PATH in XP

Troops:

Simple question.
How does one edit PATH in WINDOWS XP?

For exmple, suppose I want to change the order of the folder appearances
in PATH, or suppose I want to add an additional folder to PATH. How is this done?

David L. Favin

 

My Computer > Right Mouse > Properties > Advanced Tab > Environment Variables.

But, out of curiousity, why do you want to change the path?

 

WhitPhil:

I use MKS Toolkit to write some AWK programs. When I use the programs they might be applied in any folder (or using the preferred UNIX term , directory). Hence I want the execution to take place without the necessity of specifying a long PATH.

This also applies to any C++ or BASIC programs I might write. I just installed XP and wanna set things up right.

Thanks for the response.

David

 

Ok, clear I guess.

So, you are starting these apps via Start > Run, then?
Or, are you at a command prompt?

The easiest way, without having to worry about paths, is to create a shortcut icon to the appropriate program.

 

WhitPhil:

MKSToolKit provides a UNIX like environment within WINDOWS. When I am in that mode I am using a command line. Your suggestion regarding using an icon might have some limited merit but a command line operation allows parameters to be passed to the executing program. Icons do not afford that option.
As to using the RUN feature of WINDOWS I would once again have to indicate the full PATH to the desired program which is laborious when the program is deeply embedded in a depth of folders. This is especially so if one is troubleshooting a program.

With the command line operation you go to the folder holding the program and just type in the name of the program and any command line parameters.
The program does its thing. You then can modify it and tune it to what you want. Your entire operation is in one directory even if the program calls for things in other directories. With the dot (.) in the PATH the operating system looks in your current folder for commands you might have issued.

I hope I have made this clear.

David Favin

 

Ah, substantially clearer.

Sounds like it's a job for "Path ".