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ASimple batch file question

Im trying to learn to write batch files primarily for backup purposes. I'd like to create a custom batch file for a few employee's who are not capble of backing their files up. So Im reading about it and trying some different things with limited sucess. I understand most of the switches.
Is there something special needed to go to say C:\Documents and settings\John Doe\My Documents because it doesn't work for me. However C:\Dell would.

Heres one that works:
xcopy /e /v /y C:\dell E:\Music
Heres one that doesn't:
xcopy /e /v /y C:\Documents and Settings\John Doe\My Documents E:\John Doe

Is it a folder attribute? A needed switch? Is there an easy way to learn\test batch files?

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sirbounty

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Guy Hengel [angelIII / a3]

for folders with spaces, use double quotes around it:

xcopy /e /v /y "C:\Documents and Settings\John Doe\My Documents" "E:\John Doe"

sirbounty

Or, you can use the short-version:

xcopy /e /v /y C:\Docume~1\JohnDo~1\MyDocu~1 E:\John Doe

or, if it's the currently logged on user,

xcopy /e /v /y "%userprofile%\My Documents" E:\John Doe

Guy Hengel [angelIII / a3]

sirbounty, you were faster, but this time too fast :-) you overlooked the last space ---
CHeers

sirbounty

Guess that first comment: "Spaces need to be enclosed in quotes:"
saved me, eh? lol :^)

and235100

I wouldn't use xcopy at all.

Use robocopy - http://www.ss64.com/nt/robocopyXP.html

It has far many more options than xcopy - and is a preferred command for batch files...

zen_68

ASKER

Thanks for the help guys.
Im guessing I'll be back..lol

zen_68

ASKER

And I'll give robocopy a try.

sirbounty

Thanx. :^)

and235100

Mmm - as I said before - xcopy is not the best answer - but I suppose - it is up to you, zen_68...