Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
LECTURE N0TES
CHAPTER OUTLINE
TEACHING SUGGESTIONS
Chapter Overview
 Slides 2-4
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Will continue to work with internal
commands that help manage and
manipulate files.
Will focus on the following commands:
DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S.
Why and how to back up specific files, or
an entire disk so as to not lose important
data will be discussed.
ELIMINATING FILES WITH THE DEL
COMMAND
 Eliminating Files with the DEL Command
 Number of files grows rapidly.
 Keep only files you need on disk.
 Erasing unwanted files saves disk
space and confusion.
 Use DEL to erase unwanted files.
 Internal command.
 Always resident in memory.
 File gone forever once <Enter> is
pressed after DEL command.
 OS does NOT ask for
confirmation, only follows
your instructions.
 File deleted at command line.
 Cannot be recovered except by
certain special utility programs.
 Recovery not necessarily complete.
 Chapter Overview duplicated in
PowerPoint slides.
 After completion of lecture, shoud review
Objectives and Outcomes found on first
page of chapter as a check to see if they
have mastered concepts.
SECTION 6.1 (pp. 248-249)
 Slides 5-11
 DEL and ERASE commands work the
same way. Text will discuss DEL.
 OS does not erase but overwrites old files as
FAT "unallocated" the space.
 Parameters.
- /P – prompts before each file deleted.
- /F – forces deletion of read-only files.
- /S – deletes specified files from current
directory and all subdirectories.
- /A – deletes files based on specified
attributes.
- - R - Read only.
- - S – System.
- - A – Archive.
- - S – System.
- - H – Hidden.
- ~ - Prefix meaning “not”.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 1
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
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Process of deleting files.
 First character of file name
replaced.
 Marks all clusters in FAT where file
once was.
 File is not actually erased.
 When next file created, OS sees
space available in directory entry
table.
 FAT assigns new file to space.
 Old file overwritten by new file.
Process similar when using NTFS file
system.
 Instead of FAT, file’s MFT
entry, directory entry, and data
clusters are marked as available.
 File’s data remains until clusters
get recycled to store other files.
Special utility program like Norton
Utilities can sometimes help recover
deleted file if you realize immediately
that file is erased.
MS-DOS 5.0-6.22:
 UNDELETE supplied with OS to
recover deleted files.
 Once file overwritten with new data
old data unrecoverable.
UNDELETE – not supported by WXP
or W2K Professional.
 Use DEL – have removed files.
Deleting file from hard drive using My
Computer or Windows Explorer
(Windows 95/98) can recover file as
file goes to Recycle Bin.
Files not recoverable if:
 Delete files from removable disk,
such as a zip drive.
 Delete files from a floppy disk.
 Deleted from MS-DOS command
line.
DEL syntax with /P:
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S



Discussion Question (1) - Explain why you
may want to eliminate files from a disk.
Discussion Question (2) - When you delete a
file, the file is not actually removed from the
disk. What really happens?
Discussion Question (3) - Give the syntax of
the DEL command and explain each part of the
syntax.
DEL [/P] [/F] [/S] [/Q] [/A [[:] attributes]]
names
 Note names refers to [drive:][path]
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 2
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
filename
ACTIVITY—USING THE DEL
COMMAND
 Using the DEL Command

Use editing keys to correct typing errors.

DATA Disk is in Drive A.

C:\> displayed as default drive & directory.

Activity steps.
 Key in:
 A:
 COPY C:\WUGXP\*.DOS *.AAA
 DIR *.AAA
 DIR WILDONE.AAA
 DEL WILDONE.AAA
 DIR WILDONE.AAA
 DEL NOFILE.XXX then DEL
Activity completed.

DELETING MULTIPLE FILES
 Deleting Multiple Files
 To delete multiple files with DEL – list
files you want deleted after the DEL
command, separated by a space.
ACTIVITY—USING DEL WITH
MULTIPLE PARAMETERS
 Using DEL with Multiple Parameters
 Activity steps.
 Key in:
 COPY C:\WUGXP\*.DOS *.BBB
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SECTION 6.2 (pp. 249-251)
 Slide 12
 DIR checks to see if file on disk.
 DEL does not confirm prior to deletion.
 Drive letter or \ not included, even though
these are mandatory parameters because OS
assumed default drive and directory.
SECTION 6.3 (p. 251)
 Slide 13
 Wise to use DIR command first.
SECTION 6.4 (pp. 252-253)
 Slide 14
DIR *.BBB
DIR WILDONE.BBB
WILDTWO.BBB WILDTRH.BBB
DEL WILDONE.BBB
WILDTWO.BBB WILDTHR.BBB
DIR *.BBB

