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DOS and Batch Files

Forcing the Directory to Display a Certain Way

SUMMARY: Force the DIR command to display directories your desired way.

If you wish to set the directory listings a certain way (when you use the DIR command), set the DIRCMD environmental variable to the parameters you wish to use.

To see a list of possible parameters for the DIRCMD, see the list of possible parameters for the DIR command. Type

DIR /?

To set the DIRCMD environmental variable, add the line

SET DIRCMD=xxxx

in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, replacing 'xxx' with the parameters you wish to use. For example, the parameter "/ON" would cause your DIR results to be automatically sorted by filename. The "/W" command automatically sets the DIR results to a wide-directory format.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >