Do you run batch files or other scripts to copy files from your network server to client machines? Recently, TechRepublic passport owner Michael Cebula asked for help from fellow TechRepublic readers—and got an answer—by posting a question in the TechRepublic forums. Here’s the summary.

If you’re copying from the server, use Ncopy
Michael encountered an error labeled “incorrect function” when he tried to run a batch file that included the Xcopy command. Michael wrote, “I’ve come across this error in two different situations. We are running Windows 95 with Client32 V 3.01 logging into NetWare 4.11 server. The first time was when running a batch file from the login script to copy files down to a PC at login time. The second is overnight when we use a DOS connection to login to Novell and run a batch file to copy down files to the PC. The second problem has occurred on 70 client PCs of 4100. One night it will happen on a PC, and then the next night it might or might not happen. The guy at Microsoft hasn’t been too helpful on the error message. Any comments or thoughts on what to try?”

LutzD wrote: “Try using Ncopy, the Novell command, instead of Xcopy. I have found other similar problems in this environment and using Ncopy resolved the problem in most cases.” Mark Soteo agreed: “I agree with LutzD 100 percent. I’ve had Xcopy problems, especially copying over 200 MB worth of data, and Ncopy always works. Plus, it’s faster depending on your setup.”

What’s your experience?

The Ncopy command works much like the Xcopy command. It completely copies a file into the server’s memory before copying it to the destination drive. If you’ve used Ncopy and would like to share your experience with it, please post a comment below. You can follow this link to read the entire forum thread.

 

Do you run batch files or other scripts to copy files from your network server to client machines? Recently, TechRepublic passport owner Michael Cebula asked for help from fellow TechRepublic readers—and got an answer—by posting a question in the TechRepublic forums. Here’s the summary.

If you’re copying from the server, use Ncopy
Michael encountered an error labeled “incorrect function” when he tried to run a batch file that included the Xcopy command. Michael wrote, “I’ve come across this error in two different situations. We are running Windows 95 with Client32 V 3.01 logging into NetWare 4.11 server. The first time was when running a batch file from the login script to copy files down to a PC at login time. The second is overnight when we use a DOS connection to login to Novell and run a batch file to copy down files to the PC. The second problem has occurred on 70 client PCs of 4100. One night it will happen on a PC, and then the next night it might or might not happen. The guy at Microsoft hasn’t been too helpful on the error message. Any comments or thoughts on what to try?”

LutzD wrote: “Try using Ncopy, the Novell command, instead of Xcopy. I have found other similar problems in this environment and using Ncopy resolved the problem in most cases.” Mark Soteo agreed: “I agree with LutzD 100 percent. I’ve had Xcopy problems, especially copying over 200 MB worth of data, and Ncopy always works. Plus, it’s faster depending on your setup.”

What’s your experience?

The Ncopy command works much like the Xcopy command. It completely copies a file into the server’s memory before copying it to the destination drive. If you’ve used Ncopy and would like to share your experience with it, please post a comment below. You can follow this link to read the entire forum thread.