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How can I extract files from subfolders into the main folder quickly?

Anonymous
2011-06-03T11:27:36+00:00

Hi!

I have a problem with folders.

I have a DVD with one main folder that contains 26 subfolders. Each subfolder contains 25 documents numbered 001 until 025.

I need all these documents from all 26 folders to come out of these folders and be together in the main folder.

I now do this manually, by copy pasting all 25 docs out of each subfolder into the main folder, but I think there must be a more efficient way.

Especially since I have to do this for 50 DVDs ...

Hope someone can help me out with this!

Thanks!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. @CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2011-06-05T01:45:54+00:00

    Here's the method I would use, because I'm super nerd:

    1 - Open the main top level folder.

    2 - In the search box, type a single asterisk ( * ) which will cause all files from that point downward (in any subfolder) to show up in the search results, regardless of which folder they are in.

    3 - Drag all the search result files to their new home.

    You can filter by file type too.  To only copy word documents, just type *.doc into the Search box.

    400+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2013-05-30T15:18:27+00:00

    This is soooo useful. One small additional note:

    Search for *.?* (i.e. Asterisk-dot-Question_Mark-Dot-Asterisk) to return just the filenames and not the names of any sub-folders.

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2014-07-07T20:17:27+00:00

    That answer assumes incorrectly that all users have a 'search box'.  I do not.  I don't see it anywhere.  Not on the address bar at the top of Explorer windows and not anywhere to be seen under the Start menu.  Nor under the context menus anywhere in the Explorer.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2017-09-09T11:59:49+00:00

    Typing a single asterisk (*) in the search box does not work.  It gives a list of the subfolders and only those files that are not in a subfolder.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2014-07-11T14:01:50+00:00

    If you are Windows 7, click START and enter into the bottom search box. Clicking 'See more results' will open someting akin to explorer. On the top line you can put in search options. So "*.jpg /s -1st* - jo*" would show all JPG files excluding those starting with "1st....." or "jo....". Hope this helps.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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