'dir' outputs more directories than there actually are

brigby · Dec 19, 2022

I uninstalled Firefox, in order to reinstall it later. I've been removing leftovers with del and then rmdir, in addition to double-checking with dir and attrib beforehand. But now I'm confused. There are more total directories listed in cmd than what I'm seeing in File Explorer. Why is this? Not sure if there's something wrong with this folder or if I lack understanding of the commands I'm using.

Things I've tried: sfc and dism; chkdsk; adwbytes; unchecking all hidden file options. Windows is up to date. What am I missing? I'd prefer a solution that doesn't involve downloading more stuff.

Berton · Dec 20, 2022

It's quite possible a number of Folders in Windows are Hidden versus what shows in Directories [the term that was used in DOS running Windows as the GUI]. A lot of the old DOS commands still work in Command Prompt and some in PowerShell/Terminal but not as many. Some times in Windows a choice on right-click and Properties of a Folder will have close to the same totals as DOS's Dir. For more about the DOS features put dir /? in a command prompt window, will find more commands and switches for them but pay attention to where a space is shown, especially before the / forward slash.

glasskuter · Dec 20, 2022

Because some files and folders are hidden until you allow them.
control panel>file explorer options>view tab>put a check by "show hidden files, folders, drives" You can also show/hide protected operating system files there which is not advisable. BE CAREFUL.

Berton · Dec 20, 2022

Forgot the links for reference.

Mastering DOS Basics - dummies

You get work done on a computer by running a program. If you're lucky, somebody has set up your computer so that it automatically runs the program you need. Tur

www.dummies.com

The Ultimate, Complete List of MS-DOS Commands

There are nearly 100 DOS commands available in MS-DOS that are used to communicate with the operating system.

www.lifewire.com

brigby · Dec 20, 2022

Berton said:
Some times in Windows a choice on right-click and Properties of a Folder will have close to the same totals as DOS's Dir. For more about the DOS features put dir /? in a command prompt window, will find more commands and switches for them but pay attention to where a space is shown, especially before the / forward slash.

It was a folder in ProgramData. In Properties, it said 0 Files, 1 Folders. This reflected what I was seeing, i.e. a single, empty subfolder (whose Properties said 0 Files, 0 Folders). I ran dir with various parameters, each one listing a different number of directories. For example, dir said 2, dir /a said 3, dir /s said 4, dir /a /s said 5.