Using cmd.exe from C#

Question

I have been toying with the Process class in C#. I have some code below I'd like to use to open cmd.exe and run the DIR command. However, when I attempt to use the code, the cmd.exe opens, but no command is run. Why is this happening and how do I fix it?

Process cmd = new Process();
cmd.StartInfo.FileName = @"cmd.exe";
cmd.StartInfo.Arguments = @"DIR";
cmd.Start();
cmd.WaitForExit();

May help codeproject.com/Articles/25983/How-to-Execute-a-Command-in-C — PiLHA
– PiLHA, Commented May 22, 2013 at 16:28

Steve · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-22 16:35:17Z

3

Try passing the /K option to let the command console stay at video and receive the subsequent DIR command (Without exit).

Process cmd = new Process();
cmd.StartInfo.FileName = @"cmd.exe";
cmd.StartInfo.Arguments = @"/K DIR";  // <-- This will execute the command and wait to close
cmd.Start();
cmd.WaitForExit();

The /K option will allow you to get a better understanding of what happens in the command window because the window will not close immediately and you need to click the close button or type the Exit command. If you want to exit after issuing your commands then use the /C option.

edited May 22, 2013 at 16:35

answered May 22, 2013 at 16:26

Steve

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3 Comments

steventnorris Over a year ago

terrific. One last question in addition then, how would I call DIR then EXIT (eventually DIR will be a more complicated request).

Steve Over a year ago

@AlexeiLevenkov yes I have showed that for that exact purpose.

Steve Over a year ago

@steventnorris, the /C option, as stated, the /K is useful to help you understand what's going on with the CMD window. When you have full control of your process (I imagine that it is not just a DIR) you could switch to the /C option

klugerama · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-22 16:27:49Z

1

cmd.StartInfo.Arguments = @"/c DIR";

answered May 22, 2013 at 16:27

klugerama

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