Attrib command can be used to set or unset file attributes from Windows command prompt. This post explains with examples the syntax for managing the file attributes on Windows computer.
Archive attribute
To set archive attribute for the file example.doc:
attrib +a example.doc
To unset archive attribute:
attrib -a example.doc
Read-only attribute
To set read only attribute:
attrib +r example.doc
To unset read only attribute:
attrib -r example.doc
Hidden attribute
To make the file hidden :
attrib +h example.doc
To remove the hidden attribute:
attrib -h example.doc
System attribute
To set system file attribute:
attrib +s example.doc
To unset system file attribute:
attrib -s example.doc
Attrib command works on all Windows editions(XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 10, Server 2K3 & 2K8)
Set file attributes in bulk
Attrib command accepts wild characters and can process files in bulk. The syntax for bulk processing is given below
attrib +[R/H/S/A] *
To set attribute for files of certain type/extension
attrib +[R/H/S/A] *.ext
To set attribute for all files in current directory
attrib +[R/H/S/A]
Example:
Set hidden attribute on all PDF files in the current directory
attrib +H *.pdf
Relevant links:
Attrib command: Not resetting hidden file
Attrib command: Not resetting system file
i have used "ATTRIB" command two month before and i have hidden some kind of files … but now i forgot the file name … may i know how to get my file name "ATTRIB". i know how to unset for "ATTRIB".. but just forgaot my file name.. please any one help me how to get file name from "ATTRIB" command…………
Ricky,
You can get the file name in two ways..open the directory in explorer window and enable 'show hidden files and folders' in Tools->Folder options->View. After this you should be able to see all the hidden files in that folder…
The other way is through command line. cd to the folder where you have the hidden files and press Tab key. You will see the name of the file that comes first in alphabetical order.. keep on pressing Tab key until you get the hidden file you created..
And one more simple way is to run the command 'attrib -h * '. this will remove hidden flag for all the files in that directory..
i dont know how to use this 'atrib -h*t'
but this option works good…. thanks
'cd to the folder where you have the hidden files and press Tab key. You will see the name of the file that comes first in alphabetical order.. keep on pressing Tab key until you get the hidden file you created..
my command prompt doesn’t support the attrib command …
what should i do now.
thanks
Which Windows release and edition you are using?
i think you should remove your C:\
what command i can used to return the file of my flush-drive? thnks