Activity competed.
DELETING FILES ON OTHER DRIVES
AND DIRECTORIES
 Deleting Files on Other Drives/Directories
 Use DEL to eliminate files on other
drives and subdirectories.
 Syntax remains - DEL names.
 Names refers to designated
drives, subdirectories, or files
SECTION 6.5 (p. 253)
 Slides 15-18
 OS follows instructions and does not check
to see if correct file is being deleted.
 Placing drive designator or subdirectory in
wrong place can completely change the
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 3
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes

you wish to delete.
Review DEL syntax.
 Notice DEL and names are not in
brackets – they are required.
 Go over importance of sequence.
 Incorrect: A:\>DEL GONE.FIL B:
 Correct: A:\DEL B: GONE.FIL
ACTIVITY—USING THE DEL
COMMAND WITH INDIVIDUAL FILES
 Using the DEL Command with Individual
Files
 DATA disk in Drive A, A:\ displayed.
 Activity steps. ( Key in: )
 MD TRIP
 COPY C:\WUGXP\*.99 TRIP
 COPY C:\WUGXP\*.JAZ TRIP
 DIR TRIP\JUP.99
 DEL TRIP\JUP.99
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Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
DIR TRIP\JUP.99
CD /D C:\WUGXP
COPY HELLO.TXT A:\
DIR HELLO.TXT
DIR A:\HELLO.TXT
DEL A:\HELLO.TXT
DIR HELLO.TXT
DIR A:\HELLO.TXT
DIR A:\TRIP\BLUE.JAZ
DEL A:\TRIP\BLUE.JAZ
DIR A:\TRIP\BLUE.JAZ
CD \ THEN A:
meaning and results of an instruction.
- Explain why first command is incorrect
and second one is correct.
SECTION 6.6 (pp. 253-258)
 Slide 19
 DIR shows that file is there.
 Root (\) assumed –does not need to be
keyed in.
(\) – used as delimiter must be keyed in.
 DEL eliminates file.
 Use COPY in order to have two identical
named files on different drives.


Activity completed.
USING WILDCARDS WITH THE DEL
COMMAND
 Using Wildcards with the DEL Command
 Wildcards used to delete a lot of files at
once.
 Can erase group of files with oneline command.
 BE CAREFUL! Can accidentally
delete files you need.
 Deleting files in My Computer.
 Select each file to be deleted – one
at a time.
 Takes longer to delete group of
SECTION 6.7 (p. 258)
 Slide 20
 Discuss.
- Strength of wildcards is also weakness.

Discussion Question (4) – Explain the
following statement, with regards to the DEL
command. The strength of wildcards is also a
weakness.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 4
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
files.
ACTIVITY—USING THE DEL
COMMAND
 Using the DEL Command
 DATA disk in Drive A, A:\> displayed.
 .TMP files on root of the DATA disk, if
not, copy from \WUGXP subdirectory.
 Activity steps.
 Key in:
 DIR *.TMP
 DEL *.TMP
 DIR *.TMP
 DIR TRIP\*.99
 DEL TRIP\*.99
 DIR TRIP\*.99
 Activity completed.
THE /P AND /S PARAMETERS WITH
THE DEL COMMAND
 The /P and /S Parameters with the DEL
Command
 Parameters available in DOS 4.0 and
above.
 /P is optional fixed parameter.
 Allows verification prior to each
file deletion.
 Useful when using wildcards.
 Minimizes risk of accidental file
deletions.
 Syntax: DEL /P] [/S] names
 /S is optional fixed parameter.
 Traverses directory tree –
 Do not delete files individually
throughout your disk structure.
 Other parameters added to W2000
Professional.
 /F – force deletion of read-only
files.
 /A – delete file based on certain
attributes.
 /Q – do not ask for confirmation of
a deletion.
SECTION 6.8 (pp. 258-261)
 Slide 21
 Prior to global erase use DIR
 Files deleted with wildcards and DEL not
recoverable by OS.
 Wildcards can be used when files in
subdirectory.

Discussion Question (5) - When deleting files,
why should you key in DIR with global file
specifications first?
SECTION 6.9 (p. 261)
 Slides 22-24
 Purpose of parameters specific to command.
- With DIR - /P means pause.
- With DEL - /P verifies prior to file
deletion.

