I have one primary folder and, under it, are nested folders - perhaps 3 to 5 deep. Is there an easy way to extract the files so that I end up with the primary folder and no subfolders - just all the files?
If it's a one-time thing you can go to the primary folder and enter "*" in the search box. That will bring up all the files and folders under the primary. Then you can select just the files and cut+paste them.
If you need to do this regularly then you can write a batch file/script. Something like
(adapted from for /d - Loop through directory - Windows CMD - SS64.com )Code:C:\temp>cd primary C:\temp\primary>for /f "tokens=*" %X in ('dir /b /s /a:d') do copy "%X" .
Nisko,
I use this batch file. I call it FlatFileCopierToDesktop.bat but you can call it whatever you want.
DenisCode::: Put this batch file in the highest level folder of the set you want to work through, it will copy all the files to a folder of your choice :: Put in your chosen target folder in place of my D:\Desktop\FlatFileCopies. Choosing a target folder that the batch file has to make is merely how I use this - you could use an existing folder and ditch the line beginning md ... :: If you want only certain files, replace (*) with (*.txt) or similar Set TargetFolder=D:\Desktop\FlatFileCopies md "%TargetFolder%" for /r %%d in (*) do copy "%%d" "%TargetFolder%" Pause to check afterwards
Any file manager/exploer with the ability to do a recursive search, that is, explore the files in nested folders, should achieve your goal.
I personally use XNView, installed, for the right-click context menu recursive (show all files) search. Select all, drag-and-drop to another folder or to the parent folder. There is a portable zip version for a one-time use.
I tried the first one (use an "*") and it seems to have worked for what I want it for. I'd like to try the others too - but I don't know how to use or insert batch files. By tomorrow, I intend to reply to those posts that require code. If you're willing to guide me a little, I'd like to learn. Thank you!
I started learning about batch files by reading this guide - The Command Line in Windows Batch file basics
I then moved on to Rob van der Woude's guides and examples - Batch files - RobvdW
But if you are going to sit down and systematically study something, consider studying Powershell instead - it is a structured set of commands & MS regard it as supplanting command window commands & batch files.
Start with PowerShell Scripting - The Basics - TenForums,
then PowerShell Scripting - Run a Script from Shortcut - TenForums
After that, I am not at all sure which one to recommend. You could try downloading & studying Getting Started with PowerShell - Shepard
Denis
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