Thank you very much for your answer.

I have a lot of CDs and DVDs with a lot of directories
and subdirectories on each of them. The directories and
subdirectories contain various types of files. I need to
copy all *.doc* files from the CDs and DVDs
to one directory on my HDD.
[...]
I don't know how to abstract all *.doc* files
from them and save the files in one directory on my HDD.
I'd like to do it more or less automatically.

One way:
You can use the default win xp Search.
Open Search\search options\advanced options, check subfolders
(and system and hidden if needed).
Enter *.doc in "search for files...". Enter the search path
in "Look In". Highlight one of the files found then click
Control A to highlight them all, drag to the location
or Ctrl C then Crtl V at the destination.

That was my first idea I tried to do. Unfortunately this way
all directories and all files in them are copied, not only
*.doc files.
I don't know why and telling the truth I don't understant it
but it's a fact.

Another way:
You can also use XCOPY in a CMD window.
Enter XCOPY /? in a CMD window and read the results.
It's harder than using win search but you can make
an automated *.bat file to run it. You will figure it out.
This way only *.doc files are copied but with full path.
It is better than above but still it is not what I need.

Regards,
Rob