How do I make a copy of a computer directory?

Run CMD.EXE if Vista has it.

then CD /yourDirectory

Then DIR > wanteddirfilename.txt

then EXIT

you van view with notepad

You can change the format by including switches - try DIR ?

you can sort it by using a pipe

c:> DIR | sort > wanteddirfilename.txt

Ah the grand old days of DOS. I don't want to show my age but I once used MSDOS v1.0, where directories did not exist

It's not exactly clear what you want to do.

(a) Make an editable copy of the listing,

(b) Make a screenshot of the list to send (e.g. on email),

or (c) copy the directory structure without the files.

(a) has already been answered. You can do (b) by just using alt-PrtScn and pasting the screen dump in an email. For (c) I use a small free utility called Treecopy. Or you can venture into DOS again and use the tricky XCOPY. However in today's world of long directory names, you could be typing for ages!

Owl the feathery breast now.

try this. the following is a clip from its readme file:

PrintFolder Pro 3.3
====================
Using Windows Explorer, printing a list of files is hard work. In fact, it's almost
impossible. PrintFolder Pro is a fast and efficient utility that lets you print a
list of files located in any folder (and in its subfolders, too, if you wish).
Beyond being extremely easy to use, you can customize file lists to fit your own
preferences. List filenames only, or include file size, date, time, attributes,
and more.
You can launch PrintFolder Pro by right-clicking on any folder in Windows
Explorer and select "PrintFolder" in the pop-up menu.
History
=======
Version 3.3:
- Tested with Windows Vista

I have a program on my computer called PrintKey 2000. You get to it using Alt Print Screen. You can use it to make a picture of the windows explorer window.

Hello, you could also simply 'make a copy' of the directory, then simply delete all of its contents, this might not be a viable solution due to the size of the directories contents and the amount of available storage space you have. your decide.

I use a free utility called 'PrintDir' , you can just print the directory or use a pdf utility if you want to keep it on the PC.

does PrintDir work on Vista, too?

It's free, try it, see what happens.