Copying Files via Robocopy from One Server to Another Server

Are you considering copying or transferring files from one server to another? For you, we have the best solution. Many servers desire to migrate their files to get better performance and more scalability. On the other hand, some server users move their data to another server because they want to change providers.

Copying files from one server to another is a common operation for server administrators. There are various methods to complete this work, and we will discuss the best way to perform this task. So, let's discuss how robocopy can help you to copy your files to another server easily.

Apply Robocopy to Copy Files from One Server to Another 

Robocopy is a popular command-line utility that enables copying huge amounts of data under Windows. Its strong performance makes it a handy tool, and it dates back to Windows NT. It allows you to copy or move files from a command prompt by specifying a disc path or server location.

Steps to Copy Files with Robocopy

Now that you know its beneficial features, it's undoubtedly useful to utilize Robocopy to copy a few data, files, and folders to a server. It is an extremely strong tool that was introduced by the Windows Server 2003. You can execute Robocopy from the desktop by providing the sending and receiving file servers. 

For illustration, if you try to copy the DATA folder from Server1 to Server2:

#1. Enable File Network Sharing on Source Server - Server 1

• Right-click on the Windows icon and type Network & Sharing in the Search box, select "Advanced sharing settings".
• Tick "Turn on network discovery", "Turn on file and printer sharing", "Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write file sin the Pbuclick folders", and "Turn off password protected sharing".

#2. Check the Source Server Computer IP address and the file path you'd like to copy

• On the source Server, open Command Prompt as administrator, type ipconfig/all, and hit Enter. Then you'll be able to grab the IP address on the source Server PC.
• Open File Explorer, navigate to the folder or page you want to copy files, place the mouse in the path section, and Ctrl+A keys to copy the path.
• On the target Server, open File Explorer, and then you need to set a target folder or destination and copy its path.

Then, save both the source path and target path to a text file on the source Server.

#3. Copy Files from the Source Server Computer to the New Server Computer via Robocopy

• Open PowerShell in the source Windows Server computer
• Type the command in Powershell and hit Enter: robocopy \\source-server1-ip\path\to\sharefolder  \\C:\desintaion-device-server2\path\to\storefiles /mir /copyall /dcopy:O

For example: robocopy \\10.1.2.121\\Users\USER\OneDrive\Desktop\MyShareFiles  C:\Users\USER\Documents /mir /copyall /dcopy:O

Syntax reading:

• /mir - mirror directory
• /copyall - copy all file system information
• /dcopy - copy specific content in a directory

It will copy the original file structure, along with all access and time stamps. As it's producing a mirror, everything in the endpoint that does not reflect the origin will be deleted. It is great for transferring to empty folders, but it might be dangerous if there's already information there.

You may use the respective command prompt to duplicate a whole folder without keeping the access or deleting any file or data from the folder location: robocopy \\server1\data \\server2\data /e

Though the Robocopy command works to help copy files between Server computers, it has limits and issues, such as network connection issues and complexity, and is not friendly for beginners. So, if you are in the way of finding an easier solution for Windows Server file transfer, take the next guide for help. 

Transfer Files Between Servers with Robocopy Alternative - EaseUS Todo PCTrans 

EaseUS PCTrans is designed with advanced data migrating technology for its convenience of use and efficacy. It is a one-click PC transfer program that allows transferring data without losing any data from one PC to another. You may effortlessly load photographs, audio, and movies one by one using this transfer tool. Moreover, it allows  moving applications between two Windows or Server PCs. 

EaseUS Todo PCTrans helps you to transfer files from server to server in simple clicks. Download and install this tool on your Server PCs and follow the guidelines below to see how to share files between your Servers:

Step 1. Open EaseUS Todo PCTrans on both of your server computers. Choose "PC to PC" to go to the next step.

Step 2. Choose the transfer direction  - New PC or Old PC.

"New" - Transfer files from old Server to current new Server.

"Old" - Transfer files from current old Server to a new Server.

Step 3. Connect the current PC to the target PC by entering the target computer's account password or its verification code. You can turn on the "Connection Verification"on the right top of the "PC to PC" mainscreen on the target computer. 

Step 4. Click "Files" > "Transfer" to check all the files you want to transfer to another Server computer. Then click "Transfer" to migrate specific data you have chosen.

Step 5. Wait for the process finishes. PCTrans will transfer files at a fast speed. It won't take too long.

Don't forget to share this easy guide online to help more of your Server friends mastering and sharing their files and even apps easier and more efficiently:

Here is a video guide you may check and view the details for Server file sharing: 

Essential Features of EaseUS Todo PCTrans

EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional is a cost-effective way for businesses to deploy large PCs and decrease complications. Some of the most essential features of this software are as follows:

• Data Rescue: Rescue data from a dead computer - it helps quickly move your data, applications, and information from a damaged or dead PC to a new one.

• Drive to Drive: Move programs from one drive to another - this tool can flawlessly transfer all of the system configurations to a new PC without losing anything. It can easily resolve your program reinstallation issue.

• Simple and practical - users may securely and reliably recover the data from dead machines with a few easy clicks.

• Free Technical Support - you can get 24/7 professional tech assistance for free. 

Moreover, there are seminars available over the call and online for any difficulty. This assistance and support are available at no cost at any time.

 

Extended Reading - More Robocopy Features

Robocopy employs the date stamp and timestamp concepts for partial transferring files, and it aids in the tolerance of network disruptions. Robocopy reduces the risk of failure by skipping NTFS junction points, which can lead to endless loops.

Robocopy's Features on Windows

• Allow for network outages and continue copying.
• It avoids NTFS junction nodes, which might result in copying errors due to indefinite loops.
• Utilizing the /COPY ALL or /COPY: command-line options, you may copy data files and properties accurately while preserving original timestamps, owner information, NTFS ACLs, and audit information.
• Enforce the Windows NT "backup right" so that an operator can copy a full directory, especially files that aren't accessible to him.
• Resilience is enabled by default, with several automatic retries that may be set if a file cannot be duplicated.
• It is a "mirror" mode that maintains synced trees by removing files that don't exist in the destination source.
• It can skip files with the same size and date that are already in the target folder.

Robocopy is not merely a copying program, and it is, as previously said, a highly strong instrument. You may tell it to keep an eye on the root directory (/mon) and replicate it over if it alters. To see outcomes without effectively transferring anything, configure it to list only (/I). You can specify whether it should only copy folders from the hidden set of attributes (/ia:H) or if it needs to exclude hidden files (/xa:H).

Final Words

In Windows, there are two options for transferring data from one server to another or from one PC to another. Please study them carefully before deciding which one to use to share your data. 

Utilizing EaseUS Todo PCTrans to transfer data from one computer to another is the simplest method. Its easy procedures, easy interface, and scheduling sync enable the computer to share data from dead PCs.