Q&A for How to Copy Files in Command Prompt

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Which command should I use to copy files?

Community Answer

Copy "source path" "destination path". For example, you might copy "C:\Users\qclab\Desktop\Stuff.txt" "P:\IT\Confidential". The quotation marks are optional unless you have spaces in your folder or file names. To copy everything in a folder use *.* as the name and extension. For example, copy "C:\Users\qclab\Desktop\Stuff.txt" "P:\IT\Confidential".

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Question

Is it possible to move a PDF file from one folder to another and not have it overwrite another file with the same name by having a different date?

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You'll have to rename the PDF file prior to moving it, as two files with the same name can't reside in the same folder.

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Question

How can I copy all files from sub directories with a similar name to a different directory?

Community Answer

After you do one, press the up key and then change the name, which shouldn't take up much time.

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How do I identify syntax problems in Command Prompt?

Community Answer

Sadly, all you usually get is something saying that you typed it in wrong. You have to manually check for your error.

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Question

How can I create a copy of Windows 10 from my laptop?

Community Answer

That is a complex process, but you start by creating a new partition on your laptop, and then loading the operating system onto that. You should be able to find video tutorials on both of those things.

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Question

Is xcopy/m available in Windows 10?

Community Answer

Yes, it still available. /M copies only files with the archive attribute set, turns off the archive attribute.

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Question

When I open CMD it has the directory "c:\windows\system32>" listed. I'm not able to change that. What should I do?

Community Answer

If you booted it in administrator mode, try using cd to navigate to the folder you would like. Otherwise, try running it without administrator.

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Question

How do I move files from my old computer to my new?

Community Answer

Either, use an external hard drive to move files over to your new computer or use a program like Todo, PCTrans, Pro or other programs that allow file transfer to other computers on your old and new computers and make sure the computers are on the same network or the computers won't detect each other.

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What should I do if when I open cmd there is a directory "c:\windows\system32>" and I can't change it?

Community Answer

Use the command "cd" and then type in the directory you need to go to after "cd".

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Question

How do I copy only a specific type of file using CMD or a batch script?

Community Answer

Using CMD is better. Refer to the part 3 of 3 to see how to copy all things in a file. If you want to copy a specific file type, simply add *.(file extension) e.g. *.txt.

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