There are times when you want to transfer files from one computer to another. And you can do so in two ways. You either use external storage to copy files from one computer then paste the files to another computer. Or you can share files over the network. While these options are good, but if you want to copy your files reliably, then you must try out robocopy one file.
In case if you do not know what Robocopy actually is, then let me just clear the things for you. So here we go:
What’s Robocopy?
Robocopy or Robust File Copy is a command line tool made for the Windows computers. The tool was first introduced in Windows Vista as a standard feature. And you can get started by typing Robodost into the command prompt.
It comes with a bunch of features. Some of the top features that this tool is offering you are the ability to tolerate network interruptions and resume copy. It can also skip the NTFS junction points that usually causes copying failures. And a bunch of other features. You can read about it more on it’s Wikipedia page.
- Also Read: How to setup a static IP address?
How to get started with Robocopy One File To Copy Files Over The Network?
The feature is included in the latest version of Windows and using it you will be able to copy files fast. However, the thing you need to make sure that you have a wired connection for the best experience. Also, you must remember that the file copy speed depends on the network connection speed and your drive performance. Plus, you have to go through a two step process, so here we go:
Step 1: Configuring file sharing on Windows 10
To copy files between both of the computers, the first thing you need to do is enable the file sharing option in the source device. It will allow Robocopy to access files from the destination device. To do so, you have to go through these steps:
- First, open File Explorer.
- Then go to that folder which contains the files that you would like to migrate.
- Now right click on the folder and go to properties.
- From the “Properties” menu, go to the Sharing tab.
- Then hit the Share button.
- Now use the drop down menu and select the user or group with whom you would like to share the folder or files. If you are not sure which one to select, go with Everyone option.
- Then click on the Add Button.
- After that from the Permission Level, you have to select the type of sharing permissions you want the folder to have. It’s like what kind of permissions you would like to give the other user between Read and Write. If you select Read, then the user will be able to see files. But if you give Read/Write permission, the user will be able to read your files, modify them even delete them.
- Once you are done with the permission level, click on the share button.
- In the end, hit the done button and close everything.
Step 2: How to use Robocopy One File To Copy Files
Once you are done with all the above methods, it is time to talk about how can you get started with the Robocopy tool. To get started, you can use these steps:
- Open start.
- Then search for command prompt.
- After that, right click on it and select the “Run as administrator” option.
- Then you will need to type down these commands to start copying files over the network:
robocopy \\source-device-ip\path\to\share\folder C:\destination-device\path\to\store\files /S /E /Z /ZB /R:5 /W:5 /TBD /NP /V /MT:16
Let me explain the command to you:
Source device IP: It stands for your other device’s IP address. To find IP, you can follow this guide.
path\to\share\folder: location of the folder which contains the files you would like to migrate. For example, in my case it would be: D:\New folder\Files I would like to share
C:\destination-device\path\to\store\files: It refers to the other computer’s file location where you would like to store all your files.
/S – Copy subdirectories but not the empty ones.
/E – It copies all the subdirectories, including the empty ones.
/Z – It copies files in the restartable mode.
/ZB — It uses the restartable mode. But if access denied, then it uses backup mode.
/R:5 — Stands for retrying the operating 5 times. You can also add different numbers. However, the default number is 1 million.
/W:5 — It makes the operation wait for at least 5 seconds before restarting. You can add a different number, and the default number is 30.
Conclusion:
There is no doubt that Robocopy one file is one of the most useful tools when it comes to copying files over the network. You can use this file when you want to copy quite a lot of files at once. In case, if you want more guidance about the topic, then you can try typing robocopy /? And it will display all the possibilities.
In case if you have any more questions to ask. Then do feel free to comment below and I will surely help you out with your query.
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