XCOPY <source path> <destination path> /D will only copy newer files or files that do not already exist in the destination. So:XCOPY is what I used to use to transfer all data files newer than a certain date from the data drive on my computer at the lab to the removeable drive I carried back to Catalina. I then used XCOPY to copy the same files to the data drive on my home computer. Worked like a charm.
While we're talking backup methods... why isn't there a Laplink like capability built into Microsoft's OSes so you can only copy files that are newer onto a backup drive.
XCOPY C:\ E:\ /D /E /V /C /H /K /Y would copy all files on C: drive to the E: drive including all sub-folders, verify the file copied correctly, do folders and sub-folders, continue on errors, copy correct file permissions and not ask if you want to over-write the destination file if it exists.
To see the rest of the commands available you can type:
XCOPY /? to see all options in any command window.
Having said that, if you have W2003, Vista or higher you can use Robocopy which has the same capability as XCOPY but much more flexibility including retry on error, copies open files and bandwidth control.
To see if you have it type robocopy /? in your command window and see if it is installed.