Discussion Question (6) - Explain the purpose
and function of the /P parameter with the DEL
command. The /S?
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 5
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
ACTIVITY—USING /P AND /S WITH
THE DEL COMMAND
 Using /P and /S with the DEL Command
 DATA disk in Drive A, A:\> displayed.
 Activity steps. ( Key in: )
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COPY C:\WUGXP\*.99
MD TRIP\CHINA
COPY *.99 TRIP
COPY *.99 TRIP\CHINA
DIR TRIP TRIP\CHINA
DEL TRIP\*.99 /P
N
Y (if VEN.99 displayed)
N (if JUP.99 displayed)
N (if JUP.99 displayed)
Y (if MER.99 displayed)
Y (if MER.99 or VEN.99 displayed)
DIR TRIP
DEL TRIP\*.99 /P /S
N (twice)
Y till no more prompts
RD TRIP\CHINA
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
SECTION 6.10 (pp. 261-265)
 Slide 25
 /P - confirm if want to delete file.
- Y = delete file
- N = do not delete file.
 DIR confirms what files are not deleted on
DATA disk.
 /S – traverse directory tree.
 Can use more than one parameter at a time.

Activity completed.
CHANGING FILE NAMES
 Changing File Names
 Why rename a file?
 File contents changed - old name no
longer applies.
 Want name for another file.
 Think of a better name.
 File named incorrectly.
 Use COPY command.
 Change name of file by copying file
to a different name.
 Created new file with same contents
under a different name.
 End up with file and a copy of file
with a new name.
 RENAME command.
 Internal command.
 Changes name of file – not the
contents.
SECTION 6.11 (pp. 265-266)
 Slides 26-31
 REN – paste new label on file folder.
 COPY - like photocopy machine - have
original & copy.
 RENAME and REN are same.
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Discussion Question (7) - Why would you
want to change the name of a file?
Discussion Question (8) - Explain the purpose
and function of the RENAME or REN
command.
Discussion Question (9) - Give the syntax of
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 6
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
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Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
Not creating another copy of file
with a new name.
End up with same file but with new
name.
File does not move from one
directory to another.
Syntax:
the REN command and explain each part of the
syntax.


RENAME
[drive:][path][directoryname1 |
filename1] [directoryname2 | filename2]
Discussion Question (10) - What is the
difference between the REN and RENAME
commands?
Discussion Question (11) - What is the
difference between the RENAME and COPY
commands?
or
REN [drive:][path][directoryname1 |
filename1] [directoryname2 | filename2]
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
Cannot specify new drive of
path for filename2.
 Filename1 and filename2 refer
to same file.
 Filename1 will be changed to
filename2.
Renaming files in My Computer/
Windows Explorer two-step process.
 Select file.
 Rename it.
At command line it is a one-step
process to rename file.
ACTIVITY—USING THE REN
COMMAND TO RENAME FILES
 Using the REN Command to Rename Files

DATA disk is in Drive A, A:\> displayed.

Activity steps.
 Key in:
 COPY C:\WUGXP\MEDIA\TV
 TYPE COMEDY.TV
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REN COMEDY.TV FUNNY.TV
DIR COMEDY.TV
DIR FUNNY.TV
TYPE FUNNY.TV
DIR TRIP\GREEN.JAZ
REN TRIP\GREEN.JAZ
TRIP\RED.JAZ
REN TRIP\GREEN.JAZ RED.JAZ
DIR TRIP\*.JAZ
SECTION 6.12 (pp. 266-269)
 Slide 32

Destination and *.* assumed – when key in
command ending in name of a directory rather
than a file specification

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Activity completed.

REN vs. COPY
COPY
Specify drive and path for destination file.
Dealing with two files with same contents.
REN
File contents remain same – name new and
the old file name is gone.
Specify drive/path in source.
Renaming file – not copying or moving it.
Discussion Question (12) - If you are using the
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 7
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
REN command and get the message, “A
duplicate file name exists, or the file name
cannot be found,” what could it mean?
CHANGING THE NAMES OF
SUBDIRECTORIES
 Changing the Names of Subdirectories
 Beginning with W95, REN command
also renames subdirectories.
 Previously used MOVE command to
rename subdirectories.
ACTIVITY—USING THE REN
COMMAND TO RENAME
SUBDIRECTORIES
 Using REN Command to Rename
Subdirectories

DATA disk in Drive A and A:\> displayed.

