Copy file from server to server windows

Overview

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.

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.

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.

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 has been present from 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, you might use the following command:

Robocopy \\server1\data \\server2\data /mir /copyall /dcopy:T

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

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).

Easier Solution: Run EaseUS Todo PCTrans to Transfer Files Between Servers

For many server users, the prospect of purchasing a new computer is unappealing since they will have to move their data from one PC to another. While it may appear to be a simple procedure, it may quickly consume a significant amount of efforts if you are not attentive. The good news is that you can simplify the issue for yourself by using smart technology solutions.

EaseUS PCTrans is the best 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 PCs. 

Its necessary steps of EaseUS Todo PCTrans help you to transfer files from server to server. It is also a great way to send huge files, specifically ones to take up a lot of disc space, such as applications or server file types. Two PCs can be readily linked to share data, the network, and a printer. The procedure is typically straightforward, requiring only a few hardware components and some software skills.

EaseUS is the ideal option for file transfer that ensures a seamless transition. Nothing is lost or destroyed during this entire procedure. There are three distinct editions of the program available, and the user can select the option that best meets their needs and expectations. One version is free, while the other two are charged.

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.

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

When the pc or laptop doesn’t turn on, either the software or hardware is likely malfunctioning. Even if the data is not saved on the cloud, you can get the data back. Furthermore, if you have a damaged laptop, there are chances that you’ll lose everything. EaseUS Todo PCTrans Pro 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

Users may transfer applications directly without installing additional software that can help them work more efficiently. EaseUS Todo PCTrans can easily retrieve files and programs. Moreover, 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.

1. 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.

2. Simple and practical

EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a fully automated and user-friendly system. You will not have to possess any professional skills to run this tool. According to the clear instructions of the device, users may securely and reliably recover the data from dead machines with a few easy clicks.

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.

Robocopy (Robust File Copy) is an aging command-line tool that comes preinstalled on MicrosoftWindows servers. It can be used to copy files on Windows and non-windows file systems. 

However, Robocopy suffers from several shortcomings, including:

• Creating complex or specific sync jobs requires implementing complex command prompts.
• Because of its limited transfer topology (i.e., point-to-point transfer), and limited tool set, copying using Robocopy to sync large files and copying files to multiple endpoints takes a long time and is error prone.
• Robocopy will only copy files if the source file and destination file have different timestamps.
• Robocopy doesn’t support real-time file sync.
• Errors encountered during the file copy process are both hard to diagnose and can cause the entire sync process to fail.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to synchronize files using Robocopy from one server to another, including the command prompts you can use to create specific file sharing parameters. We’ll also discuss our own file synchronization solution, Resilio Connect, and how creating sync jobs with Resilio is much easier and more reliable.  

Resilio Connect is a P2P (peer-to-peer) file synchronization solution that’s used by leading companies in tech (Match.com, Kaspersky), gaming (Blizzard, Wargaming.com), media (Mixhits Radio, Turner Sports), and more. It delivers the fastest transfer speeds in the industry (10+ Gbps per server), uses UDP-based WAN transfer technology to optimize file transfer across high-latency and lossy networks, and scales organically to easily handle large sync jobs (tested at 250+ million files in a single job) and replication to many endpoints. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Resilio as a Robocopy alternative, please check out this blog.

To learn more about syncing your company’s files with Resilio Connect, schedule a demo.

How to Create a Robocopy Sync Command

Let’s start by breaking down the basic syntax of the robocopy command.

Robocopy C:\[source]  C:\[destination] [sync parameters]

“robocopy”: Initiates the robocopy command.

C:\[source]: The first folder in the command is always the source folder.

C:\[destination]: The second folder in the command is always the destination folder.

[sync parameters]: This is where you enter commands that govern how your folder sync occurs. The sync parameters don’t need to be in any particular order.

Sync parameter commands include:

/copyall — This command copies all source file information, including file names, security permissions, auditing information, and more.

/s — This command copies subdirectories, excluding empty subdirectories.

/e — This command copies subdirectories, including empty subdirectories.

/z — This command copies files in restartable mode.

/b — This command copies files in backup mode.

/zb — This command uses restartable mode, and switches to backup mode if access is denied.

/PURGE — This command deletes destination files and folders and subfolders that no longer exist in the source.

/mir — This command copies subdirectories (including empty folders) and deletes destination files that no longer exist in the source server. You should be aware that the NTFS permissions for the files in the destination directory tree will also be overwritten.

/Copy:DAT — This command copies file data, attributes, and timestamps.

/Copy:DATSOU — This command copies file data, attributes, timestamps, security information, owner information, and auditing information.

/dcopy — This command copies directory timestamps.

/MT:16 — This command copies files in multithreaded mode — i.e., multiple files are copied simultaneously.

/mov — This command moves files and deletes them from the source directory after they’re copied.

/MAXage:n — This command excludes files older than a certain time/date. Replace n with the time/date you want to exclude.

/R:N — This command specifies the number of retries Robocopy will perform when a file transfer fails. N should be replaced by the desired number.

/W:N — This command specifies the amount of time Robocopy should wait before retrying a sync (in seconds). N should be replaced with the number of seconds you want Robocopy to wait (the default is 30 seconds).

