Windows 10: How extract files from nested folders - is there an app?

I have one primary folder and, under it, are nested folders - perhaps 3 to 5 deep. Is there an easy way to extract the files so that I end up with the primary folder and no subfolders - just all the files?

:)

 

"file name too long"

Generally speaking there is a 256 character limit to the entire path file name. Usually "too long" errors result from deeply nested folders.

There is a work around but frankly it is more complicated than un-nesting the folders.

I would Google 256 character path limit workaround

Care to tell us more about the issue?

 

Deleting a folder no longer closes an open window

Using the option to open each folder in its own window in Win 7, when you deleted a folder any open windows of that folder automatically closed. In Win 10 they now just back up a level and stay open. I've looked through the folder options and can't find
anything pertaining to this feature being changed and would like to go back to the old way. After extracting a bunch of rar or zip files into one folder and then pulling out their contents (usually in nested folders) to where they need to go, I delete the
rars, zips, and leftover empty folders and now have a bunch of windows all open to the same folder. In the old way I'd have one folder still open that I deleted the others from.

 

If it's a one-time thing you can go to the primary folder and enter "*" in the search box. That will bring up all the files and folders under the primary. Then you can select just the files and cut+paste them.

If you need to do this regularly then you can write a batch file/script. Something like
Code: C:\temp>cd primary C:\temp\primary>for /f "tokens=*" %X in ('dir /b /s /a:d') do copy "%X" .[/quote] (adapted from for /d - Loop through directory - Windows CMD - SS64.com )

 

Nisko,

I use this batch file. I call it FlatFileCopierToDesktop.bat but you can call it whatever you want.

Code: :: Put this batch file in the highest level folder of the set you want to work through, it will copy all the files to a folder of your choice :: Put in your chosen target folder in place of my D:\Desktop\FlatFileCopies. Choosing a target folder that the batch file has to make is merely how I use this - you could use an existing folder and ditch the line beginning md ... :: If you want only certain files, replace (*) with (*.txt) or similar Set TargetFolder=D:\Desktop\FlatFileCopies md "%TargetFolder%" for /r %%d in (*) do copy "%%d" "%TargetFolder%" Pause to check afterwards[/quote] Denis

 

Any file manager/exploer with the ability to do a recursive search, that is, explore the files in nested folders, should achieve your goal.

I personally use XNView, installed, for the right-click context menu recursive (show all files) search. Select all, drag-and-drop to another folder or to the parent folder. There is a portable zip version for a one-time use.

 

I tried the first one (use an "*") and it seems to have worked for what I want it for. I'd like to try the others too - but I don't know how to use or insert batch files. By tomorrow, I intend to reply to those posts that require code. If you're willing to guide me a little, I'd like to learn. Thank you!

 

I started learning about batch files by reading this guide - The Command Line in Windows Batch file basics

I then moved on to Rob van der Woude's guides and examples - Batch files - RobvdW

But if you are going to sit down and systematically study something, consider studying Powershell instead - it is a structured set of commands & MS regard it as supplanting command window commands & batch files.
Start with PowerShell Scripting - The Basics - TenForums,
then PowerShell Scripting - Run a Script from Shortcut - TenForums
After that, I am not at all sure which one to recommend. You could try downloading & studying Getting Started with PowerShell - Shepard

Denis

 

Another good place to poke around is https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/...or=-2147217396

 

Thanks, folks, for the guidance.