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|  DOS and Batch Files
Help and Tips
For "power hungry" users who still like to do thing text-based, we present a selection of DOS and batch file related tips, including links to DOS and batch file tips for Windows.
#1: List Every File on Your Hard Drive
Using CHKDSK to display all files on a hard drive.
#2: Rewrite the Master Boot Record
EXPERT USERS ONLY - rewrite a hard drive's master boot record in case of failure.
#3: Removing Read-Only Property From All Files in Directory
Enable modification of files copied from a CD in DOS and Windows.
#4: Implementing the WAIT Command in a Batch File
Make your batch files wait or sleep for a specified number of seconds before continuing. Works in DOS and Windows.
#5: Need Quick Help on a Command
Display help for a DOS command at the prompt.
#6: Another Way to Show Fragmentation
Using CHKDSK instead of DEFRAG to show hard drive fragmentation levels.
#7: Forcing the Directory to Display a Certain Way
Force the DIR command to display directories your desired way.
#8: Emergency Scenario - Write Batch Files without Edit
Create batch files in MS-DOS when you don't have access to the EDIT command.
#9: Dos for Unix People 2
More quick batch files in case you accidently type UNIX commands on your DOS or Windows machine.
#10: Another way to REMark
Another way to add comments to batch files.
#11: Too Much Help
Pausing the display of help information for a DOS command.
#12: Always Fail on Abort, Retry, Fail
Force batch files and dos commands to always fail in case of error conditions.
#13: More Version Information
Display extended DOS version information.
#14: Don't Forget - Check Your Memory!
Determine how much free memory is available on your DOS machine.
#15: Redirect the Positions of the Redirect
In DOS, redirection symbols can appear in multiple locations.
#16: Make a Floppy Bootable
Allow a floppy disk to contain information essential to booting your computer.
#17: Rename All Files From One Extension to Another
Quickly change the extension of all files in a directory.
#18: Pausing Directory Listings
Pause the output of directory listings at the DOS prompt.
#19: Turning off Batch File Output
Make batch files run silently under Dos or Windows.
#20: Extended Pattern Matching
Multiple asterisks can be used in patterns when matching files.
#21: Display a Blank Line in a Batch File
Separate batch file output with blank lines.
#22: Create 0 Byte Place Holder Files
Create placeholder files when debugging DOS batch files.
#23: Place Date and Time in the Prompt
When working long nights debugging batch files, have the time and date displayed in a place easy to find - the command prompt.
#24: Copy Command Shortcuts
Save typing when using the DOS COPY command.
#25: Secret (?) Directories
Create semi-private directories in older versions of DOS.
#26: Dos for Unix People
Use these quick batch files in case you accidently type UNIX commands on your DOS or Windows machine.
#27: Sort Order Shortcut
Save a keystroke when sorting files in directories.
#28: Find All Files Of A Given Type
Quicky scan your hard drive for all files with a given extension, such as batch files, text files, or executables.
#29: Display ErrorLevel on the screen
Debug batch files by displaying the error level returned by DOS commands.
#30: View Files Without Extensions
Display files on your computer that lack extensions such as .exe, .txt, or .com.
#31: Backup your Configuration Files
Keep autoexec.bat and config.sys files backed up if you use older versions of DOS or Windows.
#32: Double your Lines
Increase your DOS prompt's number of lines from 20 to 50, even if you are running DOS from Windows.
#33: Display Your Command History
Scroll through the list of your most-recent DOS commands.
#34: Quickly Get COM and LPT Port Status
Display advanced status information for your communication and printer ports.
#35: Use Your Up Arrow For Latest Dos Commands
Install DOSKEY to use your up arrow to retrieve previous DOS commands.
See Also:@ Windows 2000 and DOS
Combining the power of DOS and Windows 2000. Tweaking the prompt, resetting your Internet connection, developing replacement commands, and more.
@ Windows 95 - Using DOS
Are you a "power user?" If so, and if you use DOS features inside of Windows, visit this category for help, tips, and tricks.
@ Windows 98 and DOS
Are you a "power user?" If so, and if you use DOS features inside of Windows 98, visit this category for help, tips, and tricks.
@ Windows XP and DOS
Use the DOS command prompt in Windows XP. Display system process information, find Windows XP replacements for the tail, sleep, and grep commands, and more batch file tips.
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