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Print Out a Directory Listing

Intended For
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 2003
Windows 2000
Windows Me
Windows 98
Windows 95
Although there is no built-in way to print a directory listing (all the filenames in a folder), there is a way to add this functionality to Windows. Here's how you do it:


Solution #1:

  • Obtain and install the Copy to Clipboard as Filename utility.
  • This allows you to select all the files in a folder, in Explorer, or in the Find window results list, right-click on them, select Send To and then Clipboard as Filename.
  • You can then paste the listings into a text editor, such as Notepad, for printing or saving.

A similar tool is also available as part of O'Reilly Utilities and Creative Element Power Tools.


Solution #2:

  • Open a text editor, such as Notepad, and type the following lines into a new document: (assuming the printer you wish to use is connected to printer port #1).

CD %1
DIR >LPT1
  • Save the two-line file into your Windows\Command folder, and call it PRINTDIR.BAT.
  • Find the file in Explorer, right click on it, and select Properties.
  • Click on the Program tab, turn on the Close on Exit option, choose Minimized from the Run list, and click Ok.
  • Next, run the Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE).
  • Open My Computer\ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ Directory\ shell.
  • Select New from the Edit menu, and then select Key.
  • Type Print for the name of this new key, and press Enter.
  • Highlight the new Print key, select New from the Edit menu, and then select Key again.
  • Type command for the name of this new key, and press Enter.
  • Double-click on the (default) value in the right pane, and type C:\Windows\Command\PRINTDIR.BAT (assuming that C:\Windows\ is your Windows folder).
  • From now on, when you right-click on a folder icon, you can click Print to print its contents.

  • Note: this assumes that your printer is connected to the LPT1 port, which is true for most users. However, if your printer is connected over a network or you have more than one printer, you need to change LPT1 to the correct port.


Written by: Annoyances.org
Last updated: Wednesday, February 7, 2007

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