Launch ArcMap through DOS prompt

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to launch ArcMap in a Windows command or DOS prompt.

Procedure

1. Start a Windows or DOS prompt by navigating to Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt or Start > Run, type cmd, and click OK.
2. In the DOS Prompt, type the following and press Enter:
   
   

   Code:
   cd C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Bin

   
   
   

   Note:
   The above path is the default install location. Enter the appropriate path if ArcGIS Desktop was not installed to the default location.

   
   
3. In the same DOS Prompt window, type the following and press enter:
   
   

   Code:
   arcmap.exe

   
   
4. To open an ArcMap document, type arcmap.exe followed by the path and filename of an ArcMap document and press Enter. For example:
   
   

   Code:
   arcmap.exe C:\TestData\California.mxd