What are Environmental Variables?

I have tried to discover what environmental variables are and whether the ones on this machine are optimal. I have searched the help files and MS knowledge base and come back more confused than ever.

It is clear if I want to understand, somebody very kind will have to take the time to inform me.

Just that the Environmental Variable properties window has buttons for adding, editing and deleting. So, my curiosity is aroused.

If it is not too complicated and/or unneccesary to mess with them, let me know.

Martin

 

A variable is something Set into the command processor environment. One would be the location of your temporary files folder, another would be where the command processor could be reloaded, the current windows folder, what type of dos prompt you have, the default command path for use in dos. Another would be such as for your sound card variables, such as BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T4 P330.
If you would like to see the current variables, open a dos window [Cmd.Exe since you seem to have XP] and enter in set and press Enter.

 

Wow Mark, sure is a lot of stuff in there. Is it possible there are errors or some way to check all OK? Again, its those buttons, Add, Edit, Delete.

What would you add, etc. and why? If you are not supposed to mess with it, why the ability to do so?

Suppose someone, either accidentally or on purpose deleted everything. Would XP add the stuff back in or would the machine be broken?

Thanks for the reply on this, Great Board.

Martin

 

Martin - if all the stuff got deleted you'd have a royal mess. Some you could rebuild without a reinstall but probably not all. I'm making a guess here though.

As to making changes, you will sometimes want/need to. For instance:
- a software .exe you want to run from the start~run line without giving a full path would possibly need the folder added to your path statement.
- a DOS app that had specific requirements for setup usually done in config.sys and autoexec.bat would need those items added here since otherwise it might not run.

 

WinNT, Win2k, WinXP Command Prompt Tips

 

Well, now I know a little bit more, hopefully enough to keep me from messing with environmental variables. I've just had too many years of trying to get Windows to run like it is supposed to and my mentality is now that MS does not know best and most Windows settings need, no, must be changed if you want an OS that runs.

Martin