Remember these rules when copying files:

You must tell MS-DOS where to find the original file and where to store the copy; that is, you need to specify the drive (and directory, if necessary) for both.

You cannot create a new file with the same name and in the same directory as an existing file.

If there is a file on the destination diskette or directory that has the same name as the file you are copying, the copy automatically replaces the existing file. There is no warning that the existing file is being replaced. Be careful that you do not accidentally erase a file you want to keep.

If you are copying to a diskette, that diskette must have been previously formatted.

Note

You can also use the XCOPY command to copy individual files or groups of files. XCOPY, an external command, offers an efficient way to copy certain groups of files. For details about XCOPY, see your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

Renaming Files

You can use the RENAME command to change the name of a file or group of files on the same disk and directory. For example, to rename a file named PROSPECT (in the default directory) to CLIENT, type the following and press Enter:

RENAME PROSPECT CLIENT

Note

RENAME does not rename a file to a new name if a file with that name exists already.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer 4 - 1 3