command prompt screen problem

[pcquest]

Wasn't sure where to post this. When I try to access the command prompt screen, it comes up and disappears right away. Dont know much about computers. Any help to fix this problem is appreciated.

[Statica]

What OS? What is the command you are using to start the "Command Prompt"? If you're using Win2k/XP have you tried going to START > RUN > and typing cmd or alternately, if you're using Win9x you should type: command.

[pcquest]

thanks Statica.just got to see your reply (got a playful 1yr old!!) .Os is WinXP (got it changed recently from Win2k ).accessed cmnd prompt like you said and also through Accessories.when I type in cmd, it flashes for a second and disappears as before. will I need to re-load the OS?

[doctorgonzo]

Try typing in "command" at the Start...Run box to see if that works.

[Statica]

There is probably a policy or registry setting that prevents you from using the CLI, however what baffles me is that under this situation you will be shown a message that says "The Command prompt has been disabled by your administrator..." pressing a key then makes the CLI disappear; It's worth a check to see whether that is what's happening
Open up the registry editor (START > RUN > regedit)
Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
Do you see a DWORD value that says DisableCMD with the value set at 1 or 2?
If so simple select the DWORD and delete it.
(Incidentally this will also work through the group policy editor in WinXP pro)... I'll type it out here in case you want to cross reference with the gpeditor & you are running XP Professional)
go to START > RUN > gpedit.msc
Go to User Settings > Administrative Templates > System .. check to see that the policy: Prevent Access to the Command Prompt is set at Not Configured .. if it is something other than Not Configured, double click on it and change it.

I would urge you to run a system scan using HouseCall to make sure you dont have a resident malware. Users losing access to their CLI and registry editors are some of the usual symptoms of such malware.

If the aforementioned isn't the case, and you still dont have a virus/spyware then you might need to consider a system restore.