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File listing utility

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by jkpsr

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I have accumulated dozens of CD's many of which I have burned myself. I need to start to accumulate a primative database of what is on these CD's. Does anyone have a suggestion of a program that will allow me to get a full directory listing that Ican put in a file for later searching?

Thanks,

Jack

5 replies

by pschuvie

It somewhat depends on the type of data that is stored on the CD's as to the direction you might take. There are any number of programs out there, probably too many when it comes down to it.

Most are readily available through shareware sources like Cnet, Simtel, Zdnet Download, or other searches like google or mamma, etc.

keywords would include catalog, cataloger, manager
list manager,library,collection,playlist.

Some are basic list builders limited to printed listings, some have data field export functions, tree listing style, access database view styles, and more.

Some build or utilize very sophisticated databases, most read in the disk contents eliminating data input, and many can export the data. However the level of sophistication can vary greatly.

I looked into a few and as of yet have not found one to settle on, often I was overwhelmed by the amount of database structure such that it appeared to be more work then time saved. I realize that for some collectorsthe value is in the detail ability for same.

Now if the data is other than audio, or is mixed then your looking primarily for a diretory print program and again there are more than a few. Key on these is the ability to extend levels, while maintaining control.

So there are some clues and insights rather then a specific program to suggest. If you post comment on the types of files involved I might be able to come up with a more specific recommendation.

Hope that helped.

by joseph moore

Well, the answer will be OS specific. Here is the Windows solution, though.
Open a DOS Command Prompt (Start -> Programs -> DOS Command Prompt).
Put 1 of your burned CDs in the CDROM.
In the Command Prompt, change to the CDROM drive. For example, if your CDROM is drive E:, just type in "E:" (without quotes) then press enter.
Next, just type:
DIR /S >>C:\DISK1.TXT
That will do an entire directory scan on your CD, and send the output to a text file on your C: drive called DISK1.TXT
You could then open the text file in Notepad or any other text editor.

hope this helps

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