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Windows MSCDEX command

The MSCDEX command is a command-line tool in Windows used to manage CD-ROM drives. It enables users to access data on CDs, providing a convenient way to work with CD-ROM drives. By using the MSCDEX command, users can navigate through directories, copy files, and perform various operations on CD content. This command is particularly useful for individuals who frequently work with CD-ROMs and need a quick and efficient way to access the data stored on them.

Terminal window
mscdex [/E | /L:xx] [/D:nnn] [/M:ff] [/K] [/S:nnn] [/V] [romdrive:] [/Z:xxxxxxxx]
OptionDescription
/EDisplays the version number of MSCDEX.
/L:xxSpecifies a drive letter from D-Z.
/D:nnnSpecifies the number of drives to allocate.
/M:ffSpecifies the number of sector buffer to reserve.
/KEnables 2KB CD-ROM functionality.
/S:nnnSpecifies the size of the buffer.
/VVerifies the CD-ROM files before cache loading.
/Z:xxxxxSpecifies the maximum buffer size in kilobytes.
ParameterDescription
romdrive:Specifies the CD-ROM drive for MSCDEX to command.
Terminal window
mscdex /l:D /m:10

Load the CD-ROM drive with assigned drive letter D and 10 buffers.

Terminal window
mscdex /d:D /t:4

Interactive loading of the CD-ROM drive with drive letter D and 4 seconds of delay.

Terminal window
mscdex /e

Unload the currently loaded CD-ROM drive.

Terminal window
mscdex /?

Display the version and usage information of MSCDEX.

To use the mscdex command in Windows, execute the following command:

Terminal window
mscdex --option <value>

How can I list all available options for the mscdex command?

Section titled “How can I list all available options for the mscdex command?”

To list all available options for the mscdex command in Windows, use the following command:

Terminal window
mscdex --help

How do I specify a specific drive when using mscdex in Windows?

Section titled “How do I specify a specific drive when using mscdex in Windows?”

To specify a specific drive when using the mscdex command in Windows, you can use the drive letter as a parameter. For example:

Terminal window
mscdex D:

Can I mount a specific folder as a drive using mscdex in Windows?

Section titled “Can I mount a specific folder as a drive using mscdex in Windows?”

Yes, you can mount a specific folder as a drive using the mscdex command in Windows by specifying the path to the folder. For example:

Terminal window
mscdex --mount C:\FolderPath

How do I unmount a drive that was mounted using mscdex in Windows?

Section titled “How do I unmount a drive that was mounted using mscdex in Windows?”

To unmount a drive that was mounted using the mscdex command in Windows, you can use the following command:

Terminal window
mscdex --unmount D:

How can I check the status of mounted drives in Windows using mscdex?

Section titled “How can I check the status of mounted drives in Windows using mscdex?”

To check the status of mounted drives in Windows using the mscdex command, you can use the following command:

Terminal window
mscdex --status

Can I create a virtual drive using mscdex in Windows?

Section titled “Can I create a virtual drive using mscdex in Windows?”

Yes, you can create a virtual drive using the mscdex command in Windows by specifying the virtual drive letter and the path to the folder you want to mount. For example:

Terminal window
mscdex --mount Z: C:\VirtualFolder
  • Mounting and unmounting CD-ROM drives
  • Loading and unloading CD-ROM drivers
  • Accessing data on CD-ROMs through MS-DOS