Reset MS-DOS 6.22 Command Prompt to Default

This guide explains how to restore the command prompt string to its original default settings in MS-DOS 6.22. In MS-DOS, the PROMPT command manages the appearance of the command line interface, allowing users to switch between the bare system default and the standard path-based prompt using simple text parameters.

The Default Prompt Commands

To reset the prompt in MS-DOS 6.22, open the command line and use one of the following commands depending on which default you want to restore:

1. Reset to the Built-in System Default

To remove all custom formatting and return to the factory system default, type:

PROMPT

Press Enter. Entering the PROMPT command without any parameters clears the prompt configuration and resets it to the current drive letter followed by a greater-than sign (for example, C>).

2. Reset to the Standard Path-Based Default

MS-DOS 6.22 installations typically configure the prompt via AUTOEXEC.BAT to display the current drive, directory path, and a greater-than symbol. To restore this standard behavior, type:

PROMPT $P$G

Press Enter.

  • $P instructs DOS to display the current working drive and directory.
  • $G outputs the standard greater-than character (>).

This configuration produces the standard prompt format (for example, C:\DOS>).

Making the Change Permanent

Changes made by running the PROMPT command in an active session are temporary and reset when the system restarts. To make the prompt persistent:

  1. Open the system configuration file by typing: 
    EDIT C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
  2. Locate the line beginning with PROMPT.
  3. Change the line to PROMPT $P$G (or remove it entirely to use the bare C> default).
  4. Save the file and restart the system.