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Midnight Commander Midnight Commander
Questions and Answers Questions and Answers
The newest version of this document is available at The newest version of this document is available at
http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/answers0.html http://www.gnome.org/mc/answers.html
The [NEW] tag marks the sections which have been added recently.
The [UPDATED] tag marks the sections which have been updated recently.
* 1 Getting started * 1 Getting started
+ 1.1 What is Midnight Commander? + 1.1 What is Midnight Commander?
+ 1.2 [UPDATED] Does it run on my machine? + 1.2 Does it run on my machine?
+ 1.3 Does it work with my terminal? + 1.3 Does it work with my terminal?
+ 1.4 What else do I need to run MC? + 1.4 What else do I need to run MC?
+ 1.5 Is Midnight Commander PD? Copyrighted? + 1.5 Is Midnight Commander PD? Copyrighted?
@ -21,13 +24,18 @@
+ 2.3 How do I use function keys F11 to F20? + 2.3 How do I use function keys F11 to F20?
+ 2.4 Why does the ESC key behave funny? + 2.4 Why does the ESC key behave funny?
+ 2.5 How can I add the plus sign (+) on the command line? + 2.5 How can I add the plus sign (+) on the command line?
+ 2.6 [NEW] C-o doesn't work!
+ 2.7 [NEW] What 'keys' are the "a1" and "c1" keys mentioned in
the manual?
* 3 Mouse * 3 Mouse
+ 3.1 How do I enable mouse support? + 3.1 How do I enable mouse support?
+ 3.2 How do I cut and paste text with mouse? + 3.2 How do I cut and paste text with mouse?
+ 3.3 [NEW] How do I get the extension dependant pop-up menu to
pop up?
* 4 Display * 4 Display
+ 4.1 Why do I keep getting "Terminal not powerful enough for + 4.1 Why do I keep getting "Terminal not powerful enough for
SLang"? SLang"?
+ 4.2 [UPDATED] Why don't line drawing characters work? + 4.2 Why don't line drawing characters work?
+ 4.3 Can one use latin-1 characters without losing the lines? + 4.3 Can one use latin-1 characters without losing the lines?
+ 4.4 I have problems with entering/viewing national + 4.4 I have problems with entering/viewing national
characters! characters!
@ -39,17 +47,17 @@
+ 4.9 Why are there both terminfo and termcap? Wouldn't one + 4.9 Why are there both terminfo and termcap? Wouldn't one
database be enough? database be enough?
* 5 Graphical user interface * 5 Graphical user interface
+ 5.1 Xview and Tk editions? + 5.1 [UPDATED] Xview, Tk and Gnome editions?
* 6 Command line problems * 6 Command line problems
+ 6.1 How do I stay in the last directory when I exit Midnight + 6.1 How do I stay in the last directory when I exit Midnight
Commander? Commander?
+ 6.2 How can I access command line history? + 6.2 [UPDATED] How can I access command line history?
+ 6.3 How can I complete commands, file names, variable names + 6.3 How can I complete commands, file names, variable names
and so on? and so on?
+ 6.4 [NEW] I am using ksh. Can I use functions defined in the + 6.4 I am using ksh. Can I use functions defined in the .kshrc
.kshrc within MC? within MC?
+ 6.5 [NEW] Is there any way to include additional options or + 6.5 Is there any way to include additional options or hot
hot keys to MC? keys to MC?
* 7 Virtual file systems * 7 Virtual file systems
+ 7.1 How can I see the contents of a tar archive? + 7.1 How can I see the contents of a tar archive?
+ 7.2 How do I get out of a tar archive? + 7.2 How do I get out of a tar archive?
@ -57,27 +65,27 @@
+ 7.4 How do I do non-anonymous ftp with MC? + 7.4 How do I do non-anonymous ftp with MC?
+ 7.5 How do I close an ftp connection? + 7.5 How do I close an ftp connection?
+ 7.6 Why aren't the contents of ftp panel updated? + 7.6 Why aren't the contents of ftp panel updated?
