How to Create a Bootable USB Drive Without Using Any Software

Step 1: Using DISKPART command

1. Insert your USB flash drive to your running computer. As the first step, we need to run Command Prompt as administrator. To do this, we need to find cmd by typing 'cmd' in the search box on Windows Start Menu. After search result for 'cmd' appears, right click on it and select "Run as administrator".
2. Type 'diskpart' on Command Prompt (without quotes) and hit Enter. Wait for a while until the DISKPART program run.
3. Type 'list disk' to view active disks on your computer and hit Enter. There would be seen that the active disks shown as Disk 0 for hard drive and Disk 1 for your USB flashdrive with its total capacity.
4. Type 'select disk 1' to determine that disk 1 would be processed in the next step then hit Enter.
5. Type 'clean' and hit Enter to remove all of data in the drive.
6. Type 'create partition primary' and hit Enter. Creating a primary partition and further recognized by Windows as 'partition 1'.
7. Type 'select partition 1' an hit Enter. Choosing the 'partition 1' for setting up it as an active partition.
8. Type 'active' and hit Enter. Activating current partition.
9. Type 'format fs=ntfs quick' and hit Enter. Formatting current partition as NTFS file system quickly.
10. Type 'exit' and hit Enter. Leaving DISKPART program but don't close the Command Prompt instead. We would still need it for next process.

10 Useful Windows Commands You Should Know

10 Useful Windows Commands You Should Know

There are some things you can only do from the command line, even on Windows. Some of these tools don’t have graphical equivalents, while others are just plain faster to use than their graphical interfaces.

We can’t possibly cover all the useful commands you can use in the Command Prompt or PowerShell here. We’ll be focusing on commands that should be useful even if you’re not a command-line person.

ipconfig – Quickly Find Your IP Address

You can find your IP address from the Control Panel, but this takes quite a few clicks. The ipconfig command is a fast way of determining your computer’s IP address and other information, such as the address of its default gateway — useful if you want to know the IP address of your router’s web interface.

To use the command, just type ipconfig into a Command Prompt window. You’ll see a list of all the network connections your computer is using. Look under Wireless LAN adapter if you’re connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection if you’re connected to a wired network.

ipconfig /flushdns – Flush Your DNS Resolver Cache

If you change your DNS server, the effects won’t necessarily take place immediately. Windows uses a cache that remembers DNS responses it’s received, saving time when you access the same addresses again in the future.

To ensure Windows is getting addresses from the new DNS servers instead of using old, cached entries, run the ipconfig /flushdns command after changing your DNS server.

ping, tracert – Troubleshoot Network Connection Issues

If you’re experiencing issues connecting to a website or other network connection issues, Windows and other operating systems have some standard tools you can use to identify problems.

First, there’s the ping command. Type ping google.com and Windows will send packets to Google.com. Google will respond and let you know it’s received them. You’ll be able to see if any packets didn’t make it to Google.com — perhaps you’re experiencing packet loss — and how long it took you to hear back — perhaps the network is saturated and packets are taking a while to reach their destinations.

There’s also the tracert command, which traces the route it takes for a packet to reach a destination. For example, run tracert google.com and you’ll see the path your packet takes to reach Google. If you’re having issues connecting to a website, tracert can show you where the problem is occurring.

For more information about using these commands, read our introduction to troubleshooting Internet connection problems.

shutdown – Create Shutdown Shortcuts on Windows 8

The shutdown command is particularly useful on Windows 8. You can use it to create your own shortcuts and place them on your Start screen or desktop, allowing you to more easily shut down Windows without digging through the charms bar or logging out first.

This command can also be used to restart your computer. On Windows 8, you can even use a special switch to restart your computer into the advanced startup options menu.

• Shut Down: shutdown /s /t 0
• Restart: shutdown /r /t 0
• Restart Into Startup Options: shutdown /r /o

recimg – Create Custom Recovery Images

The Refresh Your PC feature on Windows 8 allows you to restore your computer’s system state to its original state — either from a clean Windows install or as the computer came from its manufacturer. You can create your own custom recovery images, but this feature is hidden — you have to do it with the recimg command from a command line. This allows you to removemanufacturer-installed bloatware or add your favorite desktop programs to your recovery image.