/tee — This command instructs Robocopy to output what it’s doing to the screen display.

/v — This command instructs Robocopy to display verbose output and show skipped files.

/np — This command instructs Robocopy not to display the progress of the copy operation.

The following command prompt represents an example of what an actual robocopy powershell command might look like:

robocopy C:\sourcefolder\sharename C:\destinationfolder\sharename /e /b

The above command will copy all subdirectories, including empty ones, in backup mode.

Four Reasons Why Resilio Connect Is a Superior File Sync Solution

As stated above, while you can use Robocopy to create highly specific sync jobs, doing so requires knowing and implementing complex command prompts.

It’s also not the best tool for large sync jobs (syncing large files and syncing to multiple endpoints can take a long time). And when it breaks down, identifying and troubleshooting replication issues can be difficult — like most free command-line tools, it doesn’t provide a lot of insight into replication jobs.

But Resilio Connect is a real-time, P2P-based file sync solution that is superior to Robocopy in several key ways, including:

1. Resilio is easy to centrally manage.  All jobs can be easily controlled, tracked, and monitored through a single pane of glass.
2. Resilio provides real-time, organically scalable synchronization.  Changes to files and folders are automatically and efficiently synchronized to as many other systems as needed. 
3. Resilio is optimized to transfer files over WAN networks.
4. Resilio offers superior security features.

Note: For smaller sync jobs, you can also use Resilio Sync. At $7-$14 per user per month, Resilio Sync is perfect for:

• Individuals who want to sync files from a personal computer to another computer or remote device can use Resilio Sync.
• Small businesses that need to sync files for collaboration among geographically distributed teams.

1. Creating, Managing, and Automating Sync Jobs with Resilio Is Much Easier

Deploying Resilio Connect and creating synchronization jobs (no matter how complex or specific) is much easier than Robocopy, as Resilio was designed to be easy to use and manage.

Resilio can be easily deployed on your existing infrastructure and begin replicating in as little as 2 hours. It’s an agent-based software that’s more flexible than Robocopy — it can be set up in the cloud, on-prem, or in a hybrid cloud model. Resilio supports a variety of cloud storage services, virtual cloud servers, mobile devices (Resilio offers iOS and Android apps), and desktops. And Resilio can be configured cross-platform on a variety of file servers, including Windows, Ubuntu, Linux, Unix, iOS, MacOS, Android, and more.

Managing sync jobs with Resilio is easy with Resilio’s Management Console, which provides insight into the state of replication via real-time notifications and detailed transfer logs. You can also use it to sync jobs and parameters that suit your needs, such as:

• Adjusting replication parameters. Configure buffer size and disk I/O threads, create bandwidth usage policies on each server (including creating profiles that govern how much bandwidth each server can use at specific times of the day or days of the week), and more.
• Setting up Webhooks.
• Configuring user permissions.
• Allocating bandwidth.  It’s easy to centrally control how much bandwidth each job can utilize, and change the policy as needed over time.

Monitoring replication and troubleshooting replication issues is easy with Resilio, as Resilio provides detailed information on replication jobs.

Resilio also gives you all of the automation capabilities that Robocopy provides without any of the complexity, enabling you to easily automate any type of scripting or functionality using the GUI, REST API, and command-line prompts.

2. Real-Time, Organically Scalable Synchronization

Because of its point-to-point topology, Robocopy is slower, less reliable, and less scalable than Resilio Connect.

With point-to-point replication, files can only be transferred to one server at a time (i.e., from one server to another). This transfer methodology is slow (especially when syncing large files and/or syncing to multiple endpoints) and can create bottlenecks. If one server is on a slow network (or file transfer is impeded by some other issue), every other server must wait for that file transfer to complete before they can receive their files.

But Resilio uses real-time file change detection, P2P transfer, and file chunking to deliver fast (up to 10 Gbps per endpoint), reliable file synchronization.

Resilio can detect and immediately replicate file changes using real-time notifications from the host OS and optimized checksum calculations — i.e., it assigns an identification marker to each file that changes whenever a change is made to the file.

And each server in your replication environment is equally privileged and can share files with any other server. This means that there is no single point of failure — if the network is slow or goes down on any server, the necessary files or servers can be provided by any other server.

Resilio also uses a process known as file chunking, where a file is split into several chunks that can transfer independently from each other. With file chunking and Resilio’s P2P transfer topology, file transfer can occur simultaneously across all of the servers in your environment, resulting in transfer speeds that are 3-10x faster than point-to-point solutions.

For example, when replicating a file from Server 1 to the other servers in your environment, Server 1 can split that file into six chunks. Then it can share the first chunk with Server 2 (or any other server). When Server 2 receives the first chunk, it can begin sharing it with Server 3 before it has received the full file.

Innovative Design is a creative print and media marketing agency that uses Resilio to collaborate on projects and sync files across 3 offices.

“We were able to turn around graphic proofs quicker based on our staff’s availability versus forcing it through a bottleneck at a specific office. Connect has made us more efficient.”