Activity steps.
 Key in:
 MD PAGE ONE then DIR P*.*
 REN PAGEONE PAGETWO
 DIR P*.*
 MD PAGETWO\DIRONE
 DIR PAGETWO
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SECTION 6.13 (p. 269)
 Slides 33-34
SECTION 6.14 (pp. 270-272)
 Slide 35
REN PAGETWO\DIRONE
DIRTWO
DIR PAGETWO
RD PAGETWO /S
Y then DIR P*.*

Activity completed.
USING REN WITH WILDCARDS
 Using REN with Wildcards
 Wildcards used to rename multiple files
that have a common element at one
time.
 Before using RENAME or REN use
DIR with wildcards.
 See what files will be renamed.
 Don’t want to rename file
accidentally.
 Once file renamed – can’t find it
under old name.
SECTION 6.15 (pp. 273-274)
 Slide 36
 Use My Computer to change name of
single file or directory.
 Renamed file on disk – can’t find it if you
don’t know new name.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 8
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
ACTIVITY—USING REN WITH
WILDCARDS
 Using REN with Wildcards

DATA disk in Drive A and A:\> displayed.

DATA disk has files with file extension
.NEW – if not copy from \WUXP to
DATA disk.
Activity steps.
 Key in:
 DIR ???.NEW
 REN ???.NEW *.BUD
 DIR ???.NEW *.BUD
 COPY *.BUD TRIP
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REN TRIP\*.BUD *.PEN
DIR TRIP\*.BUD then DIR
TRIP\*.PEN
Activity completed.
USING RENAME ON DIFFERENT
DRIVES AND DIRECTORIES
 Using REN on Different
Drives/Directories
 REN
 Internal command.
 Renames file and leaves it where
it found it.
 Used for any file on any drive or
directory.
 To rename a file on another disk
must specify drive letter and
directory.
 Cannot be used to move a file from
one disk to another or from one
directory to another.
 COPY vs. REN command.
 COPY command.
 Copy a file from one disk to
another or one directory to
another.
 End up with two identical files
in different locations.
 REN command.
SECTION 6.16 (pp. 273-275)
 Slide 37
 Why ???.NEW used instead of *.NEW
 Using wildcards.
- All four files in same directory renamed
with one command.
- Do not need to key in identical commands.
 Stress differences between copying and
renaming files.

SECTION 6.17 (p. 275)
 Slides 38-40
 REN only renames file.
- Finds file on designated disk or directory
and renames it.
 COPY - end up with two identical files.
 Discuss differences between REN and
COPY.
 Answers to Power Point Slide # 39
REN OLDFILE.EXT NEWFILE.EXT –
OS looks for OLDFILE.EXT on designated
drive and directory. It renames file and leaves
file where it found it unless OLDFILE.ext is
prefaced with a drive letter.
REN B:OLDFILE.EXT NEWFILE.EXT
Only disk in Drive B will be searched for the
file called OLDFILE.EXT
REN C:\JUNK\OLDFILE.EXT
NEWFILE.EXT – If directory is involved must
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 9
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
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Cannot:
 Move a file
 Copy a file.
Changes names of:
 Files in one directory or disk at
a time.
 Existing file in specific location.
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
include its name.
ACTIVITY—USING RENAME ON
DIFFERENT DRIVES
 Use RENAME on Different Drives

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
DATA disk in Drive A and A: \>
displayed.
SECTION 6.18 (pp. 276-280)
Activity steps.
 Slide 41
 Key in:
 CD /D C:\WUGXP
 OS will not put drive designator before new
 DIR ASTRO.TXT
file name in REN because cannot change a
 COPY ASTRO.TXT A:\
file name on any other disk except where
 DIR A:\ASTRO.TXT
the original file is located.
 TYPE A:\ASTRO.TXT
 REN
 REN A:\ASTRO.TXT A:\AST.TST
Changes only file name not contents.
 REN A:\ASTRO.TXT AST.TST
Does not move files.
 DIR ASTRO.TXT
 Place drive and path in front of only the file
 DIR A:\ASTRO.TXT
names that you want to change.
 DIR A:\AST.TST
.
 TYPE A:\AST.TST
 DIR A:\TRIP\*.PEN
 REN A:\TRIP\*.PEN *.INK
 DIR A:\TRIP\*.PEN
 DIR A:\TRIP\*.INK
 CD \ then A:
Activity completed.
MOVING FILES AND RENAMING
DIRECTORIES
 Moving Files and Renaming Directories
 MOVE and REN can both be used to
rename files.
 REN renames but does not move files.
 To move have to COPY files from
old location to new and then delete
old files.
 MOVE, introduced in DOS 6.0, will let
you rename directory and move files.
SECTION 6.19 (pp. 280-281)
 Slides 42-45
 Prior to renaming files use DIR. Don't want
to rename file accidentally.
 Compare MOVE and COPY.
 Compare MOVE and REN.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 10
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes

