I learned this way back when I was using DOS. Archive means you've made a change in the file. If you are backing up, it will be backed up. Read Only means you cannot delete, change or rename that file. You can only read it. Hidden means it's an important file and you shouldn't mess with it. Programs make Hidden files as well as your computer. And you can't even see a Hidden file under Explorer unless you have Show All Files checked under View. System is a System file and you shouldn't mess with it. The computer needs it to run. Hope I've helped. Diane Kroeckel Wheeling, IL ___________________________________________________________________ Why pay more to get Web access? Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW! Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj. "Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware programs with his honest opinions in this weekly column. http://nospin.com/rode