Search code examples
command-linebatch-filedos

Change attributes of a group of files in MS-DOS

The MS-DOS command attrib changes the attributes of a single file. How can I use it to change the attributes of a group of files?

Solution

  • This is the info you need

    Displays or changes file attributes.

ATTRIB [+R | -R] [+A | -A ] [+S | -S] [+H | -H] [drive:][path][filename]
       [/S [/D]]

  +   Sets an attribute.
  -   Clears an attribute.
  R   Read-only file attribute.
  A   Archive file attribute.
  S   System file attribute.
  H   Hidden file attribute.
  [drive:][path][filename]
      Specifies a file or files for attrib to process.
  /S  Processes matching files in the current folder
      and all subfolders.
  /D  Processes folders as well.

    By using the '/s' parameter will do it for matching files for example

    attrib -rhsa *.txt /s

    That will remove the read, hidden, system and archive attributes from ALL files ending with '.txt'.