typ alter.doc
                                                   ALTER
                                                   Command

            
    
    Purpose:    This command allows the user to change 
                file attributes. 
            
    Format:     ALTER [d:][path]filename[/V][/N|/R/H/S/A|/B]
            
    Type:       Internal        External
                                  ***
            
    Remarks:    This command can be used to mark files as 
                hidden, readonly, system or normal and to set
                or reset the archive bit. It is also possible
                to make subdirectory entries hidden. Hidden
                files/directories will not be displayed by 
                the TREE or DIR commands. The XDIR command 
                will display all files regardless of the files
                attributes; however, it will not display hidden
                directories. 
            
    Example:    ALTER c:\top\urgent.dat/v/r/h

                This command line displays the current version
                number and alters file C:\TOP\URGENT.DAT to be
                READ_ONLY and HIDDEN. Read only files cannot be
                changed or deleted.

                ALTER \top\secret/h
            
                This command line alters the directory 
                \top\secret as a HIDDEN directory. This 
                directory can only be accessed by those who 
                know the path.
            
                ALTER \top\secret\letter.007/v
            
                This command line displays the current 
                attribute settings for the file and prompts
                the user for new attributes for the file.
            

                
            
            
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                                                   ALTER
                                                   Command
            
            A sample display for this interactive mde
            is shown:
                
            C>ALTER \top\secret
            
            ALTER Version X.XX (C)Copyright T A Davis, 1983
            
            Attributes are (DRHB) for file \TOP\SECRET
             
            Enter new attributes (RHSNBA) or ENTER ? NA_
            
            Attributes are (DA) for file \TOP\SECRET
            
            The identifiers used to display the files 
            attributes  are listed below:
            
                        R - READ_ONLY
                        H - HIDDEN
                        S - SYSTEM
                        A - ARCHIVE SET
                        D - SUB_DIRECTORY
                        B - ARCHIVE NOT SET
            
            You may specify N for NORMAL as a parameter 
            or as a response to the prompt. This identifier 
            is not listed as an attribute for the file, 
            but is offered as an easy means to remove all 
            attributes.
                            
            Consult your DOS 2.00 manual, page C-4 for more 
            information on file attributes. 
                            
            NOTES:
            
                The attributes of a BASE directory cannot 
                be altered. You MUST specify at least 4 
                characters for the path\filename. 
                
                There is no way to display hidden 
                sub-directories. Care should be taken to ensure 
                that any directory once hidden, can be found.

            

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