Files, such as HTML files, are managed by performing a permitted command or action initiated on a current file on all its co-requisite files as identified in an extended attribute field stored within the current file. Thus, when an HTML file is emailed or transferred, all requisite files necessary to properly render the web page at the client are assured to be sent. The extended attribute field indicates the parent-child relationship of the co-requisite files and only performs the action on child files. The extended attribute field within the current file also indicates the actions that can be performed on each of its co-requisite files.