JohnKalpus.com - Changing a File's Attributes Page
Changing the attributes of a file in good ole DOS:
Files can have one or more of the
following four attributes:
“h” = hidden;
“r” = read-only;
“s” = system file;
“a” = archive
Please see explanations for attributes at the bottom of the page.
In order to copy or delete a file with an “h,” or an “r,” or an “s” attribute, it’s necessary to change or turn off these attributes first. Then copy or change the files and reset the attribute to their original attributes when you're finished. Here’s how:
At the DOS prompt:
1. Locate the folder that contains the file whose attribute you want to change and change to that folder (ex: CD foldername).
2. Type: attrib –h –r –s filename.ext (substituting the real file name and extension for filename.ext.) Leave a space between attrib and each h or r or s symbol.
3. To copy over a file, type: copy system.da0 system.dat (i.e. to copy the system.da0 backup file on top of system.dat).
4. Reset the attributes back by typing: attrib +h +r +s filename.ext
In Windows, find the file and right-click on the file and select Properties.
You'll see a window like this:
You can select or de-select on any available Attributes check-box to make a change.
But remember, be careful and know what you are doing!
That’s it!
Attributes:
A file may be flagged as hidden so that the casual computer user doesn't
stumble on the file and accidentally delete or change the file. Hidden files
are usually critical to the operation of the computer.
A file may be flagged as read-only to prevent the file from being accidentally
overwritten. It's a good idea to flag files as read-only on a computer network
to assure a file's integrity.
System files are files which
are also critical to the operation of the computer
and should not ever be overwritten or deleted or moved,
An Archive flag
tells the computer that the file has or has not been modified
since it was last opened.