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+@c This file is included either in emacs-xtra.texi (when producing the
+@c printed version) or in the main Emacs manual (for the on-line version).
+@node Subdir Switches
+@section Subdirectory Switches in Dired
+
+You can insert subdirectories with specified @code{ls} switches in
+Dired buffers, using @kbd{C-u i}.  You can change the @code{ls}
+switches of an already inserted subdirectory using @kbd{C-u l}.
+
+In Emacs versions 22.1 and later, Dired remembers the switches, so
+that reverting the buffer will not change them back to the main
+directory's switches.  Deleting a subdirectory forgets about its
+switches.
+
+Using @code{dired-undo} (usually bound to @kbd{C-_} and @kbd{C-x u})
+to reinsert or delete subdirectories, that were inserted with explicit
+switches, can bypass Dired's machinery for remembering (or forgetting)
+switches.  Deleting a subdirectory using @code{dired-undo} does not
+forget its switches.  When later reinserted using @kbd{i}, it will be
+reinserted using its old switches.  Using @code{dired-undo} to
+reinsert a subdirectory that was deleted using the regular
+Dired commands (not @code{dired-undo}) will originally insert it with
+its old switches.  However, reverting the buffer will relist it using
+the buffer's default switches.  If any of this yields problems, you
+can easily correct the situation using @kbd{C-u i} or @kbd{C-u l}.
+
+Dired does not remember the @code{R} switch.  Inserting a subdirectory
+with switches that include the @code{R} switch is equivalent with
+inserting each of its subdirectories using all remaining switches.
+For instance, updating or killing a subdirectory that was inserted
+with the @code{R} switch will not update or kill its subdirectories.
+
+The buffer's default switches do not affect subdirectories that were
+inserted using explicitly specified switches.  In particular,
+commands such as @kbd{s}, that change the buffer's switches do not
+affect such subdirectories.  (They do affect subdirectories without
+explicitly assigned switches, however.)
+
+You can make Dired forget about all subdirectory switches and relist
+all subdirectories with the buffer's default switches using
+@kbd{M-x dired-reset-subdir-switches}.  This also reverts the Dired buffer.