Copying text files from a floppy — correct DOS syntax: Which command copies all files with the .TXT extension from drive A to the current directory on the currently logged drive?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: COPY A:.TXT

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Copying groups of files in DOS relies on wildcard patterns and correct source/destination ordering. A common task is moving all text files from a floppy disk (drive A) to the current working directory on the hard disk.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Source is drive A (floppy).
  • We want to copy every file with extension TXT.
  • Destination is the current directory (no explicit path provided).


Concept / Approach:

DOS COPY syntax is COPY source destination. When the destination is omitted, COPY assumes the current directory on the current drive. To match all text files on A:, combine the drive specifier and wildcard: A:.TXT. Case is not significant in DOS file systems.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Specify the correct source: A:.TXT to target all text files on the floppy.Provide destination: omit to default to current directory, or explicitly use ..Run the command: COPY A:.TXTVerify copies with DIR to confirm successful transfer.


Verification / Alternative check:

Test by creating sample files on A: and executing the command; observe that all matching files appear in the current directory. DOS usage guides show identical syntax examples.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • COPY *.TXT A:: reverses source and destination; would copy from current directory to A: instead.
  • COPY .TXT C:: copies to C:, not to the current directory unless that is C: and current path matches; also source would be current drive, not A:.
  • COPY .TXT ALL.TXT: concatenates or overwrites into a single file named ALL.TXT, not a multi-file copy from A:.
  • None of the above: incorrect because COPY A:.TXT is valid.


Common Pitfalls:

Leaving out the drive specifier (which changes the source); forgetting wildcard behavior; unintentionally overwriting files with the same names in the destination.


Final Answer:

COPY A:.TXT

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