How to Create a Text File of a Directory
A PC directory listing is like a bubble. Both disappear with a touch, making them hard to preserve. You can neither send them to colleagues nor review them later. But one way of keeping a listing is to put it in the text file. You can then email this file or print it. Your system already contains a method for creating that file. If it proves inadequate, you can turn to downloadable alternatives.
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Instructions
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Command Line
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1
Click the "Start" button and choose "Run" to display the Run dialog box.
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2
Enter "cmd" into the "Open" box and click "OK." The Command Prompt window appears.
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3
Enter "cd" followed by the letter of the drive and then name of the directory you need. (The "cd" stands for "change directory.") For example, if you want the "C:\Temp" directory , enter "cd c:\temp" after the angle bracket (>).
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4
User the "dir /b >" command with the name of a text file to put the directory list into that file. That file is created and save in your current directory. For example, to store the information in a file called "mylist.txt" enter the following command "dir /b >mylist.txt" after the angle bracket (>).
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5
Type "exit" to close the command prompt.
Free Utility
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6
Download, install and run a free directory program such as DirPrinting (link in Resources). The DirPrinting window appears.
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Navigate to the directory that you need.
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Click the "Save as File" button. The directory list appears in a file called "DirListFile.txt," which is saved in the current directory.
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Close the program.
Commercial Utility
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10
Download and install a commercial program such as Directory Lister Pro, which lets you define the file attributes to include in your list. You can try the program free for 30 days. Run it to display the Directory Lister Pro window.
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Navigate to the directory you want to list. You can open folders by double-clicking them or by clicking on their plus signs. Put a checkmark by the directory and its contents appear in the listing box.
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Choose tabs and put a checkmark by the options that you want to include in the list. For example, click the "Standard Columns" tab if you want to include such basic information as the file size, type and access date.
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Click the "File" menu and choose "Save Listing." Navigate to the folder where you want to store your text file. Choose "All Files" in the "Save As Type" dropdown and enter a file name with the extension "txt." For example, you can enter the file name "Mylist.txt" to store your directory listing. Click "Save" to save the file.
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14
Click the "File" menu and choose "Exit" to close the window.
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