Q. How can I copy all data from one drive to another with the xcopy utility?

John Savill

October 18, 2009

1 Min Read
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A. You can use xcopy to copy all data from one volume to another, including hidden and system files, using the command

xcopy   /s /e /r /c /h /k /o /x /y

The switches mean:

  • /s—system files

  • /e—copies folders and subfolders, including empty ones

  • /r—overwrites read-only files on destination

  • /c—continue on errors

  • /h—hidden files

  • /k—copy all attributes

  • /o—copy file ownership and ACL information

  • /x—copy file audit settings

  • /y—suppress prompt to overwrite existing file

Related Reading:

  • Q. I want to enable BitLocker on a Windows Server 2008 or Windows Vista system, but what if I didn’t create a separate system partition when I installed the OS?

  • File-Server Migration: Scopy Becomes Xcopy

  • Add Robocopy to Your Toolbelt

  • Where is SCOPY in Windows 2000?



Check out hundreds more useful Q&As like this in John Savill's FAQ for Windows. Also, watch instructional videos made by John at ITTV.net.

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