Is it safe to use Robocopy /mir on root drive?


  1. Posts : 294
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #1

    Is it safe to use Robocopy /mir on root drive?


    I am backing up an entire drive to a external hard drive using Robocopy. Is it safe to use /mir on root drives? I've read somewhere that it's not recommended as it copies the hidden folders $RECYCLE.BIN and System Volume Information and may cause issues on the destination drive. Is there anything truth to this or is it just a myth?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 369
    Windows 7 Pro 32bit
       #2

    Hi,

    I am not familiar with robocopy, but you can try this link to help you with your issue: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/.../ee851678.aspx
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #3

    If RoboCopy does copy $RECYCLE.BIN and System Volume Information it will cause problems.
    I did it once and learned a lesson, i somehow fixed it without having to re-copy the partition again...

    Here is a RC command I now use to exclude (/XD) those directories when copying a HD or partition (D -> F):
    robocopy D: F: *.* /E /NP /TEE /R:5 /XD $RECYCLE.BIN "System Volume Information" /LOG:"F:\RobocopyLog.txt"

    You can read about the options with this command:
    robocopy /?

    For me, Windows automatically rebuilt these directories correctly, after the copy.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 294
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #4

    DavidE said:
    If RoboCopy does copy $RECYCLE.BIN and System Volume Information it will cause problems.
    I did it once and learned a lesson, i somehow fixed it without having to re-copy the partition again...

    Here is a RC command I now use to exclude (/XD) those directories when copying a HD or partition (D -> F):
    robocopy D: F: *.* /E /NP /TEE /R:5 /XD $RECYCLE.BIN "System Volume Information" /LOG:"F:\RobocopyLog.txt"

    You can read about the options with this command:
    robocopy /?

    For me, Windows automatically rebuilt these directories correctly, after the copy.
    Thanks! I remember reading it somewhere that it does cause problems. Recopying the entire drive again with the /XD command, copying 3TB+ is a pain
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #5

    0pTicaL said:
    Thanks! I remember reading it somewhere that it does cause problems. Recopying the entire drive again with the /XD command, copying 3TB+ is a pain
    I understand your pain, i was there

    I probably used this tutorial by Brink to fix the Recycle Bin:
    Recycle Bin Corrupted - Cannot Delete File or Folder

    I'll see if I can find how i fixed the System Volume Information problem ...
    If I do, i'll post back with that info ...
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #6

    After you use the tutorial to fix the recycle bin, run a System File Check and a Check Disk on the external drive.

    SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker
    Disk Check
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 294
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks DavidE! I'll keep that in mind next time. Since I'm about to go to bed the copy process should be done by the time I wake up (8hrs+).
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #8

    You're welcome.
    Yea, that should work ...
    I remember doing the same thing, and i was stubborn and wanted to fix it without a re-copy.
    I didn't keep good enough notes on how to fix it, but i learned to ALWAYS use the /XD option
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 294
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Yeah, I made a note to use /XD from now on whenever I /MIR the root drive. It's one of those things where I kept thinking, "wait, I think I missed something here, what was it…"
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:01.
Find Us