Checking the Archive Attribute with Robocopy

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated October 16, 2017)

Robocopy can check and set file attributes as part of its copying procedure. (Understanding and Using File Attributes is covered under another tip.) If you want Robocopy to only copy those files that have the Archive attribute set it's a simple matter of specifying the /A switch. So let's say you want to copy the files from C:\Temp1 to C:\Temp3, but you only want to copy those files whose Archive attribute is set. The command to use would be:

C:\> ROBOCOPY C:\Temp1 C:\Temp3 /A

If you want the Archive attribute to be reset after the file is copied, use the /M switch. This will copy only the files with the Archive attribute set and then reset the attribute after the copy is performed:

C:\> ROBOCOPY C:\Temp1 C:\Temp3 /M

 This tip (13199) applies to Windows 7 and 8.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Changing the Size of Icons Used by Windows

Microsoft Windows can be highly personalized to suit your needs. This personalization includes the ability to change the ...

Discover More

Using the Sort Command

Sorting data is a common task even of end users. Fortunately, The Windows command line provides us with a Sort utility so ...

Discover More

Changing How Event Log Overruns are Handled

By default, the event logs are implemented in a circular buffer, i.e., when its maximum size is reached, the oldest ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

What are the Limits on File Names?

It's good to know what the limits are when naming files, although in most cases the limits are sufficiently high that ...

Discover More

Repairing Your System Using a System Repair Disk

If your system gets into a state where it cannot be started normally, this tip presents you with options of how you can ...

Discover More

Checking a Disk Drive for Free Space

Keeping track of your resources can help you avoid serious computer problems. Having an adequate amount of disk space is ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.