How to hide a file in MS-DOS

Issue
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How to hide a file in MS-DOS

Cause
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Currently no known cause

Solution
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There are two methods of hiding files in MS-DOS. The first method is
by using the attrib command, an example of this command would be
"attrib +h c:\autoexec.bat". This will hide you autoexec.bat so a
standard user browsing your hard disk drive would not be able to see
the file.  To make the file unhidden use -h instead of the +h so the
line would look like "attrib -h c:\autoexec.bat".

Extra Note: Although the file is hidden a user can still type edit
c:\autoexec.bat and still be able to edit the file, or if the user
typed attrib this would list all files with their attributes.

The other method uses ASCII characters when creating the directory or
renaming it. The following includes the steps in creating a directory
with these characters:

Type md (hold down ALT and type 987 while continuing to hold ALT, once
typed in let go of alt and you should get a Solid block). Press enter
to create the directory, to get into this directory a user would have
to type cd and hold ALT while typing 987 to get the block. When
pressing enter you would then be able to get into the directory.

Extra Note: Windows 3.x and Windows 95 will not be able to access
these directories, and must be accessed through DOS. Windows 98
however has the capability of opening these directories therefore if
you are using this method for privacy or security, your procedure
could be breached..

I cant remember what characters I typed. How do I delete the directory
now?

See our ASCII section on our Jargon page which lists a complete
listing of ASCII characters. Or if you have type in characters plus
the ASCII character you can use a ? where the ASCII character is.