Note

You can also copy files using XTREE, MENU, or the MS-DOS XCOPY command. See the sections later in this chapter on using XTREE and MENU, and see your MS-DOS manual for information about using XCOPY.

Deleting a Directory

If you no longer need a directory, you can remove it with the RMDIR command (which can be abbreviated RD). Before removing a directory, however, you must either delete any files it contains or move them to a different directory. You cannot delete a directory that is not empty. (To delete files from a directory, use the DEL or ERASE command. See “Deleting Data,” below.)

To delete an empty directory, such as the ACCOUNTS directory under LEDGER, type the following and press Enter:

RD \LEDGER\ACCOUNTS

Formatting Diskettes

Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it. Formatting prepares the diskette so that MS-DOS can store data on it. You need to do this only once, before you use the diskette for the first time.

You can also reformat previously used diskettes. Be aware, however, that reformatting erases all data on the diskette. Always be sure you no longer need any files on a diskette before reformatting it.

You can format two kinds of 3 1/2-inch diskettes. Double-sided, double-density diskettes can be formatted to hold 720KB of data. Double-sided, high-density diskettes can be formatted to hold 1.44MB. You may ordinarily prefer to use high-density diskettes, since they hold more information. But if you need to transfer files to another computer that cannot read 1.44MB diskettes, you can purchase double-density diskettes and use the 720KB format.

Using MS-DOS With Your Equity LT-286 5-13