+ 7.7 [NEW] What kind of proxy server works with Midnight + 7.7 [UPDATED] What kind of proxy server works with Midnight
Commander? Commander?
* 8 Other common problems * 8 Other common problems
+ 8.1 [UPDATED] How do I get the internal editor to work? + 8.1 How do I get the internal editor to work?
+ 8.2 Why doesn't "mcedit newfile" work? + 8.2 [UPDATED] Why doesn't "mcedit newfile" work?
+ 8.3 [UPDATED] Is there any way to 'bookmark' favourite ftp-fs + 8.3 Is there any way to 'bookmark' favourite ftp-fs links?
links?
+ 8.4 When copying the directories lose their original date, + 8.4 When copying the directories lose their original date,
uid and gid! uid and gid!
+ 8.5 [UPDATED] Why I keep getting: "There is no disk in the + 8.5 Why I keep getting: "There is no disk in the drive.
drive. Please insert a disk into drive D:"? Please insert a disk into drive D:"?
+ 8.6 [NEW] When I start Midnight Commander, nothing happens! + 8.6 [UPDATED] When I start Midnight Commander, nothing
+ 8.7 [NEW] When I try to view a file MC hangs! happens!
+ 8.7 When I try to view a file MC hangs!
* 9 Development * 9 Development
+ 9.1 Who has written Midnight Commander? + 9.1 Who has written Midnight Commander?
+ 9.2 Do I dare to use a development version? + 9.2 Do I dare to use a development version?
+ 9.3 How can I report a bug/request for a feature? + 9.3 How can I report a bug/request for a feature?
+ 9.4 How can I join the development? + 9.4 How can I join the development?
* 10 More information * 10 More information
+ 10.1 [UPDATED] This document didn't answer my question. Where + 10.1 This document didn't answer my question. Where else can
else can I look for an answer? I look for an answer?
+ 10.2 What mailing lists are there for Midnight Commander? + 10.2 What mailing lists are there for Midnight Commander?
+ 10.3 Where should I look on the World Wide Web for MC stuff? + 10.3 Where should I look on the World Wide Web for MC stuff?
+ 10.4 Are the mailing lists archived anywhere? + 10.4 Are the mailing lists archived anywhere?
@ -101,7 +109,7 @@
For more thorough description take a look at the announcement of For more thorough description take a look at the announcement of
Midnight Commander 4.0. Midnight Commander 4.0.
1.2 [UPDATED] Does it run on my machine? 1.2 Does it run on my machine?
Yes, Midnight Commander can run on almost any machine, including Unix Yes, Midnight Commander can run on almost any machine, including Unix
clones, Windows 95/NT and OS/2. Midnight Commander does not run on clones, Windows 95/NT and OS/2. Midnight Commander does not run on
@ -131,14 +139,14 @@
* i386-*-windows95 * i386-*-windows95
* i386-*-os2 * i386-*-os2
See http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/download.html. See http://www.gnome.org/mc/download.html.
There is also a preliminary Ms-Dos port at There is also a preliminary Ms-Dos port at
http://mc.blackdown.org/cgi-mc/download/DOS/.html (but no Ms-Dos http://www.gnome.org/cgi-bin/mc/download/DOS/.html (but no Ms-Dos
binary). binary).
Windows 95/NT port is compiled with Microsoft Visual C++ but it might Windows 95/NT port can be compiled with Microsoft Visual C++, Borland
be possible to use cygwin32 or djgpp instead. C++, Cygwin32 and Mingw32.
1.3 Does it work with my terminal? 1.3 Does it work with my terminal?
@ -189,7 +197,7 @@
1.6 Where can I get Midnight Commander? 1.6 Where can I get Midnight Commander?
See http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/download.html. There are about seventy See http://www.gnome.org/mc/download.html. There are about seventy
download sites. Note that the newest files might not be present on all download sites. Note that the newest files might not be present on all
the download sites yet. the download sites yet.
@ -234,7 +242,11 @@
If the result is "using the S-Lang library with termcap database" you If the result is "using the S-Lang library with termcap database" you
should fix your /etc/termcap database. should fix your /etc/termcap database.
