Importing file names from a folder into a text file?

glatt · 10-11-2007, 07:51 AM

Is there a simple way to take a bunch (around 300) of file names from a folder in Windows XP and dump those names into a single text file so you can edit them? I know you can do them one at a time by copying and pasting, but is there some other way to do all at once?

Is there a way to do this in DOS? It's been too many years since I used DOS and can't remember, but I think there was a way to at least print the file names. Maybe DOS is the best approach?

I really don't want to copy and paste these names individually. Help!

Pie · 10-11-2007, 09:28 AM

dir > temp.txt

open in editor of your choice.

glatt · 10-11-2007, 09:42 AM

Thanks!

dar512 · 10-11-2007, 12:18 PM

Add a /b if you only want the filenames

dir /b

glatt · 10-11-2007, 12:30 PM

That (/b) tip works like a charm. Then with a little "find and replace" action, I was able to get rid of all the path information in the front of the file names. I've now got a nice neat list.

Thanks.

You'd think Windows would make such a simple thing possible though, without resorting to DOS. Not many people out there know DOS.

10-11-2007, 07:51 AM	#1
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	Importing file names from a folder into a text file? Is there a simple way to take a bunch (around 300) of file names from a folder in Windows XP and dump those names into a single text file so you can edit them? I know you can do them one at a time by copying and pasting, but is there some other way to do all at once? Is there a way to do this in DOS? It's been too many years since I used DOS and can't remember, but I think there was a way to at least print the file names. Maybe DOS is the best approach? I really don't want to copy and paste these names individually. Help!

10-11-2007, 09:28 AM	#2
Pie Gone and done Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 4,808	dir > temp.txt open in editor of your choice. __________________ per·son \ˈpər-sən\ (noun) - an ephemeral collection of small, irrational decisions The fun thing about evolution (and science in general) is that it happens whether you believe in it or not.

10-11-2007, 12:18 PM	#4
dar512 dar512 is now Pete Zicato Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago suburb Posts: 4,968	Add a /b if you only want the filenames dir /b __________________ "Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller

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10-11-2007, 09:42 AM	#3
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	Thanks!

10-11-2007, 12:30 PM	#5
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	That (/b) tip works like a charm. Then with a little "find and replace" action, I was able to get rid of all the path information in the front of the file names. I've now got a nice neat list. Thanks. You'd think Windows would make such a simple thing possible though, without resorting to DOS. Not many people out there know DOS.

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