This error occurs while in the MS-DOS command line in Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista, and later versions of Windows. It occurs when using the older command instead of cmd command when opening a command prompt.

Click Start, Run, and type cmd instead of command to access the command prompt. Once in this screen, perform the same command and you should not get the parameter format error.

  • What is the difference between COMMAND.COM and cmd.exe?
  • See our command, MS-DOS, parameter, and Windows command line pages for further information.
  • MS-DOS and Windows command line help and support.