For more information about using recimg, read our overview of everything you need to know about creating and using custom recovery images on Windows 8.

wbadmin start backup – Create System Recovery Images

Windows 8.1 removes the Windows 7 backup interface, which allowed you to create system backup images. These system images contain a complete snapshot of every single file on the system, so they’re different from Windows 8’s recovery images.

While the graphical interface has been removed, system administrators and geeks can still create system image backups by running the wbadmin start backup cmdlet in a PowerShell window. Unlike all the other commands here, this command-line tool must be run from within PowerShell, not the Command Prompt.

sfc /scannow – Scan System Files for Problems

Windows includes a system file checker tool that scans its system files and looks for problems. If system files are missing or corrupted, the system file checker will repair them. This may fix problems with some Windows systems.

To use this tool, open a Command Prompt window as Administrator and run the sfc /scannowcommand.

telnet – Connect to Telnet Servers

The telnet client isn’t installed by default. You’ll have to install it from the Control Panel. Once installed, you can use the telnet command to connect to telnet servers without installing any third-party software.

You should avoid using telnet if you can help it, but if you’re connected directly to a device and it requires that you use telnet to set something up — well, that’s what you have to do.

cipher – Permanently Delete and Overwrite a Directory

The cipher command is mostly used for managing encryption, but it also has an option that will write garbage data to a drive, clearing its free space and ensuring no deleted file can be recovered. Deleted files normally stick around on disk unless you’re using a solid state drive. The cipher command effectively allows you to “wipe” a drive without installing any third-party tools.

To use the command, specify the drive you want to wipe like so:

ciper /w:C:\

netstat -an – List Network Connections and Ports

The netstat command is particularly useful, displaying all sorts of network statistics when used with its various options. One of the most interesting variants of netstat is netstat -an, which will display a list of all open network connections on their computer, along with the port they’re using and the foreign IP address they’re connected to.

How do I change my IP address?

The basics

Before reading any of the below information, you need to be aware of some network basics.

1. Know the difference between a static IP addressand a dynamic IP address. See each link for additional information about each of these terms.
2. When on the Internet, it is up to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to assign and give you your network address seen by the Internet. When on a local network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) the home or corporate router assigns the IP addresses.
3. If you're planning on designating or using a static IP address, you should be aware of how IP address ranges are handled and be familiar with the netmask. See each of these links for additional information.

Changing your Internet IP address

Modem users

When connecting to the Internet over a dial-up Modem, your ISP will assign your computer a different IP address each time you connect. If you're wanting to change your IP address, try disconnecting and reconnecting. If you're assigned the same address, disconnect for a few minutes and then reconncect.

Broadband users

Broadband service providers will assign your computer or home network a static IPaddress. If you're connected to a broadband network and need to change your IP address try following the steps below.

Disconnect power to broadband modem

Getting a new IP address may be as simple as disconnecting the power to your broadband modem. Disconnect the power from the modem and leave it disconnected for a few minutes. If you have a network router connected to the modem, we also suggest disconnecting the power to the router.

Release the IP address assigned to router

If disconnecting the power to the modem and router did not work it may still be saved in your router configuration. Try releasing and renewing the Internet IP Address for the router. Steps on how to do this can vary depending on the router. However, is often done through the Status or setup in the router setup.

Tip: The Internet IP Address is not the 192.168.xxx.xxx or 10.0.xxxx.xxx address.

• How do I adjust the settings of my home router?

Leave it disconnected over night

If the above two suggestions do not work, disconnect the power to the modem androuter (if applicable) and leave them disconnected overnight or for as long as possible.

Contact the ISP

If none of the above suggestions help you change your IP address, it's possible your ISPprevents a new IP address from being assigned unless it is abandoned for days. In this situation, its usually easiest to contact the ISP to get the IP address changed.