Best terminfo database is bundled with ncurses 4.2 Better termcap and terminfo databases are available here:
http://sagan.earthspace.net/~esr/terminfo/
Best terminfo database is bundled with ncurses 4.2.
You can select whether Midnight Commander will use terminfo or termcap You can select whether Midnight Commander will use terminfo or termcap
database by giving --with-terminfo or --with-termcap option to the database by giving --with-terminfo or --with-termcap option to the
@ -289,6 +301,21 @@
Another common key which needs the C-q prefix is backslash "\". Another common key which needs the C-q prefix is backslash "\".
2.6 [NEW] C-o doesn't work!
Maybe C-o is a stty control character on your terminal. See man stty
for details on how to list and change stty control characters.
2.7 [NEW] What 'keys' are the "a1" and "c1" keys mentioned in the manual?
The "a1" key is the key which has the "a1" caption on it.
The "c1" key is the key which has the "c1" caption on it.
If you have to ask what these two keys are your keyboard hasn't
probably got them. Actually, I have never seen a keyboard which has
got them.
3 Mouse 3 Mouse
3.1 How do I enable mouse support? 3.1 How do I enable mouse support?
@ -302,6 +329,15 @@
Hold down shift key while using mouse to cut'n'paste. Hold down shift key while using mouse to cut'n'paste.
3.3 [NEW] How do I get the extension dependant pop-up menu to pop up?
You need a tk or xview edition (use the --with-tk or --with-xview
configure option when compiling). Normal MC (text-mode edition)
doesn't support this feature yet.
In the tk and xview editions you can access the extension dependent
pop-up menu by pressing the right mouse button.
4 Display 4 Display
4.1 Why do I keep getting "Terminal not powerful enough for SLang"? 4.1 Why do I keep getting "Terminal not powerful enough for SLang"?
@ -324,7 +360,7 @@
./configure --with-termcap ./configure --with-termcap
make make
4.2 [UPDATED] Why don't line drawing characters work? 4.2 Why don't line drawing characters work?
Since version 4.0.13 there's the commandline option -a to force use of Since version 4.0.13 there's the commandline option -a to force use of
+, |, - for line drawing (only available when compiled with SLang). +, |, - for line drawing (only available when compiled with SLang).
@ -336,13 +372,15 @@
+---------+ +---------+
| | | |
+---------+ +---------+
This also happens when you use the -a option. Other than that possible
reason is 1, 2 or 3 (see below). This also happens when you use the -a option. Other than that
possible reason is 1, 2 or 3 (see below).
* Lines are shown as lower case characters like this * Lines are shown as lower case characters like this
lqqqqqqqqqk lqqqqqqqqqk
x x x x
mqqqqqqqqqj mqqqqqqqqqj
Possible reason is 2 or 3 (see below). Possible reason is 2 or 3 (see below).
* Lines are shown as blanks or missing characters. Possible reason * Lines are shown as blanks or missing characters. Possible reason
is 3 or 4 (see below). is 3 or 4 (see below).
@ -496,7 +534,7 @@
Try ftp.x.org: /contrib/utilities/colour_xterm.tar.gz. Try ftp.x.org: /contrib/utilities/colour_xterm.tar.gz.
Alternatively, rxvt is a better choice, see Alternatively, rxvt is a better choice, see
http://mc.blackdown.org/cgi-mc/download/rxvt/.html http://www.gnome.org/cgi-bin/mc/download/rxvt/.html
4.8 I got colors working with MC but the other programs don't work at all 4.8 I got colors working with MC but the other programs don't work at all
anymore! anymore!
@ -516,7 +554,8 @@
xterm|xterm-color|vs100|xterm terminal emulator xterm|xterm-color|vs100|xterm terminal emulator
4.9 Why are there both terminfo and termcap? Wouldn't one database be enough? 4.9 Why are there both terminfo and termcap? Wouldn't one database be
enough?
