Robocopy
Robocopy is a free file copy tool that is included with the Microsoft Windows operating system. It allows one to construct complicated instructions to move, or copy files.
- Copy or move files, folders, and even entire drives between devices
- Conditionally copy or move files based on date, file size, file attributes, or a combination of these
- Purge files in destination that are no longer in the source
- Make mirror image of the source file structure
- Limit job by total time or file sizes
- Automatically retry failed copies and limit the number of retries
- Complete log of all activity
- Free
- Powerful
- Relatively easy to use
- Includes many options
- Help is easy to find on the internet
- Not for non-technical people
- Command-line interface
- Only available in Microsoft Windows
- Will not copy files between operating systems, i.e. Windows to Linux
Do you need to distribute a group of files to a number of devices on a regular basis? Would you like to automatically backup recently changed files on your PC to an external device? Are you familiar with XCOPY or command line programming in Windows? If so, Robocopy may be the tool you are looking for. Robocopy is an easy to use tool that makes backing up or replicating files simple and effortless. One line in a batch file can look at all of the files in a folder and it's sub-folders, determine which ones need to be copied based on specific criteria, and ensure that the copy is completed. Put that line in a batch file. Then, create a scheduled task on your PC or server to execute the batch file. Voila! Unattended, robust, automated file backups, archiving, or copying. Yes, there are GUI based tools out there intended for people who don't like looking at the C: prompt. Maybe they are easier to use than Robocopy, but they are not as powerful, nor as satisfying to use. Robocopy gives you full control over your files.
Alternatives to Robocopy
Rsync
Allway Sync
Bvckup 2
TeraCopy
Copywhiz
SuperCopier
RichCopy
Ultracopier
