File Finders and Identifiers for DOS

Back to Front Page

global menu:



FILE FINDERS, System and Archive.

Most of the file finders listed below don't support Win9x long filenames. Two that do are Locate and FArc.


System only...

Notes: (Need to add) A somewhat complex if powerful file finding package ported from UNIX is find41b.zip (docs: find41d.zip). This package also includes the 'locate' program which accesses a previously compiled database of filenames, i.e, a file is accessed during a search rather than entire drives (quicker, less disk wear); the drawback is that you must maintain a filename database on a regular basis. A simpler program using the same principle is locat110.zip.

1. Locate - Small, very fast file finder transcends DOS wildcard limitations.

* * * * * [added 11-96; updated 1-5-99]

This little 11K program is on my personal "top 5 most frequently used programs" list- Win or DOS. Even when running Windows, I'll always fire up Locate in a DOS box rather than using a GUI finder. Locate finds files fast and offers the user several display options- including the default paging of results. While Locate can't search inside archives, it finds files faster, easier, and in more different ways than some programs 10 or 100 times its size. Win9x compatible. Author: Charles Dye (1999)

Features I especially like:

Syntax:  LOCATE [filespec] [switches]
  /H   Hidden or system       /D-  find files, not Directories
  /X   .COM, .EXE, .BAT       /D+  find Directories only
  /Fn  only First n items     /D   find both (default)
  /A   check Attributes       /T   path search
  /0   0-byte files           /R   local hard drives only
  /G   Go to directory        /K   Kill (delete) items
  /N   bare Naked display     /W   Wide display
  /S   Summary info only      /P   Peter-style display
  /L   Win95 Long filenames   /NP  No Paging
  /B:"command" Batch output   /D:[start][,end]  Date range
  /O:"string"  macro Output   /T:[start][,end]  Time range
  /C:"string"  run Commands   /S:[small][,big]  Size range

Space between the filespec and any switches.  Output will be paged
unless it is redirected or /NP used.  Specify default switches in a
LOCATE= variable.  Try /D? /T? /S? /A? /B? or /O? for more help.
update 1-99: v1.26 changes: Many (new switches, modified existing switches, display enhancements, more)- see docs.

download locate.zip (78K)


2. XFF - File finder with enhanced wildcards and options to perform move, copy, del actions.

* * *

Like Locate, this program isn't limited to searching with DOS wildcards and it can perform delete, copy, or move operations on found files. Appears to allow only single drive searches. Author: Snorre Løvås, SLOVAS Productions. Norway. (1997)

Syntax : XFF d:\path file [file file ..] [switches]
Condensed options:
/p..........Pause after every screen with files
/a=XXXX.....Match attributes (X may be R H S or A).
/d..........Match date.
/s..........Match size.
/k..........Kill files. Delete every file matching.
/m=d:\path..Move files to d:\path.
/c=d:\path..Copy files to d:\path.

download slxff110.zip (note: later versions are shareware)


System & Archive...

Also see: PKzoom (ZIP find only), DDR (freezes on certain RAR files). The Connect IDE integrates a robust file finder with very good archive searching capabilities.

1. FArc- System & archive file finder: 60+ archive formats, enhanced wildcards, Win9x LFN's.

unrated [added 2-27-99 updated 07-05-99]

