xcopy "H:\*.*" "C:\profiles\sys5nh\..." /d /s /e /c /i /h /r /k /o /y


/d
Copies only source files that are newer than existing destination files. Basically, existing source files that have not been modified since the last backup will not be copied, saving time (if you're like me and have 50GB of MP3s, this is an essential switch!)

/s
Copies directories and subdirectories. This is a very important switch, as most of us will have stuff in subdirectories we want to back up.

/e
Copies empty subdirectories. I use this, although I probably don't really need to.

/c
Ignores errors. This alone is the reason I love xcopy: one corrupted file can bring XP's regular file copy to a screeching hault. But with xcopy and this switch enabled, corrupt files are skipped and your backup continues (FYI: the regular Vista copy is smart like xcopy, and will do the same thing).

/i
If Source is a directory or contains wildcards and Destination does not exist, xcopy assumes destination specifies a directory name and creates a new directory. Then, xcopy copies all specified files into the new directory. By default, xcopy prompts you to specify whether Destination is a file or a directory (directly from MS...I don't fully get this one, but it works better with it enabled).

/h
Copies files with hidden and system file attributes. By default, xcopy does not copy hidden or system files.

/r
Copies read-only files.

/k
Copies files and retains the read-only attribute on destination files if present on the source files. By default, xcopy removes the read-only attribute.

/o
Copies file ownership and discretionary access control list (DACL) information.
*** The /o option gave me a permissions issue.  So I didn't use it.  07-01-15

/y
Suppresses prompts (overwrites existing files automatically). Unless you want to babysit your backup, you'll want to enable this option for sure.

/f (I don't need this)
This shows the full source & destination paths of each file being copied.