Using xcopy tools to transfer desktop files/folders from a second HD

That's the best subject line I could muster.


I have had some HD failures after a power interuption. One was hosed and I reformated that.
A clone HD to HD was in progress when the power failed. The target disk which still has data can transfer files off of it. They are visible to Explorer. But Desktop on the Target is the problem. I retrieved the DOS command to view the Desktop on the second HD.

What are the DOS commands to scroll through pages of directory in DOS mode? I can never seem to recall or find the sequence of C:\DIR whatever and the command to stop the page roll and then continue to see the files and folders with the space bar or key to scroll a list.

Once that is done, xcopy or robocopy are the only tools mentioned in what I could find.

I need the steps to get through this and extract what is missing from the Desktop on that second (target) disk.

xcopy and robocopy are obscure commands to me. I tried using them years ago but nothing came of it. I don't remember any success at all.

Is there an ISO program run from a CD that can display both HD's and automate the xcopy tasks?

A lot of questions here but the old DOS format is the only solution.

To pause the DIR command after each screen, use /P .

Here's a URL you might find helpful: MS-DOS and Windows command line dir command

I use either Syncback or Syncexp to copy files from one directory to another. I have them set up to only copy files that have changed from what is in the destination folder.

Hope this helps.

Robocopy is simple just use robocopy c:\folder d:\folder /mir that mirrors all the files from one drive to the other with all folders

This will get me started. What is frustrating is the constant errors of one comma out of place, misspellings etc especially in paths to the desktop. I can't remember the path now.

C:\
cd D:
D:\users\lon\desktop or something
goes to the desktop.

Then D:\DIR /p (?)

And doing it backward from D: to C:

I will look at xcopy tool and the other replies. Will not have quick replies myself. Baby steps more like it.

The disk is almost good to use, just won't boot. I wondered if a simple transfer of Win32 folder from C: to D: would get me out of the jam.

I always have a lot of questions. Maybe I'm jumping the gun. I looked at xcopytools and it shows what I would see in Explorer, not showing any way to make the path to the D:\ desktop folder info I'm seeking. Is xcopy tool a sheel of DOS or

does it just run in Win7 with it's nice interface?


I'll practice with the DOS pause control to see if I can at least find what I want back.

I can make a screen shot of what I see if needed but I don't see how to make the path in the right way that DOS does
for the xcopy program which is (remembering) C:\users\myname\desktop but on the d: drive.