how to robocopy files with similar names

[Orfi]

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]

Hi,

Your syntax is a bit out. Try this:

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

Regards,
Golden

 

[FliGi7]

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

 

[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

 

[Orfi]

almost there

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]

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]

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]

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

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

 

[FliGi7]

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]

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.

 

[FliGi7]

Then that would be a reading/experience fail on my part. I suppose I never noticed the space as I've not used any other command line tool that required separation of the file name string, rather the opposite.

 

[F5ing]

Then that would be a reading/experience fail on my part. I suppose I never noticed the space as I've not used any other command line tool that required separation of the file name string, rather the opposite.

Not to worry, it happens to us all..

And you're right, I don't recall ever running across any MS/DOS commands where that syntax is used. Not to say there aren't any, but I can't think of any off the top of my head.