A problem with Environment Variables

[Johnfairweather]

In my Environment Variable (on my Windows 8.1, x64 PC), I have set up -

1) A variable of "Python27", with a value of "c:\python27".
2) A variable of "Python35", with a value of "C:\users\john fairweather\appdata\local\programs\python\python35-32"

Where Python27 & Python35 are folders.

Opening up CMD (Version 6.3.9600), I would have expected that on entering "Python27" or "Python35", I would have got to these directories, but I am not, I am receiving the message "'Python27' is not recognised as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."

Please advised what I have done wrong.

[BC_Programmer]

Environment Variables are referenced by enclosing them in percent signs. so %Python27% for example. The contents of the variable can be considered to replace the location you have them in your command. So, for example, if you used %Python27% as is, it would be the same as just typing C:\python27 which would give the same error. You would need to use them in conjunction with an appropriate command. In this case, CD (Change Directory), such as

Code: [Select]

cd %Python27%

[Johnfairweather]

Thanks, that was the answer I wanted.

[Geek-9pm]

You can make a sort of 'alias' in windows to open a directory.
You have  a folder with some horrible long path name.
You make a shortcut by sending it to the desktop as a shortcut.
Rename it to something clever and short.
Move it to the C:\windows directory.
Now you can run it and it will open the directory for you.

Just trying to help.