Windows 7: how to robocopy files with similar names

Orfi · 09 Apr 2012

Hello all,

I need to robocopy many files which starts with the same name for Example (Ari, Arit, Ariel, Arik, Aris)
I tried robocopy source_file\ari*.* destination_file\ari*.* however it is nto working do someone can help with that.

Thanks Orfi

Golden · 09 Apr 2012

Hi,

Your syntax is a bit out. Try this:

Code:

robocopy E:\Test\ Ari* F:\Test\ /e /mir

Regards,
Golden

FliGi7 · 09 Apr 2012

Wildcards don't work with robocopy. You'll have to use xcopy, which is also built in.

Golden · 09 Apr 2012

Hi FliGi7,

It is possible to use wildcards, but I agree its less intuitive than copy or xcopy - the trick is to include a space between the source and wildcarding.

Additionally, there is an exclude option (/XF) that will exclude files based on paths/names and a series of wildcards.

Regards,
Golden

Orfi · 10 Apr 2012

Golden thank you for the help, however if I will have space between the
E:\Test\ Ari.

Directory test to Ari it is copying all the folders that I have in folder test.

Any thoughts.

Orfi

F5ing · 10 Apr 2012

You might have to try it specifically as Golden described. You're missing the "*" in the command in your post.

It would be helpful if you posted the whole command line you're using...

Golden · 10 Apr 2012

Hi,

If you mean its copying all the files, instead of just those starting with the characters Ari, then include the * as sibbil mentioned.

If you mean its copying all the folders, then you can use the /XD switch to exclude specific folders.

I agree with sibbil, its far easier to help you if you post exactly the command line you are using.

Regards,
Golden

Duzzy · 10 Apr 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Orfi

Directory test to Ari it is copying all the folders that I have in folder test.

I think you might be saying that it's coping the subfolders as well and if they don't have a matching file you end up with a empty folder.
Try this instead

Code:

robocopy E:\Test\ Ari* F:\Test\ /s

FliGi7 · 13 Apr 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Golden

Hi FliGi7,

It is possible to use wildcards, but I agree its less intuitive than copy or xcopy - the trick is to include a space between the source and wildcarding.

Additionally, there is an exclude option (/XF) that will exclude files based on paths/names and a series of wildcards.

Regards,
Golden

Wow, totally didn't know that! I just assumed they didn't work whenever I tried to do something like "C:\Path\*file.*" because it never worked. I wish that "trick" was documented on the man page. They infer that wildcards work like in any other instance, which they obviously do not.

F5ing · 13 Apr 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by FliGi7

Wow, totally didn't know that! I just assumed they didn't work whenever I tried to do something like "C:\Path\*file.*" because it never worked. I wish that "trick" was documented on the man page. They infer that wildcards work like in any other instance, which they obviously do not.

If I do a robocopy/? it specifies a space is required before and after file specification, using wildcards or not. *.* is the default if no file specified.

And I guess the "odd" syntax comes from the program being designed for handling directory replication rather than the typical file manipulation.

Windows 7: how to robocopy files with similar names

how to robocopy files with similar names problems?