Windows copy with verification?

[b4u]

Hi,

I have a question regarding a basic feature in windows, file copy.

Back in the MS-DOS type, I could use copy and xcopy to do the job. If I would like to make sure the copy was accurate, I would use xcopy /v (not sure about the parameter used), and the system would copy the file and verify the destination was ok.

That process would take longer to copy, but I was sure that I would end up with an exact copy of the file(s).

Now in windows, we can copy files around, and even move them (yes, we could also move in MS-DOS ), but doing it in windows, I have no choice of doing a copy verification.

Does windows have any mechanism to assure the copy is correct, bit-by-bit?

If not, how is the best way to do it? Third party software most probably, could you point out some alternatives?

After so many years using windows, I'm questioning if they copy the files correctly

Thanks

 

[MrChad]

Open up a command window (Start / Run / cmd) and run xcopy with the /v switch.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb491035.aspx

 

[b4u]

Open up a command window (Start / Run / cmd) and run xcopy with the /v switch.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb491035.aspx

I read somewhere that windows explorer automatically verifies files, but information is not very coherent and not sure if official at all.

I was hopping a better alternative than pulling out a command line console. Not that I have anything against it, but it's not much user friendly for other people that uses the home computer ...

 

[gsaldivar]

I believe TeraCopy also does this:

http://www.codesector.com/teracopy.php

 

[wtchdr]

Another option is to do a checksum on each of the files. There are many different hash functions and free programs to accomplish this. I use a utility called jacksum 1.7.0 to run comparisons using the sha256 function. I can then confirm that large files stored on an external hard drive have not become corrupted over time.