Continue file copy/backup even if an error occurs when using PowerShell alternative replacement tool

The process of copying files can sometimes be interrupted due to errors like permission issues, locked files, or missing resources. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to continue file copy or backup operations even when errors occur, comparing PowerShell and Copywhiz.

Let’s take a look with how to achieve this first with Copywhiz.

What is Copywhiz?

Copywhiz enhances your file-copy experience by letting you to have more flexibility & control over the file copying and backup process.

Here is how Copywhiz makes file copying a breeze:

• Copy only new or modified files
• Easily pick files by name, extension, folder etc from bunch of folders
• Automatically organize files based on file attributes and metadata
• Copy files to multiple folders/computers
• Copy files from multiple folders and paste them at once
• Sync files between source and destination
• Pick files from multiple folders and compress in single .zip file
• Schedule file backups
• Verify copied files for data integrity
• Retain security attributes of files & folders (ownership/user access)
• Several more hidden nuggets designed to make your file-copy task easier.

Below is a video describing this feature:

Video Transcription:

1. As shown in the video, select the files, right-click and copy using Copywhiz.
2. Before we paste the files in destination folder we will delete a file from here.
3. We now know that an error message will pop-up since a source file does not exist.
4. We will now paste the files into this folder and see how Copywhiz responds.
5. Right click and choose Paste with Copywhiz.
6. As expected, an error message has popped up. We now have the option to retry copying, skip copying this file or cancel the whole copy task.
7. After copying files, Copywhiz also generates a log with list of errors.

Using PowerShell to Handle File Copy Errors

PowerShell, the powerful scripting language included with Windows, allows you to copy files. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure your script continues despite errors:

Step-by-Step Guide: PowerShell

1. Use the Copy-Item Command with Error Handling
   • A basic file copy can be executed with Copy-Item.
   • To handle errors, use a try-catch block to catch exceptions and log errors without stopping the script.
   try { Copy-Item -Path "C:\Source\*" -Destination "D:\Destination" -Recurse -Force } catch { Write-Output "Error copying file: $_" }
2. Opt for Robocopy for Enhanced Resilience
   • PowerShell can also run robocopy, a command-line tool designed for robust file copying.
   • Example:
   robocopy C:\Source D:\Destination /E /R:1 /W:1 /LOG:C:\CopyLog.txt
   • The /R and /W switches control retry behavior, and /LOG records the process for review.
3. Limitations of PowerShell
   • Complex setup for handling various error types.
   • Lacks user-friendly reporting.
   • Slower for large datasets due to the general-purpose nature of PowerShell.

Why choose Copywhiz:

• Ease of Use: No scripting knowledge required.
• Detailed Logging: Offers clear and comprehensive error logs.
• Selective Copying: Filter files by size, type, or date for granular control.
• Retry Mechanism: Automatically retries for locked files or other transient errors.

Conclusion

Copywhiz offers a user-friendly and robust solution, making it the ideal choice for professionals and everyday users alike.

Whether you’re managing backups or migrating data, choose Copywhiz to save time, reduce frustration, and ensure complete operations even when errors arise. Download Copywhiz today and experience the difference!

Learn more about Copywhiz. Download the free trial from here.

For short tutorial videos, Check out this page.

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Have a good day!

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