How to Create a Text File List of the Contents of a Folder

ID: Q196158

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
  • Microsoft Outlook, versions 2000, 97, 98

SUMMARY

This article describes different ways to create or print a list of files in a folder using a command prompt or Microsoft Outlook. This may be useful if you need to view or print a list of the contents of a folder.


MORE INFORMATION

To create a text file that contains a list of the contents of a folder, use one of the following methods:

Create a File List Using a Command Prompt

  1. Click Start, point to Programs, and then click MS-DOS Prompt (or Command Prompt in Windows NT).


  2. At the command prompt, navigate to the drive that contains the folder whose contents you want to list. For example, if you want to create a text file that contains a list of the contents of a folder on drive C, type the following command and then press ENTER:


    3. c:
  3. At the command prompt, navigate to the folder whose contents you want to list. For example, if you want to create a text file that contains a list of the contents of the Windows folder on drive C, type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each command:


    4. cd\
    cd windows
  4. Type the following command, and then press ENTER


    5. dir > filename.txt
    where filename is the name of the text file you are creating. For example, if you want to create a file named windowsfolderlist.txt, type the following command, pressing ENTER after the command:
    dir > windowsfolderlist.txt
    NOTE: The text file you create will be located in the folder you are in when you perform these steps. In the preceding example, the windowsfolderlist.txt file will be located in the Windows folder.
  5. Use a text editor, such as WordPad, to view or print this file.


NOTE: Windows Explorer cannot export or print a list of the files contained in a folder.

Printing a File List Using Microsoft Outlook

Micorosft Outlook is designed to contain file-management abilities, as well as e-mail, calendar, and contact management. Outlook 97 and 98 contain this ability by default; Outlook 2000 users may need to install the Integrated File Management option to enable it. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. In Microsoft Outlook, click Other Shortcuts on the shortcut bar.


  2. In the Look in box, click File System, and then click My Computer.


    3. NOTE: You may want to view the folder list.
  3. Click the folder you want, and then click a file in the right window pane.


  4. On the File menu, click Print, click Table Syle. Outlook prints a list of every file contained in that folder and includes the file size, date, and other attributes.


Additional query words: 98 directory directories listing subfolder

Keywords : kbenv kbtool win95 win98
Version : WINDOWS:2000,95,97,98; winnt:4.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type : kbhowto


Last Reviewed: November 10, 1999
© 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.