Checking the Archive Attribute with Robocopy

by Barry Dysert
(last updated August 18, 2014)

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 30 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer.  He is currently a senior software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. ...

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