How do I Copy Hidden Files? What are Protected Files? - Search Again

 

SUMMARY

I need to copy hidden files from one of my computers. How can I do this? Sometimes when I transfer files, a warning dialog appears with a list of files that didn't get copied. How can I prevent this dialog?

 

SOLUTION

These two questions highlight one of the very powerful features in LapLink, its ability to copy any file. To prevent novice LapLink users from accidentally copying files that can cause problems on their computers, LapLink does not show hidden files by default and there are several files that cannot be copied unless you specifically tell LapLink it is okay to do so. These files include: hidden files that start your computer, System.ini, Win.ini, Autoexec.bat, Config.sys, Command.com, and other system drivers.

In order to tell LapLink to transfer hidden/system files you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Establish your LapLink connection using your favorite connection method.

  2. From the View menu, click Filter and place a check mark in the Show Hidden/System Files box. This will allow you to see hidden/system files on both computers.

  3. Copy the files using any file transfer method.

  4. If you have selected a directory that contains hidden or system files, you will be presented with a Protected Files dialog after all other files have been copied. This dialog lists every file that has been excluded because it is a protected file. You have three choices:


    • Cancel If you click this button the transfer will terminate


    • Select All If you choose this button, LapLink will transfer all files that are designated in the window as protected files.


    • OK This will select only the file(s) that have been highlighted and ignore the remaining files in the Protected Files window.


  5. The file transfer will finish once one of these selections has been made.

Note: The only way to avoid the Protected Files dialog is to make certain that the directory you are copying does not have any hidden or system files in it. LapLink will always present the dialog.

 

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Last updated: Thursday, May 31, 2001

Article #59

Legacy Article #2039