Checking the Archive Attribute with Robocopy

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

Increasing the Number of Restore Points

You may feel constrained by the low number of restore points your system is keeping. You can increase the disk space ...

Discover More

Changing Font Size in a Command Prompt Window

If you work at the command level very much, you may want to change the fonts that are used. You can control what ...

Discover More

Modifying the Number of Jump List Items

Jump lists can be a helpful tool to quickly access common files and commands. If you'd prefer to display a different ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Using Robocopy to Mirror Directories

It's simple to use Robocopy when dealing with entire directories. Dealing with directories is what it does best! This top ...

Discover More

Copying Data with XCopy

XCopy is a file and directory copy utility built into Windows. If you have a lot of file management to do that can't ...

Discover More

Using Offline Files

If you need access to files on a network but aren't always on the network, you may find that the offline files feature of ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

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 one more than 7?

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

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2022 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.