Changing your home network IP address

To change or specify the IP address of your computer for your own local area network (LAN), follow the steps below. Keep in mind that if you're connecting to the Internet with a broadband connection, adjusting your network settings may cause issues with your broadband connection. Finally, if your home network is setup through a network router, that router could be assigning your computer dynamic IP addresses, and specifying a static IP address may cause issues.

Windows Vista and later

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click on the Network and Sharing Center icon.
3. In the View your active networks section, click the Local Area Connection link.
4. On the Local Area Connection Status window, click the Properties button.
5. In the Properties window, select the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) connection and click the Properties button. The connection you select depends on the type of Internet protocol in use for your Internet or Network connection.
6. In the Internet Protocol properties window, select the Use the following IP address option if not already selected. Specify the new IP address you want to use. You also need to specify the subnet mask and default gateway.

Windows XP and earlier

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Right-click on My Network Places or Network Neighborhood and select Properties.
3. Right-click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.
4. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties button. If this is not present, you'll need to install the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol.
5. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, select the Use the following IP address option if not already selected and specify the new IP address you want to use. You also need to specify the subnet mask and default gateway.

Linux users

The below information is for how to specify and adjust your network settings through the command prompt. Changing your network settings will require root access.

1. Get to the shell.
2. Move to the /etc/sysconfig/network directory.
3. Edit the interfaces file and adjust your network settings in this file.

Can someone else change my IP address?

Someone who's outside your home network and does not have access to your network router cannot change your IP address. Do not be concerned about your computer's security if your IP address has changed. It's more likely that it's normal behavior than an attack.

Missing Network protocol basic network card troubleshooting page.

Missing Network protocol

Before any of the steps below are attempted, verify that your network card is installed and has no errors or conflictions in Device Manager. If your network card has errors, see the basic network card troubleshooting page.

Keep in mind that the three most common protocols used on the majority of all computers areTCP/IP, IPX/SPX and NetBEUI. It is very unlikely that any other network protocol needs to be installed. Finally, it is common for a computer to have all three of these protocols installed at the same time. Installing one or more different protocols does not cause issues with a computer.

• Incorrect Protocol version.

Microsoft Windows ME, 2000, and XP users

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Double-clicking "Network and Dial-up connections."
3. Double-click on the "Local Area Connection."
4. Click the Properties button.
5. If the protocol is installed, the protocol should be listed by the installed network adapter. Note: do not confuse the network adapter with the dial-up adapter. If the protocol is listed it is not missing. If you want to reinstall the protocol, highlight the protocol and click the remove button, reboot the computer and then continue with the steps below.
6. If the protocol is not listed, click the Add or Install button.
7. Select the protocol and click ok. If this is a corporate network and you are unfamiliar with the network you are connecting to, attempt first to install the protocol. If this does not work, we recommend you contact the network administrator or your corporate help desk for additional assistance.
8. Once the protocol has completed the installation, unless you want to install additional protocols, reboot the computer.

Microsoft Windows 95 and 98 users

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Double-clicking "Network."
3. If the protocol is installed, the protocol should be listed by the installed network adapter. Note: do not confuse the network adapter with the dial-up adapter. If the protocol is listed it is not missing. If you want to reinstall the protocol, highlight the protocol and click the remove button, reboot the computer and then continue with the steps below.
4. If the protocol is not listed, click the Add button.
5. Select Microsoft as the manufacturer. If this is a corporate network and you are unfamiliar with the network you are connecting to, attempt first to install the protocol as a Microsoft protocol. If this does not work we recommend you contact the network administrator or your corporate help desk for additional assistance.
6. Under the network protocol select the protocol you want to install. This should beTCP/IP, IPX/SPX or NetBEUI. Unless you are attempting to install a different protocol.
7. Once the protocol has completed the installation, unless you want to install additional protocols, reboot the computer.

How do I setup my own home network? Peer-to-Peer network Basic Ethernet network with file sharing Network with modem Internet sharing Network with broadband Internet sharing

How do I setup my own home network?

