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RickJ · Jun 23, 2006, 12:37 PM

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!

Curlyben · 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 ;)

RickJ · Jun 23, 2006, 12:48 PM

Now I'll really show my stupidity :o :

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

Curlyben · Jun 23, 2006, 12:52 PM

OK try this

g:
Cd\my music

;)

ScottGem · Jun 23, 2006, 12:57 PM

Typing Help at the command prompt will give you a list of commands. Typing Help command will give you the syntax for that command.

RickJ · Jun 23, 2006, 12:57 PM

Cool!

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

Is there a way to get just a listing of the file names?

Curlyben · 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 ;)

RickJ · 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]

ScottGem · 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.

Northwind_Dagas · Jun 23, 2006, 01:27 PM

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

RickJ · Jun 24, 2006, 08:07 AM

Nixed by the spread.
Thanks, ND!

johnMoose · Nov 25, 2011, 12:11 AM

Thank you geniuses!