Using HOMEPATH to set default directory of command processor

[John Wirt]

I would like to set the default directory of the Windows command processor,
cmd.exe, to c:\. Currently, the command processor opens in c:\Documents and
Settings\user.name, when I run it from Start | Run | cmd.

It looks to me like the default directory is determined by a system level
environment string called, HOMEPATH. (or HOMEDRIVE and HOMEPATH). On my
computers HOMEPATH=\Documents and Settings\user.name.

I have tried to change the value of HOMEPATH to \ using the environment
editor in Control Panel | System | Advanced | Environment Variables but
whatever I try set HOMEPATH to, it reverts to \Documents and
Settings\user.name.

Does anyone know how to change the value of the HOMEPATH environment string?

I'm assuming this will change the default directory of the command
processor.

John Wirt

 

[John Wirt]

Hmm, I think the answer may be, go to HKCU\VolatileEnvironment]HOMEPATH in
the registry.

Is this where Windows gets the default directory in starting the command
processor?

John

 

[John John]

No. Try HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor\AutoRun

Or the equivalent in the HKLM branch. If no values are in the HKCU
branch it looks in the HKLM. A search for the key on the net should
yeild more information like:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/cmd.mspx

or:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/autoruncmd.htm

John