FArc is a multi-drive system and archive file finder which implements enhanced wildcards and can display long filenames under Win9x. Archives supported include: 777 0.04b1, ACE 1.1, AKT 0.5C, AMG 2.2, AR 1.1 , ARC > 6.00, ARG 1.01á, ARHANGEL, ARI > 2.15, ARJ > 2.41, ARQ 3.2 , ARX 1.0 , ASD 0.13, BIX 1.00b2, BLINK > 2.50 BOA 0.58, BS2 2.0 , BSA 1.95, BSArc 2.00, Cabinet , CHZ 1.2 , CODEC 3.21, Compress 5.0 DPA 1.1a, DWC 5.10, ELI 5750, Finish 2.6, GZip 1.2.4, HA 0.999á , HAP 3.0, Hyper 2.5, Hyper 2.6, ICE 1.14, JRC 1.10, LHA > 2.13, Limit 1.2 , Links LS, LZA, LZOP, MAR 1.0, MSXIE 1.4 , PACK, PAK 2.51, PHP 1.0, PKZIP 2.04g, ProPack 2.14, Q > 0.90, QFC, Quark 1.00b, RAR < 1.50, RAR > 1.50, RAX 1.02, SAR 1.0 , SBX > 1.2 , SKY 1.15, SQWEZ 2.3 , SQZ 1.08.3, SWG, Synetic, SZip > 1.05 TAR, UFA 0.00, UFA 0.01/0.02 UFA 0.03/0.04, XLink 2.02, xpa 1.0.2, YAC 1.02, ZET 0.10, ZOO > 2.01, ZPack 1.0, "EX_", "LIB".

Syntax of FArc: FArc [options] [filemask to search for - no default]
                [path to search in - default: ".\"]
                [filemask to scan - default: "*.*"]
Options (starting with "-" or "/"):
  /AD   -  scan all drives with all subdirectories
  /H    -  this little help screen
  /Mn   -  stop after n found files (n > 0).
  /NA   -  do not scan in archives (then you better use dir :-)
  /NE   -  do not show errors
  /NF   -  do not scan for files in the file system
  /NL   -  do not use long filenames under Windows 9x
  /NM   -  show only files that do NOT match the filemask
  /NS   -  do not check for EXE-SFX archives
  /P[n] -  pause after every n lines out screen output (default = 24)
  /S    -  search subdirectories too
  /X    -  extended information at the end

Author: PHaX (1999) Home Page. Suggested by Lars-Erik Sandberg.

07-05-99: Changes since v1.22 : archive formats added, heap manager error fixed, EXE overlay handling improved- see docs for full version history.

download farc124.zip (29K)


2. LGAFIND- Small file finder also searches in arcs; enhanced wildcard searches.

* * * * [added 6-2-98; updated 03-30-99]

A newer multi-drive file finder that's small (6K) and capable of searching for files packed in archives, including self-extracting executables. Supports these archive formats: 777, ACE, AMG, AR, ARC, ARJ, A0?-A9?, ARK, ASD, B58, BIX, BSA, BSN, CAB, CHZ, DPA, ELI, HA, HAP, HIT, HYP, ICE, LG, LIM, LZH, MP3, NSK, OOP, PAK, PCA, PUT, Q, QFC, RAR, R0?-R9?, RAX, SB, SKY, SPA, SQZ, UFA, XPA, YC, ZET, ZIP, ZOO, ZPK and EXE, COM (if /i is specified).

Usage: LGAFIND [/Option] <fmask> [/Option]
Options:
/d        - Don't expand archives
/s        - Stop at first occurence
/g        - Stop at first and go to target directory
/f        - Full information(size,data,etc.)
/2        - Full information in 2 lines
/i        - Include SFX archives
/e        - Any archive extension(slow)
/a        - All drives(default-current)
/tb<date> - Before <date> (DD-MM-YYYY)
/ta<date> - After <date>
My notes:

New in v2.4 (3-99): support for more archives, bug fixes, com size decreased, more; see docs.

Author: George Lyapko, Ukraine (1999). See home page for other shareware and freeware utilities.

download lgaf24.zip (7kB)


3. Archive Finder- Finds files in Arj, PkZip, Lha, and other archives; enhanced wildcard searches.

* * * *

Note: Not for huge drives, FAT32, no LFN support; for fast Pentiums patch the exe using bp7pat.

