ALTER
Command


Purpose: This command allows the user to change
file attributes.

Format: ALTER [d:][path]filename[/V][/N|/R/H/S/A|/B]

Type: Internal External
***

Remarks: This command can be used to mark files as
hidden, readonly, system or normal and to set
or reset the archive bit. It is also possible
to make subdirectory entries hidden. Hidden
files/directories will not be displayed by
the TREE or DIR commands. The XDIR command
will display all files regardless of the files
attributes; however, it will not display hidden
directories.

Example: ALTER c:\top\urgent.dat/v/r/h
This command line displays the current version
number and alters file C:\TOP\URGENT.DAT to be
READ_ONLY and HIDDEN. Read only files cannot be
changed or deleted.
ALTER \top\secret/h

This command line alters the directory
\top\secret as a HIDDEN directory. This
directory can only be accessed by those who
know the path.

ALTER \top\secret\letter.007/v

This command line displays the current
attribute settings for the file and prompts
the user for new attributes for the file.




10-26a
ALTER
Command

A sample display for this interactive mde
is shown:

C>ALTER \top\secret

ALTER Version X.XX (C)Copyright T A Davis, 1983

Attributes are (DRHB) for file \TOP\SECRET

Enter new attributes (RHSNBA) or ENTER ? NA_

Attributes are (DA) for file \TOP\SECRET

The identifiers used to display the files
attributes are listed below:

R - READ_ONLY
H - HIDDEN
S - SYSTEM
A - ARCHIVE SET
D - SUB_DIRECTORY
B - ARCHIVE NOT SET

You may specify N for NORMAL as a parameter
or as a response to the prompt. This identifier
is not listed as an attribute for the file,
but is offered as an easy means to remove all
attributes.


Consult your DOS 2.00 manual, page C-4 for more
information on file attributes.

NOTES:

The attributes of a BASE directory cannot
be altered. You MUST specify at least 4
characters for the path\filename.

There is no way to display hidden
sub-directories. Care should be taken to ensure
that any directory once hidden, can be found.

10-26b