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Save directory listing to .txt file

Asked Jun 23, 2006, 12:37 PM — 11 Answers
This is kind of part2 to a question long closed. I played with software to do this but did not like the registry changes it made. I'm using WinXP

I dug up an old email with "instructions" but cryptic ones to my pea-brain:

Me: "Can you remind me how to save a directory listing to file?"
Him: "Open a DOS window in the folder you want. Type dir > rick.txt"

What-the-how-the-heck?

How do I "open a dos window in the folder"?
Then how do I designate where I want the file to go?

I do have a print directory option when I right click on a folder, but I want to save it to file, not print it.

Thanks!

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11 Answers
Curlyben's Avatar
Curlyben Posts: 18,069, Reputation: 8728
Admin & Wine Expert
  
#2

Jun 23, 2006, 12:40 PM
Here you go
  • Start
  • Run
  • Type cmd (gives you a 'DOS' window)
  • Navigate to the folder you want (c:\folder)
  • Type DIR > rick.txt
Job done
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RickJ's Avatar
RickJ Posts: 10,075, Reputation: 4374
Uber Member
  
#3

Jun 23, 2006, 12:48 PM
Now I'll really show my stupidity :

I forget how to navigate from there.

When I run cmd.exe it puts me with the curser flashing right after
C:\Documents and Settings\Rick>

The directory I want to save to file is
G:\My Music
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Curlyben's Avatar
Curlyben Posts: 18,069, Reputation: 8728
Admin & Wine Expert
  
#4

Jun 23, 2006, 12:52 PM
Ok try this

G:
Cdmy music
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ScottGem's Avatar
ScottGem Posts: 58,000, Reputation: 28105
Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
  
#5

Jun 23, 2006, 12:57 PM


Typing Help at the the command prompt will give you a list of commands. Typing Help command will give you the syntax for that command.
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RickJ's Avatar
RickJ Posts: 10,075, Reputation: 4374
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#6

Jun 23, 2006, 12:57 PM
Cool!

Ok, now I'll get a bit picky. The formatting is ugly. Each file is one line preceeded with date, time and file size - followed by the file type.

Is there a way to get just a listing of the file names?
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Curlyben's Avatar
Curlyben Posts: 18,069, Reputation: 8728
Admin & Wine Expert
  
#7

Jun 23, 2006, 12:59 PM
Come on Rick.
Engage brain
You've got the txt file so throw it into excel and kill off the info you don't need
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RickJ's Avatar
RickJ Posts: 10,075, Reputation: 4374
Uber Member
  
#8

Jun 23, 2006, 01:01 PM
Well, as is the norm when I'm still at work at 4PM EST on a Friday: Out of Braincells.

[a red faced rick smacks self on forehead]
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ScottGem's Avatar
ScottGem Posts: 58,000, Reputation: 28105
Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
  
#9

Jun 23, 2006, 01:04 PM


There are actually ways, using the DIR command to trim the list, but bringing it in Word or Excel and making a table out if it is easier.
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Northwind_Dagas's Avatar
Northwind_Dagas Posts: 353, Reputation: 422
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#10

Jun 23, 2006, 01:27 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottGem
There are actually ways, using the DIR command to trim the list, but bringing it in Word or Excel and making a table out if it is easier.
Well, I'm not sure it's easier. For me, the fewest steps needed would be easier.

Dir /w > rick.txt

Would create your text file with just the names of files. Actaully, it would also include directories, so if you wanted exclude them:

Dir /w /a-d > rick.txt
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