Setting up a home network allow users to share files, share printers, share broadband Internet access, play network games and much more. Before setting up your own network, the network as well as what you want for the network to accomplish must be established. Below are links to different computer networks you can run at your home.

Peer-to-Peer network
Basic Ethernet network with file sharing
Network with modem Internet sharing
Network with broadband Internet sharing

Peer-to-Peer network

Advantages and Capabilities:
Connect two commuters.
Able to share files, play network games.

Disadvantages:Limited to two computers can connected to the network.

Estimated setup time:
10-15 Minutes

Required hardware and software:
- Two computers with 10/100 Ethernet network cards installed and working
- Network cross-over cable.

Microsoft Windows 95 and 98 Steps:

1. Verify network cards are properly installed in Device Manager and that you have the latest network drivers for the installed network cards. If problems are found with the network cards, see the basic network troubleshooting page.
2. Connect the two computers to each other.
3. Open Network properties by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel and double-clicking "Network."
4. Verify your network card is listed as a network component. Note that this is not the dial-up adapter.
5. Verify that TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are installed for your network adapter. If one or both of these protocols are not listed for your network adapter, install the protocol.
6. Once the protocols have been installed under the Network window click the button "File and Print Sharing." Within this window you must specify if you want to enable file and print sharing on this computer. This must be done on each of the computers.
7. Setup the TCP/IP protocol by highlighting the TCP/IP protocol for the network adapter and clicking the "Properties" button.
8. Within the properties, select the option "Specify an IP address." Enter a value similar to the example below.
   
   IP Address: 102.55.92.1
   Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192
   
   The above IP address must differ for each computer. Therefore, on the other computer it could be 102.55.92.2 with the same subnet mask.
9. Once the IP address and Subnet mask have been specified, close out of all windows and reboot the computer.

Microsoft Windows ME, 2000, and XP Steps:

1. Verify network cards are properly installed in Device Manager and that you have the latest network drivers for the installed network cards. If problems are found with the network cards, see the basic network troubleshooting page.
2. Connect the two computers to each other.
3. Open Network properties by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double-clicking "Network and Dial-up connections."
4. Double-click on the "Local Area Connection."
5. Click the "Properties" button.
6. Verify that TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are installed for your network adapter. If one or both of these protocols are not listed for your network adapter, install the protocol.
7. Once the protocols have been installed under the Network window verify that File and Print sharing is installed. If this is missing and you want to enable file and print sharing on this computer, click the install button and install File and Print sharing.
8. Setup the TCP/IP protocol by highlighting the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol for the network adapter and clicking the "Properties" button.
9. Within the properties, select the option "Specify an IP address." Enter a value similar to the below values.
   
   IP Address: 102.55.92.1
   Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192
   
   The above IP address must differ for each computer. Therefore, on the other computer it could be 102.55.92.2 with the same subnet mask.
10. Once the IP address and Subnet mask have been specified, close out of all windows and reboot the computer.

Basic network with file sharing

Advantages and Capabilities:
More than two computers can be connected to the network.

Disadvantages:Requires additional hardware and money.

Estimated setup time:
20-30 minutes.

Required hardware and software:
- Computers with 10/100 Ethernet network cards installed and working
- Standard network cables.
- Network Switch or Hub

Microsoft Windows 95 and 98 Steps:

1. Verify network cards are properly installed in Device Manager and that you have the latest network drivers for the installed network cards. If problems are found with the network cards, see the basic network troubleshooting page.
2. Connect each computer the network switch or hub.
3. Open Network properties by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel and double-clicking "Network."
4. Verify your network card is listed as a network component. Note that this is not the dial-up adapter.
5. Verify that TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are installed for your network adapter. If one or both of these protocols are not listed for your network adapter, install the protocol.
6. Once the protocols have been installed under the Network window click the button "File and Print Sharing." Within this window you must specify if you want to enable file and print sharing on this computer. This must be done on each of the computers.
7. Setup the TCP/IP protocol by highlighting the TCP/IP protocol for the network adapter and clicking the "Properties" button.
8. Within the properties, select the option "Specify an IP address." Enter a value similar to the below values.
   
