What Does the ATTRIB Command Do?

What Does the ATTRIB Command Do?, The ATTRIB command is a DOS command used to view and change file attributes.

File attributes control how files behave, such as whether a file is:

• Hidden
• Read-only
• System-protected
• Archived

ATTRIB is often used when:

• Files will not delete
• Files appear to be missing
• Access is denied unexpectedly

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Basic ATTRIB Command Syntax

To view attributes of files in the current folder:

attrib

This lists files and shows their attributes using letters.

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Understanding ATTRIB Output

You may see letters like these:

• R – Read-only
• H – Hidden
• S – System file
• A – Archive

Example output:

A  report.txt
R  locked.txt
H  secret.txt

Each letter explains why a file behaves differently.

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Viewing Attributes of a Specific File

Example:

attrib report.txt

This shows only the attributes for report.txt.

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Removing the Read-Only Attribute

If a file cannot be edited or deleted:

attrib -r filename

Example:

attrib -r locked.txt

This allows the file to be modified or deleted.

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Showing Hidden Files

To remove the hidden attribute:

attrib -h filename

Example:

attrib -h secret.txt

This makes the file visible again.

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Making a File Hidden

To hide a file:

attrib +h filename

Example:

attrib +h private.txt

This is commonly used for:

• Configuration files
• Sensitive data
• System files

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Changing Attributes for Multiple Files

You can use wildcards.

Example:

attrib -r *.txt

This removes the read-only attribute from all text files.

⚠️ Always confirm with dir first.

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Changing Attributes in Subfolders

To apply changes recursively:

attrib -r /s

This affects files in the current folder and all subfolders.

Use with care.

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Common ATTRIB Command Problems

“Access is denied”

This means:

• The file is protected
• You lack permission

Try:

• Running Command Prompt as Administrator

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File Still Does Not Delete

Check for:

• System attribute (S)
• File in use by another program

You may need:

attrib -r -h -s filename

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Is the ATTRIB Command Safe?

ATTRIB is safe when used carefully.

Best practices:

• Change one attribute at a time
• Avoid modifying system files
• Always confirm file names

ATTRIB does not delete files on its own.

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ATTRIB vs DEL (Important Difference)

• ATTRIB controls file behaviour
• DEL removes files

ATTRIB is often used before DEL.

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When ATTRIB Is Commonly Used

ATTRIB is used when:

• Files appear missing
• Deletion fails
• Access errors occur
• Cleaning up old systems
• Fixing Windows repair issues

It is especially common in recovery environments.

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What to Learn After ATTRIB

Next useful commands to learn:

• CLS – clear the screen
• HELP – list available commands
• EXIT – close Command Prompt

These improve usability and confidence.

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Where to Go Next

Recommended next guides:

• CLS Command Explained (Clear Screen in DOS)
• HELP Command Explained (List DOS Commands)
• DOS Commands A–Z Index