How to fix xcopy

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I wrote a backup script for batch. Works except for the XCOPY
command. I have compared against other such script and do not see the cause for the problem.
The following is verified:
dest=E:/buTOP/Desktop (Note:buTOP pre-exists on flash drive)
source=C:/Users//Desktop

The command used for testin is:
xcopy %inID%:%source% %dest% /E /F /I /J /K /R /S /V /Y 1>NUL

It produces this error: File not found – Desktop
Any help?

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I wrote a backup script for batch. Works except for the XCOPY
command. I have compared against other such script and do not see the cause for the problem.
The following is verified:
dest=E:/buTOP/Desktop (Note:buTOP pre-exists on flash drive)
source=C:/Users//Desktop

The command used for testin is:
xcopy %inID%:%source% %dest% /E /F /I /J /K /R /S /V /Y 1>NUL

It produces this error: File not found – Desktop
Any help?

The one thing I always had a problem with in batch files was remembering that all path statements to file and Folders on the HDD had to use the backslash , not the forward slash / as used in switches and the Internet.

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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LOL!

Recursive LOL! It’s emojis, emojis all the way down!!

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So I have a couple of comments, at least.

To the error in question. XCopy requires a file specification on the source and you haven’t provided one. You’ve only provided a folder. My recommended fix would be:

source=C:UsersDesktop*.*

Note that I’ve incorporated Berton’s comment as well (folder delimiters should be backslashes). Some environments allow you to substitute one for another but it can be a minefield doing that, IMO.

I’m also baffled by your use of the %inID% variable. By appending a colon on this you are indicating a drive. However the variable %source% already contains a drive. Windows should error out if you specify [noparse]”Drive:Drive:”[/noparse]. The only conceivable valid use of this form I can think of would be a UNC name. However your syntax doesn’t conform to UNC rules either.

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B,

When using strings with colons in them it is best to enclose them in noparse tags :

43517-noparsetags

I fixed your post above.

HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Thanks 4 the input!!
In fact the forward slashes were a consequence of having to type rather than cut/paste from the command screen and are/were backslashes. Sorry 4 mis info.
The %inID% variable was a hang over which is now removed.
source=C:UsersDesktop
with a proper username for .
and
dest=E:buTOPDesktop
when rerun with the correction :

Code:

xcopy %source%  %dest%  /E /F /I /J /K /R /S /V /Y  1>NUL

it produces:
Invalid drive specification.
Any help now??

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A couple of thoughts:
Does the subFolder of Desktop already exist in E:buTOP?
Does having a backslash after Desktop make any difference? [dest=E:buTOPDesktop]

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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Does the username have a space in it? Thus:

C:Usersfred bloggsDesktop

If so it may need double quotes around it (I think)

Eliminate spare time: start programming PowerShell

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Also, I’m not sure if this matters, but I would put spaces at the end:

Put 1 > NUL rather than 1>NUL

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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What is the 1>nul ?? supposed to do ??

What does :echo %source% %dest%
pause
return if put in the head of the batch file?
:cheers:

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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What does :echo %source% %dest%
pause
return if put in the head of the batch file?

David,

Sorry I missed that on the first post.

The command Echo to the screen the expanded command: Xcopy %source% %dest% and then pause execution until you press a key.

e.g. if source is set to C:Test.Dat and dest is set to X:TransferFile*.*

You should see:
Copy C:Test.Dat X:TransferFile*.*
Press any key to continue . . . on your screen.

HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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David,

Sorry I missed that on the first post.

The command Echo to the screen the expanded command: Xcopy %source% %dest% and then pause execution until you press a key.

e.g. if source is set to C:Test.Dat and dest is set to X:TransferFile*.*

You should see:
Copy C:Test.Dat X:TransferFile*.*
Press any key to continue . . . on your screen.

HTH :cheers:

That was a question to the OP to check what is actually stored in those variables. Thanks any way
:cheers:

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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David,

1 is one of the standard output streams. It is standout or the standard output stream which is to the screen.
> nul redirects it to the Null device effectively silencing the bat file with the exception of errors.

HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Try running the following, to see what will happen:

xcopy %source% %dest%

In other words, simplify the command, for troubleshooting purposes.

Before doing that, open a command prompt and type SET to make sure that your environment variables are correctly set.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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David,
It is standout or the standard output stream which is to the screen.
HTH :cheers:

Thanks RG
Ah, I wonder if I knew that and forgot. :p
:cheers:

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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