in Windows Vista

Article ID: 929457

Article Last Modified on 3/15/2007

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APPLIES TO

• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Starter

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SYMPTOMS

When you drag a file or a folder to a Command Prompt window in Windows Vista, the path of the file or the path of the folder does not appear in the Command Prompt window as expected.

Note If you perform the same action in Microsoft Windows XP, the path of the file or the path of the folder appears in the Command Prompt window.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because of design changes that are intended to enhance security in Windows Vista.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, paste the path of the file or the path of the folder in the Command Prompt window. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Explorer, and then locate the file or the folder from which you want to copy the path.
2. Press SHIFT, right-click the file or folder, and then click Copy as Path.
3. Right-click anywhere in the Command Prompt window, and then click Paste. The path of the file or folder is pasted at the command prompt.
   

Note If you have the Quick Edit mode enabled for the Cmd.exe program, you do not have to click Paste. The path appears at the command prompt when you right-click anywhere in the Command Prompt window. For more information about how to enable the Quick Edit mode, see the "More Information" section.

MORE INFORMATION

To enable the Quick Edit mode for the Cmd.exe program, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type cmd in the Start Search box, and then click cmd.exe in the Programs list.
   

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue.

1. Press ALT+SPACE to open the shortcut menu for the Command Prompt window, and then click Properties.
2. In the "drive:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe" Properties dialog box, click the Options tab.
3. Click to select the Quick Edit Mode check box, and then click OK.

Keywords: kbexpertisebeginner kbtshoot kbprb kbenv KB929457

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