Move group of files - cannot change
file names.
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S

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Move individual file - can change
name.
Review syntax of MOVE.
MOVE command can be used to
move files and directories from one
directory to another, and also from
one drive to another.
Useful in maintaining hard disk.


Discussion Question (13) - What is the
function and purpose of the MOVE command?
Discussion Question (14) - Give the syntax of
the MOVE command and explain each part of
the syntax.
Discussion Question (15) -Compare and
contrast MOVE and COPY.
Discussion Question (16) - What is the
difference between the MOVE and the REN
command?
ACTIVITY—MOVING FILES AND
RENAMING DIRECTORIES
 Moving Files and Renaming Directories

DATA disk is in Drive A, A:\> displayed.

Activity steps.
 Key in:
 MD FILES
 COPY *.99 FILES\*.FIL
 MD FILES\ROOM
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COPY GALAXY.NEW FILES
DIR FILES
MOVE FILES\ROOM FILES\MY
ROOM
REN FILES\MYROOM PLACE
DIR FILES TYPE FILES\AST.FIL
TYPE FILES\JUP.FIL
MOVE FILES\AST.FIL
FILES\JUP.FIL
Y then TYPE FILES\AST.FIL
TYPE FILES\JUP.FIL
MOVE FILES\VEN.FIL
FILES\PLACE\VEN.NEW
DIR FILES
DIR FILES\PLACE
MOVE FILES\*.FIL
FILES\PLACE\*.TXT
MOVE FILES\*.FIL
FILES\PLACE
DIR FILES
DIR FILES\PLACE
MOVE FILES\PLACE\*.FIL
CLASS
DIR FILES\PLACE\*.FIL
SECTION 6.20 (pp. 281-288)
 Slides 46-47

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

Differences between MOVE and REN syntaxes.
REN – do not give path with new name
MOVE - to rename directory you do give
full path with new name.
MOVE
Used to move files from one location to
another.
Try to move file in same drive and
directory – eliminates first file and replaces
contents of second file with contents of first
file.
MOVE can accomplish three functions:
- Copy file (COPY).
- Give file new name (REN).
- Delete file (DEL).
When using wildcards with MOVE cannot
change file names.
MOVE cannot concatenate files.
Can move entire subdirectory structure
along with files with one command.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 11
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
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Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
DIR CLASS\*.FIL
MD START\SUBDIR
COPY *.FIL START\SUBDIR
DIR START /S /B
MOVE START FILES
DIR START then DIR FILES
DIR FILES\START /S /B
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Activity completed.
RD /S REVISTED
 RD /S Revisited
 Two ways to remove a directory.
 RD - removes only empty directory.
 Bottoms up approach.
 Two-step process
 Delete files.(DEL)
 Delete directory.(RD)
 RD with /S parameters.
 Deletes from top down with one
command.
 Can delete files and directories
with one command.
 Deletes entire structure.
 Powerful but dangerous
command.
ACTIVITY—USING RD AND RD /S
 Using RD and RD /S
 DATA disk in Drive A, A:\> displayed.
 Activity steps.
 Key in:
 RD FILES\PLACE
 DEL FILES\PLACE
 RD FILES\PLACE
 DIR FILES then RD FILES /S
 Y then DIR FILES
 Activity completed.
SECTION 6.21 (p. 289)
 Slide 48
 Create directory from top down
 Removing directories from GUI is two-step
process – delete and empty Recycle Bin.

