Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 7
Using ATTRIB, SUBST, XCOPY, DOSKEY & the Text Editor
Chapter 7
Using ATTRIB, SUBST, XCOPY, DOSKEY, and the Text Editor
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Explain the purpose and function of the ATTRIB command.
Explain the purpose and function of the SUBST command.
Explain the purpose and function of the XCOPY command.
Explain the purpose and function of DOSKEY.
Use the text editor to create and EDIT text files.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Use the ATTRIB command to protect files.
Use the SUBST command to simplify long path names.
Use XCOPY to copy files and subdirectories.
Use the XCOPY parameters to copy hidden files and retain file attributes.
Use DOSKEY to be more efficient at the command line.
Create text files using EDIT.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
1. File attributes are tracked by the operating system.
2. There are four file attributes: A (archive), H (hidden), S (system), and R (read-only).
3. The ATTRIB command allows you to manipulate file attributes.
4. The SUBST command allows you to substitute an unused drive letter for a long, unwieldy
path name.
5. The XCOPY command allows you to copy files and subdirectories.
6. There are many parameters available to the XCOPY command. Among them are
parameters that enable you to:
a. copy by date (/D)
b. copy hidden files (/H)
c. copy subdirectories (/S)
d. overwrite read-only files (/R)
e. copy empty directories (/E)
f. keep file attributes (/K)
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 1
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 7
Using ATTRIB, SUBST, XCOPY, DOSKEY & the Text Editor
7. DOSKEY is an external, memory-resident program that loads automatically in Windows
XP. It allows you to do command line editing.
8. A memory-resident program is commonly referred to as a (Terminate Stay Resident) TSR
program. Once loaded into memory, it remains in memory for the duration of the
session.
9. The arrow and function keys in DOSKEY allow you to do command-line editing by
recalling and listing the previously keyed in commands.
10. You can create macros in a command line window.
11. On the desktop, you use Notepad to edit text files. In the Command Prompt window,
you use the EDIT text editor.
12. EDIT can be used to edit or create ASCII text files.
13. In EDIT, you can use menus, the mouse, and keystrokes to edit text.
14. Text files can be imported into application programs.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 2