Print Out a Directory Listing

Although there is no built-in way to print a directory listing (all the filenames in a folder), there is a way to add this functionality to Windows. Here's how you do it:

Solution #1:

• Obtain and install the Copy to Clipboard as Filename utility.
• This allows you to select all the files in a folder, in Explorer, or in the Find window results list, right-click on them, select Send To and then Clipboard as Filename.
• You can then paste the listings into a text editor, such as Notepad, for printing or saving.

A similar tool is also available as part of O'Reilly Utilities and Creative Element Power Tools.

Solution #2:

• Open a text editor, such as Notepad, and type the following lines into a new document: (assuming the printer you wish to use is connected to printer port #1).

CD %1
DIR >LPT1

• Save the two-line file into your Windows\Command folder, and call it PRINTDIR.BAT.
• Find the file in Explorer, right click on it, and select Properties.
• Click on the Program tab, turn on the Close on Exit option, choose Minimized from the Run list, and click Ok.
• Next, run the Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE).
• Open My Computer\ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ Directory\ shell.
• Select New from the Edit menu, and then select Key.
• Type Print for the name of this new key, and press Enter.
• Highlight the new Print key, select New from the Edit menu, and then select Key again.
• Type command for the name of this new key, and press Enter.
• Double-click on the (default) value in the right pane, and type C:\Windows\Command\PRINTDIR.BAT (assuming that C:\Windows\ is your Windows folder).
• From now on, when you right-click on a folder icon, you can click Print to print its contents.

• Note: this assumes that your printer is connected to the LPT1 port, which is true for most users. However, if your printer is connected over a network or you have more than one printer, you need to change LPT1 to the correct port.