New DOS user need help with copy command

[fisherman2]

How would you view only the .com files in the C:\windows\system32 directory?
How would you copy all the .com files in the C:\windows\system32 directory to a directory named JUNK?

I am new to computers and taking an intro class and not getting this. Would appreciate your assistance.

[foxidrive]

It's nice to see someone learning, and to say so.  Some people try to get homework done by subterfuge.

How would you view only the .com files in the C:\windows\system32 directory?

dir "C:\windows\system32\*.com" /b /a-d

The /b is optional (which returns only the brief names) and so is the /a-d (which is designed to eliminate any folders that end in .com)

Try the command to see how it looks with and without the /b in it.  The /a-d is unlikely to make a difference in this case, but you can add /p to make it pause on every screen full.

How would you copy all the .com files in the C:\windows\system32 directory to a directory named JUNK?

copy "C:\windows\system32\*.com" "c:\junk"

This assumes you have permissions to create a JUNK folder in the root of c: (and that it already exists)

[fisherman2]

Thank you very much for your assistance. I know see how it is done and feel more confident in my abilities. My lack of understanding was with the quotation marks. Thanks again for getting me on my way. 

[foxidrive]

You're welcome. 

One point I should make clear is that while the quotation marks can always be used, but they are only needed when the path or filespec contains spaces and & characters (and when using environment variables that contain spaces and any other 'poison' characters).

[Ocalabob]

@foxidrive
Good job netting that question. I was concerned that Salmon Trout
might get hooked on the OP's thread.

[foxidrive]

That's a pearl-er!  If you see a shark lurking around, don't let him put the bite on you for a few squid.