Copying Files Selectively

[shikaku]

Hello all

I often find myself for various reasons (back-ups, transfers ove
networks, etc.) wanting to copy only material that does not alread
exist on the target computer. For example, I have 100 GB of music o
my computer in a large folder with numerous sub-folders and I wa
trying to transfer this whole thing from my computer to my daughters
over a home network, but the transfer was interupted. I would now lik
to transfer only the material that did not make it to her computer. I
I try to copy the entire folder I am prompted with the usual "yes t
all," "yes," and "no" options, but I want to copy ONLY the files tha
do not already exist on her computer. This would save a great deal o
time over having to transfer the entire thing over again.

Am I making myself clear?

I have a feeling that Windows can't do this, but I'd like to know fo
sure. If Windows can't, is there a program that can?

BTW, thanks to all of you for your kind responses to my earlie
questions. I want to post "Thanks" replies, but I'm wondering if thi
is appropriate etiquette here, given that these posts apparently go ou
to internet bulletin boards.

s

 

[Alan Edwards]

You need a third party program and there are many available.
This is what I use:
SyncBack Freeware: http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/compare.html

....Alan

 

[John John (MVP)]

Robocopy or Sync Toy, both by Microsoft, can do this for you.

John

 

[shikaku]

Alan--

Is there an advantage to Syncback over SyncToy 2.0 (the free Microsoft
program)?

Thanks,
s.

 

[Alan Edwards]

Sorry, but I have not tried SyncToy.
I had forgotten its existence when I wanted a backup program an
SyncBack (I use the free version) seems to work quite well.

....Alan

 

[shikaku]

John--

Forgive my ignorance, but I downloaded the bundle from Microsoft whic
contains Robocopy. When I try to run Robocopy, there is a momentar
flash of DOS screen suggesting that a script is being run, but that'
it. Do I need to understand programming language or techniques to ru
Robocopy? What am I not understanding?

Thanks,
s.

 

[John John (MVP)]

Robocopy runs from the Command Prompt, to start a Command Prompt enter
CMD in the Start menu Run box, then from the Command Prompt you will be
able to run Robocopy. Robocopy can be pretty intimidating for novices
but once you figure things out you will begin to appreciate the power
and usefulness of this tool and you will not want to do without it. For
reoccurring backup jobs it is easier to create batch files for it. You
can get basic information and examples here:
http://www.ss64.com/nt/robocopy.html

If the Command Prompt and batch files aren't your cup of tea at all then
you can try the GUI version of the tool:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2006.11.utilityspotlight.aspx
This tool can put the power of Robocopy in the hands of novices.

John

 

[shikaku]

John John--

Well, I took the plunge and downloaded Robocopy GUI (the only copy
could find is 3.1 but I seem to remember reading there's a 3.2).
have a couple of questions I wonder if you might be able to help m
with.

1) What is the advantage of Backup mode? It says that using this mod
precludes restarting failed copying jobs, but that Backup mode can cop
some files that cannot be copied in Restartable mode. What kinds o
files can't be copied in Restartable?

2) Can you save your copy options or do you have to "recheck" for eac
job?

3) Is there an "undo" option if you've created a mess inadvertantly?

Thanks for your time,
s.

 

[John John (MVP)]

See in-line.

John John--

Well, I took the plunge and downloaded Robocopy GUI (the only copy I
could find is 3.1 but I seem to remember reading there's a 3.2). I
have a couple of questions I wonder if you might be able to help me
with.

1) What is the advantage of Backup mode? It says that using this mode
precludes restarting failed copying jobs, but that Backup mode can copy
some files that cannot be copied in Restartable mode. What kinds of
files can't be copied in Restartable?

This allows you to copy files to which you do not have access permission.

2) Can you save your copy options or do you have to "recheck" for each
job?

I don't know, I don't use the GUI version of the tool.

3) Is there an "undo" option if you've created a mess inadvertantly?

Certainly not with the Command Line version and it is doubtful that this
would exist in the GUI tool, but as I don't use the GUI version I can't
tell you anymore than that. Make sure that you have a good before you
start experementing with the /mir and /purge options! Test these
options on a small set of files before you try it on all your files!

Thanks for your time,

You're welcome. See here for more help on the utility:
http://www.stevelu.com/TechnicalArticles/DevTools/1206.aspx

John