for /f function with dir command results in: ‘dir’ is not recognized as an

On only one pc amidst others that run the same command with no issues, a simple command results in ” ‘dir’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file. ”

PC is XP Pro SP3.

This is the command. Replacing ‘dir’ with any other command results in the same error.

for /f %a in (‘dir’) do echo %a

This is run straight from the command line with admin rights and command extensions are confirmed to be enabled.

I’m stumped.