How to Define an Environment Variable

Last reviewed: 06/02/2008
Article ID: R10463

SUMMARY

The operating system you use determines how environment variables are defined. Defining environment variables for Windows XP/2000/NT users is done via the Control Panel. Because of increased security in Windows Vista, standard users must have UAC turned On to change environment variables, and the change must be completed via User Accounts.

Windows Vista Note: If logged in as a standard user with UAC turned On, defining environment variables via the Control Panel will set the variables for the administrative account used for elevation, not the user account of the current logon session. Defining environment variables via User Accounts sets the variables for the user account of the current logon session, not the administrative account used for elevation.

Windows Vista

From the Start button, type Accounts in the Start Search field.
Under Programs, select User Accounts.
Note: If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
In the User Accounts window, under Tasks, select Change my environment variables.
Use the New, Edit or Delete buttons to add, change or delete environment variables.
Enter the environment variable name in the Variable name field.
Enter the value of the environment variable in the Variable value field.
Click OK and then OK to set the environment variable.

Note: Multiple values can be assigned to a variable by separating the values with a semicolon (;).

Windows XP/2000

From the Start button, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
Double-click System and click the Advanced tab.
Click the Environment Variables button.
Use the New, Edit or Delete buttons to add, change or delete environment variables.
Note: Environment variables in Windows XP/2000 can be added for the user or the system.
Enter the environment variable name in the Variable name field.
Enter the value of the environment variable in the Variable value field.
Click OK and then OK to set the environment variable.

Note: Multiple values can be assigned to a variable by separating the values with a space.

Windows NT Users (3.51 and greater)

From the Start button, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
Double-click System and click the Environment tab.
Enter the environment variable name in the Variable box.
Enter the value of the environment variable in the Value box.
Click Set to set the environment variable.

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