   IP Address: 102.55.92.1
   Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192
   
   The above IP address must differ for each computer. Therefore, on the other computer it could be 102.55.92.2 with the same subnet mask.
9. Once the IP address and Subnet mask have been specified close out of all windows and reboot the computer.

Microsoft Windows ME, 2000, and XP Steps:

1. Verify network cards are properly installed in Device Manager and that you have the latest network drivers for the installed network cards. If problems are found with the network cards, see the basic network troubleshooting page.
2. Connect each computer the network switch or hub.
3. Open Network properties by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel and double-clicking "Network."
4. Double-click on the "Local Area Connection."
5. Click the "Properties" button.
6. Verify that TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are installed for your network adapter. If one or both of these protocols are not listed for your network adapter, install the protocol.
7. Once the protocols have been installed under the Network window verify that File and Print sharing is installed. If this is missing and you want to enable file and print sharing on this computer, click the install button and install File and Print sharing.
8. Setup the TCP/IP protocol by highlighting the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol for the network adapter and clicking the "Properties" button.
9. Within the properties, select the option "Specify an IP address." Enter a value similar to the below values.
   
   IP Address: 102.55.92.1
   Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192
   
   The above IP address must differ for each computer. Therefore, on the other computer it could be 102.55.92.2 with the same subnet mask.
10. Once the IP address and Subnet mask have been specified, close out of all windows and reboot the computer.

Basic network with file and broadband modem sharing

Advantages and Capabilities:
All computers in house can share the same modem connection.

Disadvantages:- Requires additional hardware and money.
- Because a modem does not have much bandwidth, if multiple users are browsing or downloading files, this can cause what appears to be a very slow connection.

Estimated setup time:
30-40 minutes.

Required hardware and software:
- Computers with 10/100 Ethernet network cards installed and working.
- Network Router, Switch or Hub
- Computer running a software proxy.

Microsoft Windows 95 and 98 Steps:

1. Verify network cards are properly installed in Device Manager and that you have the latest network drivers for the installed network cards. If problems are found with the network cards, see the basic network troubleshooting page.
2. Connect each computer the network switch or hub.
3. Open Network properties by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel and double-clicking "Network."
4. Verify your network card is listed as a network component. Note that this is not the dial-up adapter.
5. Verify that TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are installed for your network adapter. If one or both of these protocols are not listed for your network adapter, install the protocol.
6. Once the protocols have been installed under the Network window click the button "File and Print Sharing." Within this window you must specify if you want to enable file and print sharing on this computer. This must be done on each of the computers.
7. Setup the TCP/IP protocol by highlighting the TCP/IP protocol for the network adapter and clicking the "Properties" button.
8. Within the properties, select the option "Specify an IP address." Enter a value similar to the below values.
   
   IP Address: 102.55.92.1
   Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192
   
   The above IP address must differ for each computer. Therefore, on the other computer it could be 102.55.92.2 with the same subnet mask.
9. Once the IP address and Subnet mask have been specified, close out of all windows and reboot the computer.
10. Once the network has been setup and is working, install, and then setup a proxy on one of the computers on the network. This computer will manage the Internet connection for each of the other computers on the network.

Microsoft Windows ME, 2000, and XP Steps:

1. Verify network cards are properly installed in Device Manager and that you have the latest network drivers for the installed network cards. If problems are found with the network cards, see the basic network troubleshooting page.
2. Connect each computer the network switch or hub.
3. Open Network properties by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel and double-clicking "Network and Dial-up connections."
4. Double-click on the "Local Area Connection."
5. Click the "Properties" button.
6. Verify that TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are installed for your network adapter. If one or both of these protocols are not listed for your network adapter, install the protocol.
7. Once the protocols have been installed under the Network window verify that File and Print sharing is installed. If this is missing and you want to enable file and print sharing on this computer, click the install button and install File and Print sharing.
8. Setup the TCP/IP protocol by highlighting the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol for the network adapter and clicking the "Properties" button.
9. Within the properties, select the option "Specify an IP address." Enter a value similar to the below values.
   
