I'm trying to back up several computers that run on a huge network. They are currently on the Windows 3.11 w/DOS 6.2. I can get into Windows without having to log into the network, or end the batch at startup going directly to the C:> prompt. I have to believe there's a DOS command that will copy all types of files to a backup directory. My main objective is to copy all existing files that are located on one drive, but may be embedded within a variety of directories and sub directories. I've tried: (copy *.doc C:\backup /s) but I get the 'ol "invalid switch" error message. I don't want to go into the file manager and search for all files each and every time since I have hundreds to back up. There has to be a way to get a DOS command to search the entire tree of a drive while copying at the same time. I'm open to suggestions. I've thought of Xcopy, but that doesn't seem to be the right logic in this case. I keep forgeting to bring my DOS book to work. Thanks

Hi, I think your thought about Xcopy is the right one. It must understand /S switch and copy all subdirectories. Use it instead of Copy command in your example and for more information type XCOPY /? at the DOS prompt. Good luck, Igor M

Hi, I was off looking for this file and when I got back ,I see you already have an answer. Well so as the reasearch time was not waisted LOL LOL. The file has been copied an pasted so it will need a little editing. Hope this will also help you out. Just change the source and desination. Example xcopy c:\*.* c:\backup /h /i /r /y cls @echo off rem first two back up rem third restores xcopy %windir%\*.dat c:\register /h /i /r /y xcopy %windir%\*.ini c:\register /h /i /r /y xcopy c:\register %windir% /h /r /y The /h will copy the hidden files, so there is no need to change attributes back and forth. The /i tells xcopy to create the target directory if it does not already exist (c:\register in this example). The /r overwrites the read only files that are in the target directory from previous backups. The /y runs the command automatically without intervention.(ignores errors (win95 swap)) Note: You could include /m to avoid copying files that have not been changed since the last time you ran the batch file.. BUT if you are using another backup program it may not backup these files because the /m parameter turns OFF the archive attribute.. and your backup program may depend on that flag to know if a file has been modified. If you create a file with a text editor and put those two lines in it and name it regbat.bat and just run that batch file every week or two... then if you have a problem with your register and init files you'll have a backup to fix/restore you important windows files. The following command would bring them all back: xcopy c:\register %windir% /h /r /y Well I guess I should go and cause some trouble on Usenet.......lol lol giggle. World Library

Have you ever considered a Tape Backup drive, it can back up an entire drive, depending on size. I use an 'Imation' that uses 800mb compressed to 400mb tapes and can be used in DOS as well as Windows 3.1/95. Worth checking out if you can afford one.

GOOD DAY,HOW DO I FIX EDIT COMMANDS IN CONFIG.SYS?I HAVE ERROR MESSAGES ON CERTAIN LINES.

It depends on what lines are the problem, it could be a syntax error [you might have left something out]If you have or know somebody that has Windows 95 CD, there's a DOS help file in ?:\OTHER\OLDMSDOS, it certainly helped me a few times getting devices to work in DOS and loading memory managers, your best bet or buy a book on DOS

Error messages? Copy and paste the ofending file here and you will I am sure get lots of help. W.L.