You might want to read the Unix-haters handbook at You might want to read the Unix-haters handbook at
http://www.digital.de/people/jmh/Unix_Haters/unix-haters.html. It http://www.digital.de/people/jmh/Unix_Haters/unix-haters.html. It
@ -529,14 +568,14 @@
5 Graphical user interface 5 Graphical user interface
5.1 Xview and Tk editions? 5.1 [UPDATED] Xview, Tk and Gnome editions?
Get the newest development version, give the "--with-xview" or Get the newest development version, give the "--with-xview" or
"--with-tk" option to the configure and otherwise compile as usual. "--with-tk" or "--with-gnome" option to the configure and otherwise
See Download. compile as usual. See Download.
Xview and Tk editions are work in progress, they are not as robust as Xview, Tk and Gnome editions are work in progress, they are not as
the text mode edition. robust as the text mode edition.
6 Command line problems 6 Command line problems
@ -545,18 +584,20 @@
See the description of the -P option in the Options section of the See the description of the -P option in the Options section of the
manual. manual.
6.2 How can I access command line history? 6.2 [UPDATED] How can I access command line history?
You can browse previous commands with M-p and M-n. Alternatively, you You can browse previous commands with M-p and M-n. Alternatively, you
can summon the command history listbox by pressing F9 c h. can summon the command history listbox by pressing F9 c h.
Since version 4.1.15 all the input widgets have permanent history. You
can summon the history listbox by pressing M-h.
6.3 How can I complete commands, file names, variable names and so on? 6.3 How can I complete commands, file names, variable names and so on?
Just press M-Tab. Press M-Tab again to get a listbox if there are Just press M-Tab. Press M-Tab again to get a listbox if there are
multiple possible completions. multiple possible completions.
6.4 [NEW] I am using ksh. Can I use functions defined in the .kshrc within 6.4 I am using ksh. Can I use functions defined in the .kshrc within MC?
MC?
Sorry, MC only supports bash, tcsh and zsh functions. Ksh functions Sorry, MC only supports bash, tcsh and zsh functions. Ksh functions
are not supported because ksh lacks the necessary hooks needed for are not supported because ksh lacks the necessary hooks needed for
@ -565,14 +606,14 @@
Switch to bash or zsh. They are both quite compatible with ksh. Your Switch to bash or zsh. They are both quite compatible with ksh. Your
ksh functions should work as such or after minimal changes. ksh functions should work as such or after minimal changes.
6.5 [NEW] Is there any way to include additional options or hot keys to MC? 6.5 Is there any way to include additional options or hot keys to MC?
Yes, F2 invokes an user menu which fully configurable. You can add any Yes, F2 invokes an user menu which fully configurable. You can add any
shell commands to the user menu. See shell commands to the user menu. See
http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/manual-d.html#8 for more info. http://www.gnome.org/mc/manual-d.html#8 for more info.
Another way to add functionality is the external panelize feature. See Another way to add functionality is the external panelize feature. See
http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/manual-d.html#4 for more info. http://www.gnome.org/mc/manual-d.html#4 for more info.
And finally, you can code any feature you want yourself. MC source And finally, you can code any feature you want yourself. MC source
code is free which means you can change it anyway you want. There are code is free which means you can change it anyway you want. There are
@ -586,6 +627,10 @@
means you haven't got ftp, zip or tar support on Windows 95/NT and means you haven't got ftp, zip or tar support on Windows 95/NT and
OS/2. OS/2.
This chapter describes the behaviour of the 4.1.x versions of the
Midnight Commander. The behaviour of the 4.5.x versions is somewhat
different. More on that when the 4.5.x versions get more stable.
7.1 How can I see the contents of a tar archive? 7.1 How can I see the contents of a tar archive?
If you use keyboard just move the selection bar on the tar file and If you use keyboard just move the selection bar on the tar file and
@ -636,18 +681,25 @@
You can use C-r to force an update. You can use C-r to force an update.
7.7 [NEW] What kind of proxy server works with Midnight Commander? 7.7 [UPDATED] What kind of proxy server works with Midnight Commander?
Midnight Commander only supports ftp-like ftp proxies. Common WWW There are two kinds of ftp proxies: proxies for ftp clients and
proxies (like Squid) are not supported yet because they make ftp proxies for web browsers.
connections look like http connections.
