Ever wonder where OS/2 stores a lot of its files? Here is a list of the basic directories a user needs to know about. It is not a complete list in that there are certain sub-directories where you should definitely stay out of (some are mentioned below):
| DIRECTORY\SUB-DIRECTORY | PURPOSE/CONTENTS |
|---|---|
| x:\ARCHIVE | Represents the last version of OS/2. Files are packed and used only for backup purposes. You are advised to stay out of this directory. |
| x:\BonusPak | Represents a group of sub-directories of the options you selected during installation of the Warp 4 BonusPak; e.g., HyperAccess, FaxWorks, IBM Works, CIM for OS/2, etc. |
| x:\CID | Represents the files used for Configuration, Installation, and Distribution (CID). You are advised to stay out of this directory. |
| C:\Desktop | This directory represents the objects you have placed on the Workplace Shell desktop. You can copy or delete files from this directory (but your desktop will be updated accordingly). If you download files (such as HTML, JPG, and GIF) from the Internet directly to your desktop, this is the sub-directory where they are maintained. |
| x:\FAXWORKS | Directory (along with subordinates) for the popular FaxWorks program from Keller Group, Inc. NOTE: The .PBK files in this directory represent the phone books used by the program. |
| x:\FEATURES\FISETUP | Directory structure for the OS/2 Features Install Package, a browser based (Netscape) installation utility used to install some IBM Software Choice programs. You are advised to stay out of this area. |
| x:\HAPRO | Directory (along with subordinates) for the popular HyperACCESS PRO terminal emulator from Hilgraeve. NOTE: The "lite" version of the product can be found under the "BonusPak" directory. |
| x:\IBMCOM | Special IBM commands; stay out of this directory |
| x:\IBMI18N | Special IBM commands; stay out of this directory |
| x:\IBMINST | Special IBM installtion programs and commands; stay out of this directory and its subordinates. |
| x:\IBMLAN | Represents IBM LAN Server specific files; you are advised to leave these files alone. |
| x:\IBMVESA | Files for defining your monitor type. You are advised to stay out of this directory. |
| x:\JAVA11 | Directory (along with subordinates) for the OS/2 Warp Developer's Kit for Java(TM) 1.1.6 version (or higher) |
| x:\JAVAOS2 | Directory for Java specific programs and files (as included in OS/2 Warp 4). |
| x:\LANGUAGE | Contains sub-directories and files to specify code-pages, fonts and keyboards. Stay out of these areas. |
| x:\Maintenance Desktop | This directory is generated and updated only by the computer (based on the "Archive Desktop" option as specified in the properties folder for the desktop). Stay out. |
| x:\MMOS2 | Root directory for OS/2 multimedia. |
| x:\MMOS2\MOVIES | Sub-directory where animation files (.AVI) are maintained. |
| x:\MMOS2\SOUNDS | Sub-directory where sound files (.WAV and .MID files) are maintained. |
| x:\MPTN | Includes sub-directories and files used with the Internet Access Kit (IAK). In particular, the WebExplorer's EXPLORE.INI file (used to specify the web browser's Quicklist) is included in the x:\MPTN\ETC sub-directory. |
| x:\NETSCAPE | Directory (along with subordinates) for the Netscape Navigator web browser. BOOKMARK.HTM represents the file where web addresses are maintained. |
| x:\OS2 | Represents the root directory containing several OS/2 command files (.CMD) and executable programs (.EXE); you are advised to leave these files alone. |
| x:\OS2\APPS | Basic OS/2 programs accompanying the product, such as the "Productivity" tools (EPM Editor, Pulse, Seek and Scan, etc.) and "Games" (Solitaire, Mahjongg, Chess, etc.). A good place to store supplemental OS/2 utilities. |
| x:\OS2\BITMAP | Bitmap (.BMP) graphical files as used by the "background" settings of the desktop. Got a new bitmap you want to put on your desktop? Put the file in this sub-directory; not a bad place for storing all of your graphical files as well. |
| x:\OS2\BOOK | Important INF files used for the OS/2 tutorials; you are advised to leave them alone (unless disk space is an issue and you feel competent in the use of the product). |
| x:\OS2\BOOT | Files used at time of machine boot-up; stay out. |
| x:\OS2\DLL | Dynamic Link Library (.DLL) - chunks of program code used at time of program execution; good place to store additional DLL files but stay out otherwise. |
| x:\OS2\HELP | Important HLP file for OS/2 HELP; you are advised to leave them alone (unless disk space is an issue and you feel competent in the use of the product). |
| x:\OS2\INSTALL | Files used for software installation/upgrades; stay out. |
| x:\OS2\MDOS | Includes native DOS programs accompanying OS/2 (Check Disk, the DOS Editor, etc.). Several subordinate sub-directories are also included to emulate a DOS/Windows 3.x environment. |
| x:\OS2\MDOS\WINOS2 | WinOS/2 sub-directory: Includes several basic Windows 3.x programs (Write, Clock, Notepad, Solitaire, etc.). Also, this is where you store bitmap (.BMP) files, and sound files (.WAV) for use under a WinOS/2 session (such as a background image and startup sound). |
| x:\OS2\POINTERS | Mouse pointer sub-directory; where mouse pointer (.PTR) files are maintained. |
| x:\OS2\SYSTEM | Key OS/2 system files, such as the SWAPPER.DAT file; stay out. |
| x:\PSFONTS | Directory where print fonts are maintained; stay out. |
| x:\SPOOL | Includes sub-directories and files used in relation to your print devices (including fax packages). Stay out. |
| x:\tcpip | Includes sub-directories and files used in relation to your TCP/IP setup; stay out. |
| x:\THINKPAD | For ThinkPad users only. Includes utilities used for maintaining your laptop, including some OS/2 related files; stay out. |
| x:\WARPSRV | OS/2 Warp Server specific files; stay out. |
