How can I see hidden files in MS-DOS?
Question
How can I see hidden files in MS-DOS?
Answer
While in the MS-DOS or the Windows command line, it may be necessary to view hidden files and directories. Navigate to the directory you wish to view hidden files or directories and use either the attrib or below dir commands.
Viewing hidden files with dir command
dir /ah
The above command will list all hidden files and hidden directories in the directory that you are currently in.
dir /ah-d
Lists all hidden files in the directory that you are currently in.
dir /a
Lists all files and directories including hidden files and hidden directories in the directory that you are currently in.
Viewing hidden files with attrib command
attrib
Typing the attrib command alone will display all files in the current directory with their attributes to the left of the directory path and file name. Files that have an "H" to the left are hidden files.
attrib | more
If there are too many files to list on one page adding "| more" to the end of the attrib command will display all files with attributes one page at a time.
attrib *.log
Finally, if you know the name of the file you're looking for or what it contains, adding it with or without wild characters will display all files with their attributes. For example, the above command would list any log file (including hidden files) with its attributes.
Additional information
- See the attrib command and dir command page for further information and help with these commands.