need help with this command line (Xcopy) Thanks?

Question

Im trying to xcopy everything on my D: drive to a folder on my C: drive.The D: drive consists of the obvious(windows,program files,docs and settings) and about a dozen hidden files.Copying all these files to this folder on my C: drive and a copy of the registry will allow me to completely backup my D: drive If I ever need to reinstall windows since my D: drive is my C: drive normally.I just have to make it my D: drive while im copying so no files are in use.The problem is that their is a hidden file called"System Volume Information"in the D: drive folder that will not copy along with a few others.What im trying to do is make a command line in a batch file to do all this.I need this command line to copy everything but exclude the files that wont copy.My command line looks like this(Xcopy "D:" "C:\Backup" /y /k /r /h /g /q /c /e /exclude:"system volume information")But it doesnt work for some reason.Is somethin wrong with this command line.It gives me a message (Can't read file:)Thanks

Answer 1

1) I don't often directly disagree with other answerers, but in this case I'd like to make it clear that xcopy definitely works on hard drives.

2) You might try removing your "exclude" switch. You are already specifying "/c" which is the "continue on errors", so if the command hits something it cannot copy, then it will continue on to the next file.

3) If you use the "exclude" switch, you might try delimiting the directory name. By default, the excludes are assumed to be files. You should try the following to exclude an entire directory,

/exclude: "\system volume information\"

4) If that's still not working, then you might try getting a copy of the free MS utility "robocopy" and play with it's switches. I use that to do large scheduled transfers and synchs between servers and workstations.

Answer 2

xcopy is dos command it works on removable media only it does not work on hard drive
xcopy a: a: press enter
that's how it works it copy's all files including hidden files but only on floppy . you need software to copy the partition from one drive to an other I am using Image for windows and it is Worth every penny.

Answer 3

you are able to positioned directories with areas in charges. it truly is somewhat more effective than putting "Docume~a million" because there will be more effective than one "Docume" folder prefix. xcopy "C:files and SettingsChris.Eagles.YMCALocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook" C:Backup /s /e /y /i /c