How to know which files in a folder have changed

[just1moretime]

I have some files that I periodically backup to an
external hard drive or media. How can I tell,which files
in a folder have changed. I mean to be able to tell without looking at each file? So I dont keep saving the
same files over and over,that have not changed.

 

[Diancecht]

Check the modified date.

Cheers,
Dian

 

[cmartin75]

You can check the archive attribute of each file. This attribute is reset when an archive is backed up.

if you use the "attrib" command on a cmd window, you can see this attribute.

If you use scripting, you can see the attributes property of a file object.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/5tx15443(VS.85).aspx

 

[linney]

Would something like this be useful to you? I have been using it for months without any problems. It may cut down on your workload as it automatically keeps pairs of folders in synchronization? It only runs when you start it yourself and therefor is good for periodic backup/synchronization.

SyncToy v2.0 Beta

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...36-98e0-4ee9-a7c5-98d0592d8c52&displaylang=en

 

[JockMullin]

I use Syncback (

http://www.2brightsparks.com)

for this.

Also, Microsoft's Robocopy is very good, especially if there is any chance some of the files may be open or it is a VPN network situation because it has very comprehensive retry/fallback options. It is part of Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit, but also supports XP and I know people running it on older platforms such as Win 2000.

Jock