Tom's Hardware > Forum > Windows XP > Windows XP General Discussion > how do you NOT replace old files when copying a folder?

how do you NOT replace old files when copying a folder?

Forum Windows XP : Windows XP General Discussion - how do you NOT replace old files when copying a folder?

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hi... when you copy a folder in Windows XP, the Confirm Folder Replace dialogue appears, which only gives you the option to replace files one at a time, replace them all, or opt out (No). How do you keep the old files in the folder and add the new ones that are not there already?

For example, if I am backing up My Music folder and there is 7 GB of music sitting on my external hard drive, how can I add only the 200 MB of music files that have been added since the last time I backed up this folder? I remember this used to be possible in previous versions of windows. The dialogue in XP, the way it is set up, you have to replace all the files. It seems like this would put unnecessary wear on the hard drive, not to mention waste time.

thank you

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If you click on "No to all", it should only copy files that aren't already there...

------------------------------ Desktop: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit; Intel Q6600 CPU; E-VGA 780i SLI motherboard; E-VGA E-GeForce 8800GT; OCZ Vista 4GB dual-channel kit; Ultra X2 750W power supply; 2 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB in RAID 0. Laptop: Acer Aspire 8730-6314;
Reply to Zoron

This was one of the very few things I liked about Vista, more control over what happens when you move things around. I think there is only a 'No' option, the only batch option is 'Yes to all'. I would go with overwriting any files that are there, it's the simplest way. It's unfortunate I know but i don't think there is a way around it.

Reply to Dan515

Holding down the shift key and selecting No, is No To All. Ryan

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Reply to 4ryan6

Thanks, wish I'd known that years ago!

Reply to Dan515

4ryan6 wrote :

Holding down the shift key and selecting No, is No To All. Ryan




ok great thanks a lot. sorry I didn't respond earlier but obviously this is not a terribly demanding problem. It is great to know this thankyou... and thanks to all for the replies. :)

Reply to markandeya

///////ok great thanks a lot. sorry I didn't respond earlier but obviously this is not a terribly demanding problem. It is great to know this thankyou...

@markandeya You're Welcome, I'm a mobile DJ and I constantly have to update my collection which presently is backed up to 3 external HDDs at over 80G, needless to say transferring the entire 80G would take a lot of time!

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Reply to 4ryan6
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Windows XP > Windows XP General Discussion > how do you NOT replace old files when copying a folder?
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