windows explorer file copy pia - feature request

[Paul Pedersen]

I don't know whether anyone from Microsoft reads these boards, but if so,
here's a request for a new feature, or rather a fix for a real pia.

I sometimes have to copy large amounts of data from one disk to another, or
from one computer to another over a local network. This will typically be
20 - 100 GB in thousands of files contained in dozens of folders. I just use
Windows Explorer to drag and drop. The copy takes 10 - 50 minutes usually.

Usually everything works out fine. But occasionally there is an error
because of corruption of one file or disk sector. When that happens, the
entire file copying procedure is aborted, partially complete. Since the
files are in many different folders, I have no good way of knowing what got
copied and what didn't, meaning that I have to repeat the entire copy, piece
by little piece, until I get the whole thing done.

I would prefer that the copying process simply skip the bad file(s) and
continue with the rest, then notify me at the end if there was a problem.
That way I wouldn't have to redo everything.

 

[Glen]

I agree totally. I have the same problem.

Glen P

 

[PinG]

| I sometimes have to copy large amounts of data from one disk to another
| <SNIP> occasionally there is an error <SNIP> When that happens, the
| entire file copying procedure is aborted <SNIP> I have no good way of
| knowing what got copied and what didn't, meaning that I have to repeat the
| entire copy

For what it's worth...

Why not use ntbackup for the task. The backup (that is, the copy) procedure
will not abort on errors. The most basic backup log (Summary) will list any
errors. And you can choose to restore files to alternative location (to the
other disk).

For more information about "Backing up files and folders," about how "To
restore files from a file or a tape" to an alternative location, and how to
"set backup options" [so that you can select the option to create a Summary
log] search Backup Help (ntbackup.chm) for words in double-quotes.