Windows 7: Is it better to Copy or Cut when moving large amounts of data?

bishop101 · 21 May 2012

What is better when moving large amounts of files and data (20+) to either copy or cut the files? Or does it not make a difference?

I was told cutting fragments your hard dive while copying does not.

I've only noticed that cutting is faster.

Britton30 · 21 May 2012

If you Copy, you aren't moving anything. Cut will move it though. Windows 7 will auto defrag your drive at any rate.

ignatzatsonic · 21 May 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by bishop101

I was told cutting fragments your hard dive while copying does not.

I've only noticed that cutting is faster.

Cutting would leave a "gap" where the data used to be.

So what? Your defrag program will keep that in check over time.

If you want to leave a version of the files at the original location, copy.

If not, cut.

That's what I do, regardless of perceived speed or fragmentation concerns.

Brink · 21 May 2012

Hello Bishop,

It would be safer to copy the data to where you want it first, then just delete it from the source afterwards. This way if there was an interruption in the copy process, you will not risk losing the data like you would if it was being moved and was interrrupted.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Bertison · 21 May 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by brink

hello bishop,

it would be safer to copy the data to where you want it first, then just delete it from the source afterwards. This way if there was an interruption in the copy process, you will not risk losing the data like you would if it was being moved and was interrrupted.

Hope this helps,
shawn

+1!
Safe!

UsernameIssues · 21 May 2012

If there are a ton of important files, I copy them to the new location and then check the properties of the source and destination - if they are the same number of bytes, I delete the originals.

Windows 7: Is it better to Copy or Cut when moving large amounts of data?

Is it better to Copy or Cut when moving large amounts of data? problems?