(command prompt) the system cannot find the specified path

I use command prompt to run my c++ compiler. when i enter command prompt, i type "cd.." until i get to the root C:\. when I type cd.. c++ to get into my folder with my files, i get "the system cannot find the specified path", just like i misspelled it or something. I cannot branch off into any folders at all from C:\. I can however compile the programs and run them from root C:\. This just happened the other day, it hasn't done anything like this since i started about 2 months ago.

macbook pro with windows xp
this happens when I am running xp in both bootcamp and vmware fusion

You typed "cd.. c++" to change folders? If this is the case, then what you meant to type was "cd c++". In file browsing, the double period stands for "parent directory" which is the directory or folder that is holding the folder you are currently in (which would be the child). Typing "cd.." or "cd .." goes up (or backwards, you might say) a directory (and "cd ..\.." goes up two directories). To go forwards you need to type the name of the directory after cd or chdir (which nobody uses because cd is less you have to type).

If you need help you could type "help" at the command line, or a command followed by /? (example: "cd /?")