Q. How can I copy files and keep their security and permissions?

A. By default when you copy files from one NTFS partition to another, the files inherit their protections from the parent directory. It is possible to copy the files and keep their settings using the SCOPY program that comes with the NT resource kit. SCOPY can copy owner and security audit information:
SCOPY c:\savilltech\secure.dat d:\temp\ /o /a
would copy the owner and auditing information. You can also use /s to copy information in subdirectories.

The restriction for this command is that both the origin and target drives must be NTFS or the command will fail.

This FAQ is copyright © 1999 John Savill (SavillTech Ltd). No part of this document should be reproduced, distributed or altered without my written permission. Contact Information.