4.3 Mattrib

Mattrib is used to change MS-DOS file attribute flags. It has the following syntax:

mattrib [-a|+a] [-h|+h] [-r|+r] [-s|+s] [-/] [-p] [-X] msdosfile [ msdosfiles … ]

Mattrib adds attribute flags to an MS-DOS file (with the ‘+’ operator) or remove attribute flags (with the ‘-’ operator).

Mattrib supports the following attribute bits:

a

Archive bit. Used by some backup programs to indicate a new file.

r

Read-only bit. Used to indicate a read-only file. Files with this bit set cannot be erased by DEL nor modified.

s

System bit. Used by MS-DOS to indicate a operating system file.

h

Hidden bit. Used to make files hidden from DIR.

Mattrib supports the following command line flags:

/

Recursive. Recursively list the attributes of the files in the subdirectories.

X

Concise. Prints the attributes without any whitespace padding. If neither the "/" option is given, nor the msdosfile contains a wildcard, and there is only one MS-DOS file parameter on the command line, only the attribute is printed, and not the filename. This option is convenient for scripts

p

Replay mode. Outputs a series of mformat commands that will reproduce the current situation, starting from a situation as left by untarring the MS-DOS file system. Commands are only output for attribute settings that differ from the default (archive bit set for files, unset for directories). This option is intended to be used in addition to tar. The readonly attribute is not taken into account, as tar can set that one itself.