Xcopy bugs?

[Robert McDonald]

I have two xcopy problems, one of which seems to be related to the way
Windows timestamps files, and the other just seems like a bug.

1. I routinely use Xcopy to keep directory trees in sync over the
network. Xcopy /d /s works great 95% of the time. However, whenever
there is a switch to or from daylight savings time, xcopy *in one
direction only* (i.e., from machine a to b, not from machine b to a)
wants to copy *every* file. My only explanation is that the DST switch
causes the timestamps that had appeared identical to appear different.
This definitely occurs when the machines are Win 2K and XP, and I think
it also happens with XP to XP. Can anyone suggest a workaround for this?

2. According to xcopy documentation,

/T Creates directory structure, but does not copy files. Does not
include empty directories or subdirectories. /T /E includes
empty directories and subdirectories.

Nope. When I use "xcopy \\xyz\c$\abc\*.* /T /E", xcopy tries to copy
every file. This seemed to work under Win 2K, but doesn't work under XP.

Any help much appreciated. Thanks!

Bob

 

[Rob Schneider]

I have two xcopy problems, one of which seems to be related to the way
Windows timestamps files, and the other just seems like a bug.

1. I routinely use Xcopy to keep directory trees in sync over the
network. Xcopy /d /s works great 95% of the time. However, whenever
there is a switch to or from daylight savings time, xcopy *in one
direction only* (i.e., from machine a to b, not from machine b to a)
wants to copy *every* file. My only explanation is that the DST switch
causes the timestamps that had appeared identical to appear different.
This definitely occurs when the machines are Win 2K and XP, and I think
it also happens with XP to XP. Can anyone suggest a workaround for this?

2. According to xcopy documentation,

/T Creates directory structure, but does not copy files. Does not
include empty directories or subdirectories. /T /E includes
empty directories and subdirectories.

Nope. When I use "xcopy \\xyz\c$\abc\*.* /T /E", xcopy tries to copy
every file. This seemed to work under Win 2K, but doesn't work under XP.

Any help much appreciated. Thanks!

Bob

Bob,

Sorry. I can't help with figuring this out ... but years ago for this
sort of thing I stopped using xcopy in favour of "robocopy" from
Microsoft. It's more robust and sophisticated (handles delete files and
folders).

Part of the NT Resource Kit. Continuously updated as the OS's have
evolved. You can search Microsoft's web site for it, and download and
install as part of the "Windows Resource Kit".

 

[Robert McDonald]

Bob,

Sorry. I can't help with figuring this out ... but years ago for this
sort of thing I stopped using xcopy in favour of "robocopy" from
Microsoft. It's more robust and sophisticated (handles delete files and
folders).

Part of the NT Resource Kit. Continuously updated as the OS's have
evolved. You can search Microsoft's web site for it, and download and
install as part of the "Windows Resource Kit".

Thanks for the pointer! I've never heard of robocopy but I already have
it since I installed the resource kit for a different reason. I'll see
if that helps.