Schedule file copy for automatic backups using PowerShell alternative replacement

Hi Guys! Scheduling backups automatic backups provides peace of mind, protects your valuable data and ensures business continuity.

Here’s a step-by-step guide using Copywhiz and PowerShell on how we can schedule a file backup. With Copywhiz you can also compress the whole file set into a zip file. Alternatively you can continuously have scheduled syncing of files between source and destination folders.

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.

Here is a short video that shows how to achieve the above mentioned feature:

Video Transcription:

1. In this video, we will take automatic file back ups at specific time.
2. Select the folder, right-click and add it to Copywhiz.
3. Go to the destination folder, right-click and choose Copywhiz Paste Advanced.
4. We will add %date% in the destination folder address, to automatically create a new destination folder each time based on the current date, then we will paste now.
5. To schedule automatic backups of these files, let’s first save them as a Copywhiz project.
6. To save a copywhiz project, click on the ‘File’ tab and select the ‘Save as’ option.
7. Name the project and save it.
8. Select the option “Paste Later” to schedule this project.

Key Features of Copywhiz:

• User-Friendly Interface: Offers a graphical interface that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners.
• Selective File Copying: Allows you to pick specific files or folders based on name, type, or date.
• Advanced Scheduling: Schedule backups without needing additional tools like Task Scheduler.
• Error Handling: Provides better error management with detailed logs.
• Integration: Works seamlessly with Windows Explorer.
• Paid Software: Offers a free trial but requires a purchase for full functionality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using PowerShell

Step 1: Create a PowerShell Backup Script

1. Open Notepad and paste the following script:
   $Source = "C:\Source"
$Destination = "D:\Backup"
Copy-Item -Path $Source -Destination $Destination -Recurse -Force
2. Save the file as backup.ps1 in a convenient location (e.g., C:\Scripts).

Step 2: Automate with Windows Task Scheduler

1. Open Task Scheduler (Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter).
2. Click Create Basic Task.
3. Name the task (e.g., “PowerShell Backup”).
4. Set the Trigger (Daily, Weekly, or at System Startup).
5. Choose Start a Program as the action.
6. In Program/Script, enter powershell.exe.
7. In Add Arguments, enter:
   -File "C:\Scripts\backup.ps1"
8. Click Finish to save the task.

Your backup will now run automatically based on the schedule you set.

Conclusion:

Using Copywhiz, scheduling file copy for automatic backups is a seamless and efficient process.

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

For short tutorial videos, Check out this page.

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Check out our other cool products.

Have a good day!

Thanks for reading :)