I want to check whether a file contains data or it is blank in MSDOS.How can I do that? I want to create a batch file, in which depending upon the check results, I would like to perform certain actions. Required DOS Drivers for Compaq HP Laptop NX9010

If you are running true plain DOS, i.e. MS-DOS 6.22 or previous, you just have to copy the file and check for the target one, e.g. Copy Myfile Test If not exist Test Echo MyFile is 0 size as plain DOS doesn't copy empty files. However that isn't true with emulated DOS in NT kernel systems (Windows NT/2K/XP).

Hi IVO, Neat. I didn't know that. Does DOS set an errorlevel if the copy fails? Does this also fail?: copy myfile nul If at first you don't succeed, you're about average. M2

Hi M2, from a theoric point of view the statements Copy MyFile Nul > Nul If ErrorLevel 1 Echo Copy failed as MyFile's size is 0 should work, but, as ErrorLevel codes are quite questionable in plain DOS, beter to experiment. At this time I do not have a DOS on hand (I use Bochs X86 emulator to run plain DOS and FreeDOS, but now it is out of work), so I can't answer you definitely. By the way the same behavior applies to the DOS 7.X under Windows 9X/ME.

Hi IVO, I'll boot in DOS and check it out. Another way: type nul>0 fc myfile 0 if errorlevel 1 echo "myfile" is not zero If at first you don't succeed, you're about average. M2

Hi M2, smart and interesting trick, only one note: Copy MyFile Nul > Nul If ErrorLevel 1 Echo Copy failed as MyFile's size is 0 or Copy Myfile Test > Nul If not exist Test Echo MyFile is 0 size require internal command only while FC solution relies on an external executable (FC). Just a 20/20 insight, but worth to be pointed out.

Hi IVO, Yeah, I always try to use internals only. If at first you don't succeed, you're about average. M2