How to Copy a Directory from DOS to UNIX

DOS and Unix are both well-seasoned operating software. While they don’t have a graphical user interface, they definitely suffice for those who like barebones, efficient software. For those who still have DOS files on their PC and would like to switch them over to UNIX, here are some tips.

Even though DOS and Unix are similar in some respects, there are major differences, especially if you are transferring over files or a directory of files. Most DOS files are usually saved on older computers with diskettes (remember those?). In order to transfer your DOS files to UNIX, you will either need to have a diskette drive in your Unix machine or you will need to save the files first to your PC and then transfer them over via FTP. Instructions for using FTP on your specific machine will vary, but the directions below should be sufficient (except you should ignore the diskette component).

Transferring an Entire Directory from DOS to UNIX

Here are the simple commands with notes:

Step 1. Have your diskette ready and loaded with the DOS files you would like to transfer over to UNIX

Step 2. Launch Unix and navigate to the Unix directory to which you would like to copy your DOS files.

Step 3. Create a new Unix file dosread.dir by doing the following:

#!/bin/

dosfiles=dosdir notes – This command will list all the DOS files in the Directory notes.

for i in $dosfiles- This command will repeat for each DOS file name.

do

dosread -a notes/$i $i – This command will read from the floppy directory notes.
Done

Command Translations from DOS to UNIX

Once in UNIX, you may want to reference some of the below commands.