   IP Address: 102.55.92.1
   Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192
   
   The above IP address must differ for each computer. Therefore, on the other computer it could be 102.55.92.2 with the same subnet mask.
10. Once the IP address and Subnet mask have been specified, close out of all windows and reboot the computer.
11. Once the network has been setup and is working install and setup a proxy on one of the computers on the network. This computer will manage the Internet connection for each of the other computers on the network.

Basic network with file and broadband Internet sharing

Advantages and Capabilities:
All computers in house can share the a broadband Internet connection.

Disadvantages:- Requires additional hardware and money.

Estimated setup time:
40-50 minutes.

Required hardware and software:
- Computers with 10/100 Ethernet network cards installed and working.
- Network Router, Switch or Hub
- Computer running a software proxy.

Router requirements:

When purchasing a network router, look for the below features.

• WAN Port
• Uplink ports
• Support for NAT

Hardware setup:

As illustrated in the above picture, you can notice that there are two methods of setting up this network. It is recommended that "Method One" be chosen because it offers for more computers to be connected to it. However, not purchasing a network hub or switch can save money.

Method One:

1. Connect the broadband Internet connection to the WAN port on the router.
2. Connect a network hub or switch to the router.
3. Connect each of the computers to the hub or switch.
4. Enter the network settings provided by the Broadband provider in your network router.

Method Two:

1. Connect the broadband Internet connection to the WAN port on the router.
2. Connect each computer to the router. If there are not enough ports for each of the computers, you must setup the network using the steps in method one.
3. Enter the network settings provided by the Broadband provider in your network router.

Microsoft Windows 95 and 98 Steps:

1. Verify network cards are properly installed in Device Manager and that you have the latest network drivers for the installed network cards. If problems are found with the network cards, see the basic network troubleshooting page.
2. Connect each computer the network switch or hub.
3. Open Network properties by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double-clicking "Network."
4. Verify your network card is listed as a network component. Note that this is not the dial-up adapter.
5. Verify that TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are installed for your network adapter. If one or both of these protocols are not listed for your network adapter, install the protocol.
6. Once the protocols have been installed under the Network window click the button "File and Print Sharing." Within this window you must specify if you want to enable file and print sharing on this computer. This must be done on each of the computers.
7. Setup the TCP/IP protocol by highlighting the TCP/IP protocol for the network adapter and clicking the "Properties" button.
8. Within the properties, verify that "Obtain IP address automatically" is selected.
9. Once the network settings have been setup and all network peripherals are on, reboot the computer.
10. To verify the router has released network values to the computer, click Start, Run, and type winipcfg and click ok. Additional information and help with winipcfg can be found on our winipcfg page. Verify when looking at the IP Configuration that you are looking under the network adapter and not the PPP adapter.

Microsoft Windows ME, 2000, and XP Steps:

1. Verify network cards are properly installed in Device Manager and that you have the latest network drivers for the installed network cards. If problems are found with the network cards, see the basic network troubleshooting page.
2. Connect each computer the network switch or hub.
3. Open Network properties by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel,  and double-clicking "Network and Dial-up connections."
4. Double-click on the "Local Area Connection."
5. Click the "Properties" button.
6. Verify that TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are installed for your network adapter. If one or both of these protocols are not listed for your network adapter, install the protocol.
7. Once the protocols have been installed under the Network window verify that File and Print sharing is installed. If this is missing and you want to enable file and print sharing on this computer, click the install button and install File and Print sharing.
8. Setup the TCP/IP protocol by highlighting the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol for the network adapter and clicking the "Properties" button.
9. Within the properties, verify that "Obtain IP address automatically" is selected.
10. Once the network settings have been setup and all network peripherals are on, reboot the computer.
11. To verify the router has released network values to the computer, click Start, Run, and type command and click ok. In the MS-DOS window type "ipconfig" and press enter. Additional information about ipconfig can be found on our ipconfig page.