Discussion Question (17) - Compare and
contrast the RD /S command with the RD
command without the /S parameter.
SECTION 6.22 (pp. 289-291)
 Slide 49
BACKING UP YOUR DATA DISK
 Backing up your Data Disk
 Always back up all data files.
 Habit called “Disaster and Recovery
Planning”.
SECTION 6.23 (pp. 291-292)
 Backing up application program disks
 Slides 50-55
can be tricky.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 12
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
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Copy-protected disks cannot be
backed up with regular OS
 Discuss.
commands.
- Where to store backup disks.
- Importance of legally owning software.
Never backup program/software
- No one can give you copies of software to
application disks until you understand
install on hard disk.
how they work.
- Purchase software – have manuals and
Application software on diskette
disks.
provides instructions on how to back up
software.
 Most interested in backing up data files as
they are usually irreplaceable.
Hard disks.
 To copy use special operating
 Usually, application programs can be
commands and procedures.
reinstalled from original disks.
 Cannot and should not back up
hard disk using techniques that will
Discussion Question (18) - What process could
be described.
you use to back up specific files?
 Contents of hard disk will not fit on
one floppy disk.
Discussion Question (19) - What process could
you use to back up a subdirectory?
Three ways to back up data files.
 DISKCOPY.
 Copies entire disk - all
files/subdirectories.
 Can be used on floppy disks.
 COPY.
 Backs up files from floppy disk
to floppy disk.
 Copies specific files in specific
directories on hard disk.
 XCOPY.
 Covered later in book.
Never use MOVE for backup purposes.
 Removes files from original
location.
 End up with only one copy of data
files. – Defeats purpose of backing
up files.
 Is useful in placing files onto
floppy disk from hard disk.
Acquire regular backup routine.
 Can lose data.
 Purchase tape backup if possible.
 Used to backup hard disk
without having to sit in front of
computer and inserting floppy
disks.
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Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 13
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S

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If have writable CD can copy files
to CD.
Message is BACK UP DATA FILES.
ACTIVITY—BACKING UP WITH THE
DISKCOPY COMMAND
 Backing up with the DISKCOPY
Command
 DATA disk in Drive A. C:\> displayed.
 DISKCOPY requires media types be
the same.
 Activity steps.

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
Change to C drive. Label blank disk
“BACKUP DATA disk”.
Key in: DISKCOPY A: A: & press
<Enter>
Remove original DATA disk from Drive
A. Insert blank disk labeled BACKUP
DATA disk into Drive A then press
<Enter>
Press N then remove disk labeled
BACKUP DATA DISK and keep it in a
safe place until it is needed again to make
another backup.
Activity completed.
SECTION 6.24 (pp. 292-294)
 Slides 56-57
 Keyed in 2 disk drives A and A - ensures




you do not accidentally copy hard drive.
Use DISKCOPY command – get two copies
of DATA disk (original and backup).
Backup disk.
- Keep current.
- Have more than one.
- Check backup disk regularly.
Make copy of APPLICATION disk.
Organizations like bank or IRS:
- Need to recreate records.
- Will have Disaster and Recovery Plan.
- Have archival data or archival backup
(transaction history).
- Removing file from hard disk and store on
another medium for historical purposes.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 14
Instructor’s Manual
Lecture Notes
BACKING UP FILES WITH THE COPY
COMMAND
 Backing up Files with COPY Command
 This material is to be read, not done.
 DISKCOPY.
 Backs up an entire floppy disk.
 Formats new disk.
 Usually only need to back up selected
files from hard disk to floppy or
removable drive.
 COPY.
 Used to backup specific files.
 Used to back up files from one
floppy to another.
 Used to copy files in individual
subdirectory.
 Be sure files fit on floppy disk.
 Does not format new disk.
 Can only be used if you have two
removable drives.
 If using two disk drives, COPY
does not require identical disk
media types.
 Used to back up files from a hard
disk.
 Cannot and must not be used to
copy all files from a hard disk to a
floppy disk.
 Will not fit on a single floppy.
 Are backup utilities to back up
large volumes– need destination
other than floppy disk.
 Make regular backups.
 Back up files that have changed or
are new.
 Back up in relation as to how long it
would take to recreate your data.
Chapter 6
Using DEL, REN, MOVE, and RD /S
SECTION 6.25 (pp. 294-296)
 Slides 58-60
 COPY assumes you want same file names
on destination disk. If file with same name
on destination disk, COPY overwrites it.
 DISKCOPY formats disk - COPY does not.
 Discuss.
- Why you do not use DISKCOPY with
hard disk.
- Why you would not copy all files from
hard disk to floppy with COPY command.
 Wildcards can be used with any command
that accepts the use of wildcards.


Discussion Question (20) - Why would you not
copy all the files from the hard disk to a floppy
disk with the DISKCOPY command?
Discussion Question (21) - Why would you not
copy all the files from a hard disk to a floppy
disk with the COPY command?
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003
Page 15