Midnight Commander only supports ftp proxies which are meant for ftp
clients. Common WWW proxies (like Squid) are not supported. A rule of
thumb is that if a ftp proxy works with a web browser, it won't work
with Midnight Commander.
8 Other common problems 8 Other common problems
8.1 [UPDATED] How do I get the internal editor to work? 8.1 How do I get the internal editor to work?
The F4 key defaults to an external editor because thats what most The F4 key used to default to an external editor because that was what
people are used to. To use the internal editor, select Configuration most people were used to. The newer versions use internal editor by
default.
To use the internal editor with an old version, select Configuration
from the Options menu and check the 'use internal edit' option. from the Options menu and check the 'use internal edit' option.
Alternatively add the line Alternatively add the line
@ -678,7 +730,7 @@
And please don't forget that "make install" overwrites And please don't forget that "make install" overwrites
$prefix/lib/mc/mc.ext. $prefix/lib/mc/mc.ext.
8.2 Why doesn't "mcedit newfile" work? 8.2 [UPDATED] Why doesn't "mcedit newfile" work?
This is a known bug. This is a known bug.
@ -687,7 +739,9 @@
Start mcedit with no parameters, this will create a blank file. Then Start mcedit with no parameters, this will create a blank file. Then
save the file with whatever name you like. save the file with whatever name you like.
8.3 [UPDATED] Is there any way to 'bookmark' favourite ftp-fs links? This bug has been fixed since 4.1.17.
8.3 Is there any way to 'bookmark' favourite ftp-fs links?
Use the directory hotlist. Just press control-backslash. If your Use the directory hotlist. Just press control-backslash. If your
national keyboard layout doesn't have backslash key, just press the national keyboard layout doesn't have backslash key, just press the
@ -702,10 +756,10 @@
Uid and gid is fixed since 4.0.1. "Preserve UIDs/GIDs" in the copy Uid and gid is fixed since 4.0.1. "Preserve UIDs/GIDs" in the copy
dialog needs to be checked and you must be root. dialog needs to be checked and you must be root.
Date problem is supposed to be fixed with 4.0.13. Date problem is fixed since 4.0.13.
8.5 [UPDATED] Why I keep getting: "There is no disk in the drive. Please 8.5 Why I keep getting: "There is no disk in the drive. Please insert a disk
insert a disk into drive D:"? into drive D:"?
This is a known bug of the Windows 95/NT and OS/2 ports. MC looks its This is a known bug of the Windows 95/NT and OS/2 ports. MC looks its
configuration files from the D:\MC directory and if the D: drive is a configuration files from the D:\MC directory and if the D: drive is a
@ -716,7 +770,7 @@
Midnight Commander configuration files with the MCHOME environment Midnight Commander configuration files with the MCHOME environment
variable. variable.
8.6 [NEW] When I start Midnight Commander, nothing happens! 8.6 [UPDATED] When I start Midnight Commander, nothing happens!
First, invoke MC without subshell support: "mc -u". If this helps First, invoke MC without subshell support: "mc -u". If this helps
check the shell you are using. Subshell support works best with bash check the shell you are using. Subshell support works best with bash
@ -725,18 +779,27 @@
tcsh or zsh, subshell support is disabled automatically. tcsh or zsh, subshell support is disabled automatically.
If disabling subshell doesn't help, try to reconfigure MC with If disabling subshell doesn't help, try to reconfigure MC with
"--with-our-slang" and "--with-termcap" options and recompile. If this "--with-included-slang" and "--with-termcap" options and recompile. If
helps, there is something wrong with your terminfo database or shared this helps, there is something wrong with your terminfo database or
slang library. For better terminfo databases see chapter 4. For a shared slang library. For better terminfo databases see chapter 4. For
better slang library, upgrade to a newer version or keep using the a better slang library, upgrade to a newer version or keep using the
"--with-our-slang" option. "--with-included-slang" option.
8.7 [NEW] When I try to view a file MC hangs! This problem can also be caused by gpm as noted by Luis Espinoza:
In regards to why midnight commander does nothing when invoked. I
recently had the same problem. At the same time gpm was not loading
properly with my patched kernel (now 2.0.33 from 2.0.30).
