Reference number: CH001039

How can I see hidden files in MS-DOS?

Question:

How can I see hidden files in MS-DOS?

Answer:

While in the MS-DOS or the Windows command line navigate to the directory you wish to view hidden files in and type one of the below commands.

attrib

Typing the attrib command alone will display all files in the current directory with their attributes to the left of the directory path and file name. Files that have an "H" to the left are hidden files.

attrib | more

If there are too many files to list on one page adding "| more" to the end of the attrib command will display all files with attributes one page at a time.

attrib *.log

Finally, if you know the name of the file you're looking for or what it contains adding it with or without wild characters will display all files with their attributes. For example, the above command would list any log file (including hidden files) with its attributes.

Additional information:

• See our attrib command page for additional information and help with this command.