Learn more about how Innovative Design syncs over 800,000 files across locations and transfers, consolidates, and restores 4.5TB of data.

3. Superior WAN Transfer

Most point-to-point replication solutions like Robocopy aren’t optimized for copying or synchronizing files across the WAN.  For basic WAN transfers, they rely on TCP, which performs poorly over WANs.

But Resilio optimizes transfer over lossy, high-latency WAN networks using a proprietary UDP-based WAN acceleration protocol known as Zero Gravity Transport™ (ZGT).

ZGT uses several methods to optimize WAN transfer, such as:

• Calculating the ideal send rate via a congestion control algorithm.
• Sending interval acknowledgements for a group of packets (that contains information about packet loss), rather than for each individual packet.
• Retransmitting lost packets just once per RTT (Round Trip Time).

Because of Resilio’s WAN optimization technology, it can also sync and transfer files from the edge of the network — i.e., to and from remote locations with poor internet connections. Our client Shifo, for example, uses Resilio to sync files to poor, remote areas in Uganda and other locations.

Shifo is a health data solution company that delivers life saving healthcare solutions to remote communities and uses Resilio Connect to quickly deliver files to over 3,000 remote locations with poor quality networks. 

“Resilio Connect reliably runs in the background — and just works. Like a humble, dependable friend… We sleep better because Resilio is there. That’s a critical piece. You can’t imagine how difficult it was for us (prior to Resilio): Delays, nothing being synchronized; now I don’t hear any of those problems. Now we can focus on solving healthcare problems (instead of moving files).” 

Learn more about how Resilio delivers reliable file distribution for Shifo across any network connection.

4. Superior Security Features

Robocopy doesn’t encrypt your data at rest or in transit, leaving it vulnerable to interception and malicious activity.

But Resilio uses 3rd-party reviewed, state-of-the art security features to protect your data. It encrypts data at rest and in transit using AES 256 and one-time session encryption keys. And it uses mutual authentication to ensure files are only delivered to secure, approved endpoints and cryptographic integrity validation to ensure files arrive at their destination intact and uncorrupted.

Use Resilio Connect for Fast, Reliable Server Synchronization

While Robocopy can be used for server synchronization, setting up and troubleshooting sync jobs can be difficult. You should use an alternative replication solution like Resilio.

Resilio is a superior alternative to Robocopy for file synchronization because it:

• Uses proven P2P replication topology to sync files faster and in real-time.
• Is organically scalable with no single point-of-failure.
• Uses WAN optimization technology when needed to optimize file transfer over any network, including high-latency networks with varying degrees of packet loss.
• Provides built in security features that protect your data at rest and in transit, and provides encryption end-to-end. 

To learn more about syncing with Resilio Connect, schedule a demo.

Copying files from one server to another is a fairly frequent task that system administrators face. As with most things in IT, there are many ways to accomplish this task.  The method you choose will depend on your situation and your personal preferences.  The information below assumes that both of your servers are on the same domain.

If you don’t like the command line, you could just drag and drop the files to the new server.  But Windows Explorer doesn’t have any real error handling or logging, so if anything goes wrong, you end up having to guess what caused the problem.  There are several good third-party tools out there to enhance Explorer, but most admins prefer to keep their servers as lean and clean as possible.

In the modern world of Virtual Machines, another option is to just make a copy of the entire VM file and then attach that as a secondary drive to the destination server.  This is only viable if you want all of the files and all of the same permission settings.  If that is your goal, it’s easy to do and works well.

How to Copy Files to a Server Using Robocopy

If you only want to copy some of the files to a server, you will probably want to use Robocopy.  It’s been around since Windows Server 2003 and is a very powerful tool.  With Robocopy you can copy a single file, stripping all permissions, mirror an entire drive while keeping all NTFS permissions in place, and pretty much anything in between.  You can run Robocopy from your workstation, specifying the source and destination file servers, but running it directly on one of the servers will be faster and will generate less network traffic.

If you want to copy folder DATA on Server1 to Server2, for instance, you could use this command:

• Robocopy \\server1\data \\server2\data /mir /copyall /dcopy:T

This will create an exact copy of the source folder structure, including all permissions and time stamps.  Because it’s creating a mirror, it will also delete anything in the destination that doesn’t match the source.  It is perfect for copying to blank destinations but is potentially hazardous if there is already data there.

If you want to copy an entire folder, but don’t want to keep the permissions or delete anything from the destination folder, you could use the following command:

• Robocopy \\server1\data \\server2\data /e

But Robocopy doesn’t just do simple copying.  As mentioned earlier, it’s a very powerful tool.  You can set it to monitor (/mon) the source folder and copy it again if changes are detected.  You can set it to list only (/l) to preview results without actually copying anything.  You can set it to only copy files with the hidden attribute set (/ia:H) or to exclude (/xa:H) hidden files.

You can also do some things that don’t involve copying files.  Perhaps you used the /copyall option because you wanted all permissions copied over but then had to change some of the permissions on the source.  You can use /sec /nocopy to update the permissions without having to copy the files from the server again.

There are many other ways you can use this tool, including full logging capabilities.  Here is a full list of Robocopy parameters: Robocopy Command Line Reference.