How to Find How Many Items Are on My Computer

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If you've ever wondered how many files are on your computer, you will be pleased to know that you won't need to painstakingly count them individually. There is a simple method for finding out. Using your computer's command prompt, you can request a calculation of the total number of items (including files and programs) on your computer.

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Step 1

Access your start menu and click "Run." If you're using Windows Vista, type "Run" into the search box; click on "Run" when it appears in the search results.

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Step 2

Type "CMD" into the run text box. Click "Ok" to bring up the command prompt.

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Step 3

Type "dir /s /a-d c:\" (don't forget the spaces--or the command will not work). Hit "Enter" on your keyboard.

Step 4

Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the system to count the files on your computer. The process may take longer, depending on your computer's speed and the number of files you have.

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When the system stops, scroll to the bottom to view the total number of files. It will be under "Total Files Listed."

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