mtools Commands in Linux
mtools is a collection of utilities designed to allow Unix systems to manipulate MS-DOS files. This suite of tools enables users to read, write, and move files on an MS-DOS file system, typically found on floppy disks, without the need for mounting1. Each program within mtools attempts to emulate the corresponding MS-DOS command, providing a seamless way to interact with DOS files from a Unix environment.
Table of Contents
Here is a comprehensive guide to the options available with the mtools command −
- Key Features of mtools Command
- Installing mtools Command
- mtools Commands Options
- Examples of mtools Command in Linux
Key Features of mtools Command
- File Manipulation − mtools allows you to read, write, and move files on MS-DOS file systems.
- No Mounting Required − Unlike traditional methods, mtools does not require mounting the disk, making it more convenient and efficient.
- Emulation of MS-DOS Commands − Most commands within mtools emulate their MS-DOS counterparts, providing familiarity for users transitioning from DOS to Unix.
- Handling Long File Names − Supports VFAT-style long file names, which are common in MS-DOS.
Installing mtools Command
To get started with mtools, you need to install it on your system. The installation process varies depending on your Linux distribution.
On Debian-based Systems (e.g., Ubuntu)
sudo apt install mtools
On Red Hat-based Systems (e.g., Fedora)
sudo dnf install mtools
On Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S mtools
mtools Commands Options
Here are some frequently used mtools commands −
| Options | Description |
|---|---|
| mdir | Lists the contents of a DOS disk. |
| mcopy | Copies files to and from a DOS disk |
| mformat | Formats a DOS disk. |
| mcopy | Copies files to and from a DOS disk. |
| mmove | Moves files within a DOS disk. |
| mren | Renames files on a DOS disk |
| mshowfat | Displays the FAT (File Allocation Table) of a DOS disk. |
| mdel | Deletes files from a DOS disk. |
| mmd | Creates directories on a DOS disk. |
| mrd | Removes directories from a DOS disk. |
| mlabel | Labels a DOS disk. |
| mattrib | Changes file attributes on a DOS disk (e.g., read-only, hidden). |
| mcd | Changes the current working directory on a DOS disk. |
Examples of mtools Command in Linux
Let's explore how you can effectively use mtools to manage files on an MS-DOS file system −
- Listing Contents of a DOS Disk
- Copying Files to a DOS Disk
- Formatting a DOS Disk
- Moving File on a DOS Disk
- Renaming Files on a DOS Disk
- Viewing the Directory Structure of a DOS Disk
- Transferring Multiple Files to a DOS Disk
- Creating Directories on a DOS Disk
Listing Contents of a DOS Disk
To see what's stored on your DOS disk, use the mdir command −
mdir a:
This command will display a list of all files and directories on the a: drive, which typically represents a floppy disk.
Copying Files to a DOS Disk
If you want to transfer a file from your Unix system to a DOS disk, you can use the mcopy command −
mcopy file.txt a:
This copies file.txt from your current directory to the root directory of the a: drive.
Formatting a DOS Disk
In case you want to prepare a DOS disk for use, you can format it using mformat −
mformat -f 720 -v DOS_DISK a:
This command formats the a: floppy disk with a 720KB capacity and labels it as DOS_DISK.
Moving Files on a DOS Disk
If you need to move a file within the DOS disk, the mmove command will do the job −
mmove a:oldfile.txt a:newfile.txt
This command renames oldfile.txt to newfile.txt on the a: drive.
Renaming Files on a DOS Disk
To simply rename a file on a DOS disk, use the mren command −
mren a:oldfile.txt a:newfile.txt
This command renames oldfile.txt to newfile.txt on the a: floppy disk.
Viewing the Directory Structure of a DOS Disk
To display the directory structure of a DOS disk, you can use the mdir command with a specific path −
mdir a:/
This command will show all files and directories in the root of the a: drive.
Transferring Multiple Files to a DOS Disk
If you need to copy multiple files at once to a DOS disk, use the mcopy command with wildcards −
mcopy *.txt a:
This copies all .txt files from your current directory to the root directory of the a: drive.
Creating Directories on a DOS Disk
To create a new directory on a DOS disk, use the mmd command −
mmd a:/newdir
This command creates a directory named newdir in the root of the a: drive.
Conclusion
mtools is a powerful suite of utilities that simplifies the process of accessing and manipulating MS-DOS files from a Unix system. Whether you're working with legacy software or managing old data storage formats, mtools provides a convenient and efficient way to handle DOS disks without the need for mounting.