Downloading version 1.13 of gpm, and got it working :-) MC still
appeared locked.... However moving the mouse, brought MC to life.
The mouse I am using is a Kensington Expert Mouse (Trackball).
8.7 When I try to view a file MC hangs!
This is known bug. A quick fix is "chmod 666 /dev/tty". For a more This is known bug. A quick fix is "chmod 666 /dev/tty". For a more
complete fix, see http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/maillist/97-10/98.html. complete fix, see http://www.gnome.org/mc/maillist/97-10/98.html.
This bug will probably be fixed in 4.1.6. This bug is fixed since 4.1.6.
9 Development 9 Development
@ -745,9 +808,8 @@
Midnight Commander was started by Miguel de Icaza and he is the Midnight Commander was started by Miguel de Icaza and he is the
maintainer of the package. Other authors have joined the project maintainer of the package. Other authors have joined the project
later: later:
* Mauricio Plaza (early releases, retired) * Mauricio Plaza (early releases)
* Janne Kukonlehto (joined Sep 27 1994, retired Mar 8 1995, nowadays * Janne Kukonlehto (joined Sep 27 1994)
Janne is the webmaster of the Midnight Commander web site)
* Radek Doulik (joined Oct 30 1994) * Radek Doulik (joined Oct 30 1994)
* Fred Leeflang (joined Nov 2 1994) * Fred Leeflang (joined Nov 2 1994)
* Dugan Porter (joined Dec 1 1994) * Dugan Porter (joined Dec 1 1994)
@ -764,7 +826,7 @@
The photographs of the authors are available as: The photographs of the authors are available as:
http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/about.html http://www.gnome.org/mc/authstat.html
Many people have contributed bug reports, feature suggestions and Many people have contributed bug reports, feature suggestions and
small code bits (alphabetical order): small code bits (alphabetical order):
@ -838,11 +900,11 @@
10 More information 10 More information
10.1 [UPDATED] This document didn't answer my question. Where else can I look 10.1 This document didn't answer my question. Where else can I look for an
for an answer? answer?
Read messages from the Discussion (mailing list archive), search the Read messages from the Discussion (mailing list archive) or read the
web site or read the Manual. Manual.
Upgrade to a newer version of Midnight Commander. Many problems are Upgrade to a newer version of Midnight Commander. Many problems are
fixed in the new versions. fixed in the new versions.
@ -863,7 +925,7 @@
mc-announce mc-announce
Major announcements about the Commander Major announcements about the Commander
mc-patch mc-patches
The latest Commander patches The latest Commander patches
mc-devel mc-devel
@ -885,7 +947,7 @@
There is a WWW page for Midnight Commander. The URL is: There is a WWW page for Midnight Commander. The URL is:
http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/ http://www.gnome.org/mc/
The WWW page features MC screen shots, photographs of the authors, The WWW page features MC screen shots, photographs of the authors,
mailing list archive and a few other things. mailing list archive and a few other things.
@ -908,14 +970,14 @@
11.2 [UPDATED] File formats 11.2 [UPDATED] File formats
This document is available in HTML, postscript and PDF formats at This document is available in HTML, postscript and PDF formats at
http://mc.blackdown.org/mc/answers0.html. http://www.gnome.org/mc/answers.html.
This document is available in ASCII format in the Midnight Commander This document is available in ASCII format in the Midnight Commander
source package. source package.
11.3 Feedback is invited 11.3 Feedback is invited
Send your comments about this document to janne@mc.blackdown.org Send your comments about this document to janne@gnome.org
Send your comments about the Midnight Commander to mc@nuclecu.unam.mx Send your comments about the Midnight Commander to mc@nuclecu.unam.mx
@ -929,6 +991,4 @@
Questions and Answers is not public domain. Questions and Answers is not public domain.
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________
This document is maintained by Janne Kukonlehto This document is maintained by Janne Kukonlehto <janne@gnome.org>.
<janne@mc.blackdown.org>.