Exclude folders in batch-copy-script

Question

I am using a batch file on a USB stick to backup my pictures. I use the following command: ``` for /r C:\ %%x in (*.jpg *.png *.gif) do @copy /y %%x . ``` I want to exclude files in the mailfolder WINDOWS and PROGRAM FILES. Does anyone have an idea how I can do this with a batch file?

Accepted Answer

Drop `COPY` and use `ROBOCOPY` which exists in Windows Vista+ & is downloadable for prior versions.

It supports `/XD` to exclude specific directories & `/XF` to exclude file masks at the command line.

E.g.

```
robocopy.exe c:\ c:\destination\ *.jpg *.png *.gif /xd "Program files" "windows" /S
```

(Note this will recreate the directory structure in c:\destination\, which thinking about it may not be what you want)

Exclude folders in batch-copy-script

Solution

Problem