A+: Command Prompt, plus the Elevated Mode for Vista/7

The command prompt allows you to type in programs with options , mostly for diagnosis, repair, and troubleshooting.  

You can start a command-prompt session by clicking on the Command prompt option in the Start menu; it’s usually located in the Accessories menu on most versions of Windows. However, it’s faster to use the Run command:

    • In XP/2000, do Start | Run |  type cmd | click OK.

    • In Vista and 7, do Start | type cmd | press Enter, or press {Ctrl+Shift+Enter} to run in elevated mode (needed for some powerful executables).

    • In any version: Hold down the Window key and press the letter R then release both {Win+R}