Real-World Scripting: Data Migration with Robocopy, Part 2

Windows Shell Scripting

When a script is to perform a major IT undertaking such as data migration, you need to write a script that not only performs the task but also minimizes associated risks and downtime. RobocopyDataMigration.bat is an example of such a script. This script

Copies the entire file and folder structure from the old array to the new array while maintaining complicated NTFS file and folder permissions
Creates a detailed log of the migration results for each top-level folder
Verifies the results of the copy operation
Determines how long the system will need to be offline for the data migration
Permits graceful fallback if hardware fails or other unforeseen circumstances arise during the data migration

Last month, I began describing how RobocopyDataMigration.bat works. Specifically, I discussed how the script uses Robocopy 1.96 to perform the copy operation and the Now utility to create a detailed log. (You can find both utilities in the Microsoft Windows 2000 Resource Kit or the Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Resource Kit Supplement 4.) This month, I show you how the script verifies the copy operation results, determines offline time, and permits graceful fallback. I also show you how to adapt the script for your environment. . . .

Great article! It covers EXACTLY what I need within a customer data migration project.<br>
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But I got a technical question! In my environment, there´s only Robocopy v. 1.70 available and I wonder if the .bat will work with this release as well. Could you please forward the question to Dick Lewis? That´d be greatly appreciated.

Wolf-Karsten Heintel May 29, 2001

I have been using Robocopy for several years but it is a little vague in my mind when different features were introduced. I think the last major change was when the /SEC switch was added, but even on this upgrade, I can't recall the version number when it changed.<br>
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The best way to determine whether a utility will support the operations in a script is to run the command with no switches or with a "/?" to get the online help and see if the command syntax you are getting ready to use is supported in the version you have. Robocopy in its current version uses the switch "/???" to access the online help. Another way to test this particular Robocopy script with your slightly older version is to just set up a test source and destination directory and run the script against it. If you are using unsupported commands, the script will exit with an error the minute it hits the Robocopy command and will list the unsupported switch.

Dick Lewis October 24, 2001

This is CRAZZY!!! We should not have to give Microsoft another $80.00 to finish reading these import articles. I paid once, that should be enough!

BMETOYER February 12, 2008 (Article Rating:

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