Xcopy vs Ntbackup

Should we need to transfer all files and folders from 1 hard disk to another or from 1 machine to another, which will be the preferred method and why?

1) By using the xcopy command
2) By backing up all the files and folders and restore to the destinated location.

We will need to retain the NTFS permission for all folders.

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steve13ad

Those would both work, but around the house I use the freeware version of Syncback

Claymoore

I prefer Robocopy to Xcopy. I believe Xcopy can only add the original permissions to the inherited permissions, while Robocopy can replace the permissions with the original source permissions. Robocopy even has a GUI if you are allergic to the command line. I haven't tried RichCopy yet, but it will also do what you want.

You can also change the way Explorer handles permissions when copying or moving by changing some registry settings.

macky123

Thanks for all your reply and suggestion.

I have another question which pop up my mind for xcopy command and sound like a silly question:

e.g. xcopy c:\abc d:\xyz

This comand will copy abc folder in C:\ to

\

Is it possible to do it from another way?

e.g. xcopy d:\abc c:\xyz

Any issue or implication?

za3bour

robocopy is amazing.

pmmcateer

NTBackup will do fine for backing up and keeping NTFS permissions once restored. Once restored you will need to setup share permissions again (Folders are not automatically re-shared on new drive) but NTFS are restored. I'm currently replacing hardware running server 2003 and NTBackup also preseeds these files for initial DFS replication as well if these are replicated.

Replacing DFSR Member Hardware or OS (Part 2: Pre-seeding) - Ask the Directory Services Team - Site Home - TechNet Blogs