How to Read a Web Page in DOS

Open a Web Page in DOS Editor

Generally, users view web pages via internet browsers. All browsers utilize Graphical User Interface (GUI) technology. Because internet browsers are GUI-based applications, web pages are programmed to display graphics and text in a specified way in a browser window. The DOS operating system is a precursor to GUI-based operating systems such as Windows, and is very limited in functionality that will read or view web pages. No DOS, GUI-based web browser is available at this time. However, a web page's source code may be viewed in the DOS text editor, which may be initiated from the DOS command prompt.

Things You'll Need

• A saved web page

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button and type "cmd" (without quotes) in the Search input box.

2. Press the "Enter" key on the keyboard. The command prompt (DOS) window will open.

3. Type the following command, with quotes, at the C: prompt in DOS:

   edit "c:\directory\test.htm"

   Replace "directory" with the location of the web page, and replace the file name (test.htm) with the file name of the saved web page. The web page source code will display in the DOS text editor.

4. Edit the web page text and then click "File". Click the "Save" button to save the changes.

References

• The Windows Club: The Hidden Text Editor in Windows 7
• Microsoft: Frequently Asked Questions
• Answers: DOS Editor