How to get computer to transfer files completely even if there's a hiccup file

Discussion in 'macOS' started by jman995x, May 25, 2013.

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  1. jman995x, May 25, 2013

    jman995x macrumors regular

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2007
    #1
    I just got a new iMac and am transferring all of the files from my many external drives onto a new 6TB drive. Because I have so many files, the Finder Copy window will give estimates of 6 or 7 hours. I'll get a couple of hours into the transfer of files and get an error message stating that the operation can't be completed because one of the files can't be read.

    Why doesn't the computer either give you this error message and give you the choice to continue the transfer and negate the errant file....or just do the entire transfer and let you know about the file it couldn't copy at the conclusion of the transfer? Why does it not only not complete the transfer, but also UNDO all of the files that it has already transferred. This doesn't seem logical at all to be an "all or none" scenario when it comes to transferring files.
     
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  2. Fishrrman, May 25, 2013

    Fishrrman macrumors G5

    Fishrrman

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    #2
    A few thoughts…

    First thought:
    Consider "breaking up" your file transfers into smaller "chunks".
    Perhaps several "top level" folders at a time. Even just one at a time.
    Keep a HANDWRITTEN record of what's been transferred, so you don't go in circles.
    If you have a problem with a top level folder, then it's time to "go deeper" and weed out the problem files that won't copy.

    This way, if a file "chokes the process", you can identify the file (or folder), and perhaps either try a "single, hand-copy" of the problem file, or perhaps consider just deleting it so it doesn't choke the transfer again.

    Yes, it will take more time, but will smooth the frustrations you're currently experiencing.

    Second thought:
    Download CarbonCopyCloner from here:
    http://www.bombich.com/download.html
    It's "pay for" software, but you can use all its functions free for the first 30 days.

    Then, set it up to "clone" the contents of one old drive at a time, to your new drive.
    IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT -- you need to enable the feature by which CCC will keep old files when it transfers new ones (you don't want the older files erased).

    I believe that when doing a clone, CCC will "overlook" bad files (that can't be copied due to corruption, etc.) and go right on copying the "good ones". Worth a try.
     
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  3. Drew017, May 25, 2013

    Drew017 macrumors 65816

    Drew017

    Joined:
    May 29, 2011
    Location:
    East coast, USA
    #3
    Usually Finder will tell you what file is corrupted… but I do agree with you on this, because it can be annoying to do it again :p Do you have any clue about what the corrupted file might be?
     
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  4. justperry, May 25, 2013
    Last edited: May 25, 2013

    justperry macrumors G3

    justperry

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2007
    Location:
    In the core of a black hole.
    #4
    That's the main reason I never use Finder if I have to copy many files in many folder.
    You can use "Sync Folders Free for Mac" which is free but I don't know if it works well and if it copies Data as is with Permissions and other Mac file settings or Synchronize! Pro X which is not free but does its job well.

    http://www.greenworldsoft.com/sync-folders-free-help.html

    CCC is free up until 3.4.7 and can still be downloaded and works well for this.

    Edit: Protect Folders on root level also does the job.(In CCC)
     
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