Why can't I see all W2K directories in DOS

[mitso]

My daughter's computer came to a screeching halt during the blackout.
Her only HD is not bootable. I added a second HD and installed W2K.
I can also boot by floppy. W2K sees the original HD, but will not access any
files or directories. If I boot into DOS by floppy, I can see and access some
files and directories - but not all. Why?

 

[Noid]

Maybe a corrupted FAT ? Do you have a recovery program like Norton Disk doctor?

 

[Staver]

The files are more than likely hidden. The DOS attrib.exe if my memory is correct, can help you locate and manipulate them.

 

[lorlabnew]

mitso,

what is the message you get when you attempt to boot the original HDD?

Also, what was the original operating system, Win2k as well? Formatted as FAT32?

Dave

 

[DefRef]

DOS can't see NTFS partitions.

 

[sciencewhiz]

Dos can't see more then (I forget the number) of directories. I ran into this once.

 

[stevewm]

DOS by default DOES NOT show any directories or files with the Hidden attribute set.... This is most likely your problem. Windows 2k uses the hidden file attribute extensively. Espcially within in the Documents and Settings folders.

If you want DOS to display hidden files issue the command "dir /a"

Once you get the name of the directory you want issue a CD command to get to it. CD will go into a directory even if it is hidden. Copy will also function on hidden files, but it will copy the hidden atrribute as well....

If you want to remove the hidden attribute use the following command: "attrib -h filename" If you want to unhide a directory put the directory name in place filename. Of course the standard DOS wildcards such as *.* and *.ext work with ATTRIB as well.

If you want to see the attributes on a file just type "attrib filename" To attributes for all files just type attrib at the prompt and hit enter.

 

[mitso]

Thanks for all the comments guys.

The original system was W2K and FAT32.
And the new is also W2K and FAT32.

The hidden file thing makes a lot of sense.
I didn't know w2k used it without asking.
I can't check it out before next week.
I'll let you Know how I make out.

Thanks again - the guys on Anand rock!

 

[mitso]

"dir /a" did it.

I could see and copy all directories and files.

I must go back and re-read Peter Norton's DOS 6 book.

Thanks stevewm and all.