Software·43,733 discussions

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

Locked

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.

Topic

Clarifications

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

Clarifications

Command Extensions must be enabled.

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

cmd /x will enable command extensions for the current cmd session.

They can be permanently enabled with a registry hack.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor]
“EnableExtensions”=dword:00000001

Command Extensions are enabled – but problem persists.

In reply to Command Extensions must be enabled.

Thanks seanferd they were enabled, and we still have the same issue…

Any sort of Group Policy which might disable them?

In reply to Command Extensions are enabled – but problem persists.

Even though cmd might indicate that they are enabled? (I’d assume you’d get an error message, but I couldn’t know.)

You noted that cmd was running under admin rights, but would that be a local or domain admin? In a domain, you may need domain admin rights.

I keep poking around to see if I can find anything definitive.

Bump, because I still have no clue.

In reply to Any sort of Group Policy which might disable them?

Yup. I’m stymied by this as well. And it bugs me.

Still no ideas on this?

In reply to Bump, because I still have no clue.

I’m curious, even if the OP is long gone. 😉

[Author]

Replies