AF is a fast file finder from France that can also search for files in a variety of common archives. AF can filter by file size and/ or date, but not file attributes. AF implements enhanced wildcards. Offers several display options. AF can search for files in these archives: Arj, Zip, Lha, LHarc, PkArc/PkPak, Arc, Zoo, StuffIt, Tpz. Author: J. Boggio. France (1993)

Usage: AF [Mask*.*] [*Mask*] [/Parameter(s)] [-Parameter(s)]
/a - Archive names only........./m...Mask for archives*.*
/b + Beautiful vue............../n - Names only
/c...Current directory only...../p - skiP archives
/d...Date (/d+311291 /d=010191)./r...staRting at directory
/e - Every name written........./s + Subdirs also
/f - Full statistics............/t...True size on disk
/g + Global search............../u - show only totals
/i...sIze (/i+1024 /i-2048)...../w - Wide display
/l...Look drives: CDE.........../* + all directories

download AF125.ZIP (55K, English version)


4. SFF- File finder can also search in arcs (including RAR and EXE's); enhanced wildcard searches.

* * *

Win98 note: No LFN support; might miss matches on very long paths; for fast Pentiums patch the exe using bp7pat.

The Super File Finder is another quick file finder with archive searching capability. SFF is distinguished by its ability to search in RAR archives and self-extracting archives (EXE's). Implements enhanced wildcards but not as option rich as AF. Supported archive formats: ZIP,ARJ,LZH,PAK(SDN),SQZ,ZOO,RAR,ARC. Author: John P. Arkins (1995)

Limitations: Freezes on certain RAR files. Single drive search only.


Usage: SFF [options] [searchpath] filespec1 filespec2...
options:
/exe - scan self extractors
/arc - search archives as well
searchpath: if not specified, entire drive will be
searched
filespecs: total of 12 allowed
ESC terminates, Any other key pauses output

download sff104.zip (20.5K)


DUPLICATE FILE FINDERS

Useful for finding identical files/ filenames (often for the purpose of deleting unnecessary copies). Notes: Dirtotal can also function as a basic duplicate filename finder (using the /dup switch), and offers multi-drive search capability (generates report).


1. DDup- Multi-drive duplicate file finder with delete/rename prompting.

* * * * *

This recent find is quite old but one the best I've found for older PC's. DDup includes multi-drive search capability, enhanced wildcard handling, definition of duplicates, and it prompts for deletion or renaming of found files. To search multiple drives from root dirs, you should first cd to roots. Won't handle long filenames, and will run out of memory on huge drives. Author: Jean Lalonde. Canada. (1987)

Syntax: DDup [drive(s):][directory][files] [options]
options:
/T..files with identical name, size and time
/N..files with identical name but different specs
/S..files with identical specs but diff names
/D..for discrete scan.

Rare on the Net.

download ddup13a.zip (20.3K)


2. ShowDupe- Multi-drive duplicate file finder with compare, view, and delete options.

* * * *

ShowDupe is a useful multi-drive duplicate file finder that can also test same-named files for identity at the byte level. This full screen, text mode program also provides menu options to view and delete selected files. Configuration file can save default search drives/directories, color settings, and a user defined file viewer.

SHOWDUPE <d:\path> [d:\path]

Important limitation: There is a practical conventional memory limit restricting the number of files this program can process: With my 500 and 200 MB drives I've noticed the program fails to completely read the second drive when I use root directories as parameters. It works fine when comparing single subdirectories on different drives.

Author: R. H. Shaw (published in PCMag, 1992); Suggested by L.-E. Sandberg.

download v11n04.zip (122K)


3. Repeats- Find duplicate filenames.

* *

Repeats is an old PCMag utility that finds duplicate filenames on a single drive. It doesn't test for identity (i.e., date, bytes). This little 1.2K program still works fine on my 500MB and 12.7 GB drives- but no LFN support. No command line options. Output can be re-directed to a file.

Author: Michael Mefford. (1987) Sugg. by M. Van Erp.

download v6n11.zip (10K)


SPECIALIZED FILE FINDERS


Flarge- Find largest files on single drive.

* * *

Flarge is designed for the sole purpose of locating the largest files on a single drive.

