Can a batch file count. I am in a DOS 6.22 class, and was given the assignment “Create a batch file that when invoked, makes a file that contains subdirectories and then counts them. This needs to be from a drive that has several subdirectories on it." I can pipe a 'DIR *. ' to a file, but how can I count the lines? Can I count line feeds or am I thinking the wrong way. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Hi there I'm actually making a calculator based on batch files and you're asking me if a batch file can count??? hahahah btw, in your case -- IF I have understood you well -- we don't need to actually count. But letme clear something... When you said "makes a file that contains subdirectories" , you meant "contains subdirecoties NAMES", is that it? Ok, if that's it: This will put the directories to out.txt numbers aren't part of it. ::sample.bat 01. dir/s/b/ad > out.txt 02. dir/s/ad |find "directory free"> out2.txt 03. echo.>> out2.txt 04. dateout.bat 05. echo SET LINES=%%4> enter.bat 06. call out.bat 07. del out.bat 08. del enter.bat 09. del out2.txt 10. echo NUMBER OF DIRs and SUBDIRs = %LINES% 'This depends on the dos language. This is for english dos. I'm not sure of lines 2 and 4 I'm actually not sure about the words "directory" and "free"... type "dir" and see the last line, then you'll see the right words there (its case sensitive) The problem is that MY dos isn't in english, but I think that one will work Was that what you wanted??? Please keep me informed! -- Secret_Doom -- email: secret_doom@hotmail.com

Ooops! The post had problems... line 4 is like this: dateout.bat

GRRRRRRRRRRRR TRYING AGAIN!!! line 4 is: date < out2.txt |find "directory free" > out.bat

Thanks for the fast response, I will try your creation in a few minutes after Hardware Shuffle to DOS PC. The instructions were as you saw, just as the instructor posted for my on-line DOS 6.22 class. The class is given by a true state funded community college in Salem, Oregon, USA. The instructor is a young woman who may not even have been in elementary school when I had my KayPro CP/M suitcase. At least DOS is not dead here in the backwoods of Oregon. I will report back, but not soon. Thanks Again

to Doom: Yes, this creates a list of the directories, but at the end the %LINES% is empty in the echo. I am going to step thru it one line at a time. Really neat work you did!

Try: dir/ad/b |find/c/v "" OR dir/ad/b/s |find/c ":\"