How to Change Directories in MS-DOS 6.22

In MS-DOS 6.22, the active working directory is altered using the CHDIR command, universally abbreviated as CD. This article explains how to use the CD command to navigate folder structures, move between parent and child directories, view your current working path, and correctly handle directory changes across different drive letters.

The CD (CHDIR) Command

The CD (Change Directory) command is an internal MS-DOS command used to display or change the current working directory on a drive. Both CD and CHDIR are completely interchangeable.

Basic Syntax and Navigation

To navigate to a specific directory on the current drive, enter CD followed by the target path:

• Move to a subdirectory: Type CD followed by the folder name.

  CD DOS

• Move to the root directory: Use a backslash (\) to immediately jump to the top-level directory of the current drive.

  CD \

• Move up one directory level: Use two periods (..) to navigate to the parent folder of the current directory.

  CD ..

• Navigate multiple levels: Combine folder names with backslashes to jump directly to a deeply nested path.

  CD \GAMES\DOOM

Checking the Current Directory

To verify your active working path, enter the command without any parameters:

CD

MS-DOS will output the full path of the current directory (for example, C:\DOS).

Changing Directories Across Different Drives

In MS-DOS 6.22, using the CD command with a different drive letter changes the working directory for that drive, but it does not switch your active drive.

For example, if you are currently on drive C: and type:

CD D:\BACKUP

You will remain on the C: prompt, but MS-DOS will record D:\BACKUP as the working path for drive D:.

To switch the active drive to D:, type the drive letter followed by a colon:

D:

Once switched, the prompt will place you directly inside D:\BACKUP.