# Where did my "Run" command line prompt go? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 10, 2000, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154 "2000-05-10T19:52:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2000, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/1 "2000-05-10T19:52:10Z")
The other day I wanted to run the Windows calculator. Usually I just click Start-\>Run and type “calc.” But Run isn’t there anymore. It was there a few days ago. Anyone have any idea what happened to it and how I can get it back? Is there a Registry value entry that controls whether or not it is displayed? If so, what subkey should I be looking in? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2000, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/2 "2000-05-10T22:00:55Z")
What version of Windows are we talking about? ---
**Author:** ![whitetho](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whitetho/32/1059_2.png) [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2000, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/3 "2000-05-10T22:26:02Z")
Also, are you talking about a work version or a home versio? I know there are some security setting that disable some options, and on a network they may have set that to restrict access to the system. Can you still select Start\>Programs\>MS DOS Prompt and run calc from the DOS prompt? ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2000, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/4 "2000-05-10T23:24:56Z")
Try the system file checker, SFC, type RUN:SFC 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dystopos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@Dystopos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dystopos)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2000, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/5 "2000-05-10T23:30:20Z")
Any reason you wouldn’t just make a shortcut for the calculator and put IT in the start menu? This doesn’t answer the question of the missing **Run…** option - but it’s a better way to get the MS calculator up fast. Myself, I have a key for it on this ‘multimedia’ keyboard. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2000, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/6 "2000-05-10T23:31:19Z")
You can also click **START** then **PROGRAMS** , and in NT **Command Prompt**. If you have 9X click **Dos Prompt**. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/7 "2000-05-11T02:30:11Z")
In Win 95/98 that’s controlled by the policy editor. It’s not usually installed on your machine, but can be found on a Win 95/98 program CD. Look at the CD. There should be a folder “apptools.” Click on that, and then “poledit.” Finally, start poledit.exe (you can use find to look for the program). Once running, a file selection window will display. Choose whatever file it shows (you won’t be editing that anyway). Then click on “File” and “Open Registry.” Two icons will be displayed. Click on “local user.” Click on “shell” and then “restrictions.” You should see an option “Remove Run command.” Uncheck it and close. When prompted, save. You may have to restart to have it come back. ---
**Author:** ![Korzdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f0a364/32.png) [@Korzdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Korzdan)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/8 "2000-05-11T02:58:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > The other day I wanted to run the Windows calculator. Usually I just click Start-\>Run and type “calc.” But Run isn’t there anymore. It was there a few days ago. Anyone have any idea what happened to it and how I can get it back? Is there a Registry value entry that controls whether or not it is displayed? If so, what subkey should I be looking in? > \*\* Unless you’re familiar with the registry and editting I wouldn’t reccommend that myself. There are a number of programs that let you change things like what is dispayed in the start bar. Myself I like X-setup for Xteq systems. You can download a free copy from their website. It is [http://www.xteq.com](http://www.xteq.com) This software lets you customize just about everything about the appearance of Windows. Hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![Huemr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/eada6e/32.png) [@Huemr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huemr)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/9 "2000-05-11T03:51:01Z")
““Anyone have any idea what happened to it and how I can get it back?”” \ \ Korzdan: Hello? Voice on phone: Now listen and listen good ‘cause only gonna say this once! I’ve got “Run,” and if you want to see him again, get $5000 in small bills, and wait for my call! I’ll give you directions for the drop then. I’m warning you, if you call the cops, or tell anyone else about this, I’m dumpin’ “RUN” in the recycle bin and you’ll never see him again. Ya got that!? Good! Now get goin’, I call you in 4 hours. \ ---
**Author:** ![Huemr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/eada6e/32.png) [@Huemr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huemr)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/10 "2000-05-11T04:02:56Z")
Oops! Wrong number. Excuse me, does anyone have nuetron star’s phone number? ---
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-my-run-command-line-prompt-go/19154/11 "2000-05-11T09:23:51Z")
Thanks for the advice, y’all. Run has returned thanks to that handy little Policy Editor. Merci beaucoup, RealityChuck.