DOS file ~

Question

I have a file in DOS C:> with the name of  ~.  The file is unreadable from the TYPE command but I can make out a few words that relate to EMAIL, ie. names from EMails and SMTP.  I cannot look at the file using MORE or any other DOS command that I can try.  Is there any reason a file relating to EMail should be in the root directory as a DOS file?  It is a fairly large file in relation to the other files listed.  (This is not a problem but it has made me curious) I am running Windows98SE on a Optiplex GX110.  If I enter VER I get windows98  [Version 4.10.2222]   Not sure in which forum to post this question so if there is a better area please let me know.

fireberd · Answer

Some e-mail files are encrypted and that may be the reason you can't display it. Also, many are in a 'dbx' file with is a database file and would need Microsoft Access to display that.

LeftyB · Answer

Thanks for the response Fireberd:  The file does not show an extension.  I have tried looking at it in Word but it must be in machine language or something.  Anyway, this is not a problem, I was just curious about the file.  And then I became a bit fustrated when my DOS commands would not at least let me page through it with MORE.   Thank you.

Majestic · Answer

LeftyB, try using MS-DOS Editor to view it.  Just open a DOS window and go to the directory containing that file.  At the command prompt type edit   Then open the file using the Edit menu.

LeftyB · Answer

Majestic:  When I try to edit the file (or any other file) I recieve 'bad command or file name'.  Also, none of the HELP commands work.  Not sure which version of DOS is installed but it seems like other commands are missing too.  Anyway, thanks for the tips.   Leftyb

Majestic · Answer

LeftyB, click here for a download site that offers a useful little utility called LIST.   Download the file to your hard drive and put it in a directory that's in the system's PATH such as the C:\ or C:\Windows.  Then at the DOS prompt just type LIST and the program will open.  Then select the file you are trying to view.  So far I used this program to view a variety of files and I haven't encountered one that won't open.  The program is very useful in checking files created by CHKDSK to see if there is anything important before deletion.  Since I have now switched over to Windows XP, I've found list.com will also work in a DOS window with that OS as well.      Message Edited by Majestic on 10-27-2006 07:36 AM

LeftyB · Answer

Majestic:  I downloaded LIST and found that the data displayed is the same as with the type command.  There is very little data in the file.   This is on my pc with windows 98se.  I noticed last night that my pc with windows98 also has a file in the root directory with the name of ~.  Will continue to research as I can.  Thanks for the tip on the LIST program.  It may come in useful with other situations. Lefty

LeftyB · Answer

Majestic:  Found out about the ~ file on another forum.  http://www.pchell.com/support/tildefile.shtml  This explains the file.  It appears to be a backup for the Outlook Express address book.   Thank you for your tips and support. LeftyB

Majestic · Answer

You're more than welcome.    Glad to hear you were finally able to find out what the purpose of the file was.

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