Thinkpads Forum

Fast Batch File Copy from CDs to External HDD

I have a whole bunch of data and stuff in "huge number" of old CDs. I want to consolidate them into 2 or 3 1Tb HDDs.

The CDs could be Data, Audio, Bootables.

I could go into Windows Explorer and do the drag & drop / Copy / Paste thing. A couple of issues. Windows Explorer is SLOW, and the STATUS it shows when copying files is not REAL. I'd like a REAL percentage status showing copier.

Something that helps me spend the least amount of time, attention on making this happen. Minimum Intervention.

Ideally it would be a program / app that does the following:
1 - Does fast copying
2 - Automatically creates new folders in a specified location as it copies & places the content of the next CD
3 - Prior to copying it asks what MODE the CD needs to be backed up >
ISO, Simple File Copy, Audio (Raw / mp3), "Name the Folder".
4 - Copies showing REAL status and REAL (estimated) time left until this one is complete
5- Once completed with one CD / Disk
> It NOTIFIES with Visual / Sound clue
> EJECTS the Disk
> Prompts again for next disk
> Asks same "WHAT KIND OF COPY" question for the next disk.
> Does this until all Disks are backed up - Like a BATCH of them are done.

BONUS: Does some kind of Cataloging as it copies. Maybe asks for Categories / Labels / Tags.

Thanks. Please do advise if you know any apps that do similar or partial functionality that I have requested.

The only easy way of doing the tasks you mention would be to write a custom shell script in linux - I don't know of any windows based (GUI based or otherwise) that'll do ALL of the things you want.

I use PowerDesk (but in V6).
It has a slew of options, that even after using it for many years, I have not tried them all out yet.
It is very fast, with quite accurate time-remaining indications.
More often than not you don't even see that screen, as it is so fast.
It does not ask what type of copy you want, but it copies source exactly to destination.
It has dual-pane display as well.
Could not live without this program to be honest.

http://www.avanquest.com/USA/pc-tools/u ... Pro_7.html