“python” not recognized as a command

Question

I just downloaded and installed Python 2.7.2 to my laptop and I am trying to run some sample programs. My laptop is running Windows XP.

When I open a cmd

Answer 1

Another helpful but simple solution might be restarting your computer after doing the download if Python is in the PATH variable. This has been a mistake I usually make when downloading Python onto a new machine.

After restarting my machine then Windows will often recognize Python in the PATH variable.