Syntax: FLARGE [path] [/a:n[ /k/M]][/t:n]
[path] specifies the path to start searching
/a:n shows all files above n ( /k/M)bytes
/t:n specifies that the [n] largest files will be
shown
Default is FLARGE /a:8M
Default for top list is 16 items

Released by Bert Greevenbosch (1997). Netherlands. Suggested by M. Van Erp.

Other programs with file size filters: Dirtotal and LSD.

download FLARGE.ZIP (20.3K)


TODAY- Find files by date.

* * *

TODAY can recursively scan a drive for files created today, yesterday and today, etc.. A quick and intuitive tool (and what an easy command to remember). Today is part of the larger TSUTLD package. Author: Timo Salmi. Finland. (1997) Suggested by M. Van Erp.

Usage: TODAY DirectoryMask [/options]
/Bxx......since xx days Back
/Dddmmyy..since ddmmyy
/E........only Exact date (else date and later)
/N........No recursion

download tsutld23.zip (92.5K)


FILE IDENTIFIERS

(Archive identifiers are listed on the Archive Utilities page.)


1. Filex- File identification based on extensions.
2. Analyzer- File identification based on signature.
3. GetTyp- File identification based on signature.

1. Filex * * * [updated 10-25-98] uses a list of 1800 file extensions to identify sources of unknown files. Filex does not actually analyze the structure of a file- it matches a file extension to a description in it's database. Thus it can't distinguish MS Word "*.doc" files from plain text "*.doc" files. Remains a very useful reference. New extensions and descriptions can be added to the DAT file. Also see the author's home page for a very comprehensive list of file extension information. Author: Jouni Miettunen, Finland. (1996)

download filex16.zip (50K)

2. Analyzer * * * [updated 3-24-99] is a file identifier that analyzes the signature of files rather than relying on extensions. It doesn't claim to identify a huge number of file types, but it does identify some popular current (1998) formats: Word and Word Perfect formats, Lotus 123, Rich Text Format, Corel Draw, popular movie and image formats. Its real strength lies in its ability to identify different compression archives, packed executables, and some high level language EXE's. Analyzer works like a directory lister but has no command line switches. It simply lists all files in a directory with the file type displayed next to the file name. You can use wildcards to filter the listing. Output can be redirected to file. Author: Bártházi András. ESP Team Home Page(1998)
New in v1.36 (1-98): Minor fixes, added a few formats.

download an136.zip (21K)

3. GetTyp unrated [added 1-16-99 ; updated 05-08-99]. GetTyp (GT.EXE) is an up-to-date file identifier that writes to standard output, offers several display options, and can use a configuration file. Displays Win9x LFNs. Emphasis is on identifying archive, exe, and image formats: ~375 EXE packing formats (incl. many subversions), 85 archives (incl. 30+ SFX's), 15 image formats, various programming codes (e.g., bat, Perl, Java, Pascal, C+/++), other file types (e.g., some Word and Word Perfect formats, Win help and registry files, more.). Includes a configuration program to set switches from config. file. A second package (ge*.zip) includes the smaller GE.EXE that is restricted to identifying EXE packed files.

- Syntax of GetTyp: GT [options...] [filename] [options...]
- Some options (starting with "-" or "/"):
-   /Cn     - set length of internal EXE cache to n bytes (5-80)
-   /F      - display only identified files
-   /I      - show internal information
-   /L      - write output in list form
-   /Mn     - Stop after n found files
-   /NA     - do not list archive contents
-   /NC     - do not use the configuration file
-   /OUTfoo - save output to file "foo"
-   /OVER   - overwrite file given with /OUT without asking
-   /Pn     - pause after n lines of output (default is 24)
-   /S      - search subdirectories too
- Please refer to the documentation for all switches.

Author: PHaX. Cardware. See Home Page and Mailing List for latest version and development news. Suggested by Lars-Erik Sandberg.

Update 05-08-99: Latest version on SAC is 2.35. See docs for version history.

download gt235.zip (150 K, includes GT.EXE)
download ge235.zip (57K, includes GE.EXE)



[ Go to Top | Front Page ]

© 1994-1999. Rich Green