Coding With Fun
Home Docker Django Node.js Articles Python pip guide FAQ Policy

Is the cmd file extension associated with cmd.exe?


Asked by Elliott Choi on Nov 30, 2021 FAQ



Under OS/2 and Windows NT, the .CMD file extension is associated with batch scripts for their command processor CMD.EXE. Since binary code will not be executed this way, attempting to run CP/M-86 CMD files under the CMD command processor will not work, but typically only cause mild inconvenience to users.
Accordingly,
The true cmd.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called "Windows Command Processor". However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection.
Similarly, The cmd file extension is commonly associated with command script files for Microsoft Windows operating system, which are very similar in functionality to BAT file format. The cmd file is generally used for running a sequence of executables automatically and are often used by system administrators to automate tedious processes.
In respect to this,
You can run the commands stored in a CMD file in Windows by double-clicking the file or executing it in the Command Prompt (CMD.EXE) utility. You cannot run CMD files in COMMAND.COM, like you may do with BAT files, so that you do not incorrectly execute commands in the wrong Windows environment.
Keeping this in consideration,
Viruses with the same file name. Is cmd.exe a virus? No, it is not. The true cmd.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called "Windows Command Processor". However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection.