Clearing the DOS screen Which internal DOS command clears the screen and places the command prompt at the upper-left corner?

Introduction / Context:
Console housekeeping commands improve readability during long troubleshooting sessions. Clearing the display quickly resets the view, aiding focus and reducing confusion from previous output.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The environment is a DOS command prompt.
• We want to clear the screen entirely.
• We prefer a built-in, quick command.

Concept / Approach:

CLS (clear screen) is an internal DOS command that clears the text display buffer and repositions the cursor at row 1, column 1 (upper-left). It requires no external executable and works immediately at any standard DOS prompt.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Run TYPE on a long file, then run CLS; the screen resets. This confirms function without side effects on files or settings.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

b: “close” is not a DOS command.

c: “quit” is not the DOS command to clear the screen; some programs use it to exit.

d: “exit” closes the command interpreter (in some environments) rather than clearing the screen.

e: Not applicable because CLS is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Expecting CLS to clear scrollback in graphical shells—it only clears the visible console buffer.

Final Answer:

cls