
GatherBird Copy Large Files for .NET
Version 3.0
Document last updated on February 1st, 2012

Copy large files over unreliable and slow network connections.

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“GatherBird Copy Large Files for .NET” Main Screen

Contents

What is GatherBird Copy Large Files for .NET?
Why you need Copy Large Files
Why you Don’t need Copy Large Files
Quick Start
Global Options
Simple: Copy A Large File
Advanced Copy Options
AdvancedCopying
The wild card search screen
Command Line Utility (gbclf.exe)
System Requirements
How to install Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0
License Agreement
Company Information
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is GatherBird Copy Large Files for .NET?
GatherBird Copy Large Files (CLF) for .NET allows you to copy files over unreliable slow network connections and devices. It is particularly useful when copying files with Window Explorer fails due to the size of the file and instability of the network. CLF copies files up to 2 TB (Terabytes) in size (250 times as large as what a DVD can hold). CLF insures the copied file(s) are identical to the original. CLF is relentless in its attempts to copy your files, recover from errors, and automatically retries when necessary. CLF supports a resume feature and requires no intervention on your part to recover from problems. CLF also works great over USB drive connections and other devices.

Just select the file you want to copy, the destination directory, and hit the Copy button.

Why you need Copy Large Files?
Sometimes copying files to network drives, especially large files, can work intermittently or lock up your Windows Explorer. Typically, in a business environment, some network drives and directories can be located anywhere across the country and be on a slower (cheaper) type connection. Copying large files can be impossible or take multiple attempts because of network glitches that cancel the operation before the copy is finished. In these unstable environments corrupt files are commonly produced. Copy Large Files overcomes all these problems. The files get there and are exactly the same as the original.
Why you Don’t need Copy Large Files
Copy Large Files is not a file splitter.

Over reliable networks Copy Large Files copies files more slowly than Windows Explorer.

Copy Large File can not overcome Operating System file size system limits.

Quick Start
1. To copy a file click the large “Simple: Copy A Large File” button. This will show the “Simple File Copy” window

2. Enter the full path and file name of the file you want to copy into the “Copy this file” text box.


Hint: The file Browse button will allow you to select the file on your computer instead of typing the name manually.

Hint: Clicking the down arrow in the text boxes will show you choices you have made previously.

3. Enter the “Destination Directory”. The destination directory is where CLF will copy the file. This text box accepts a drive letter and path (i.e. N:\mybackups) OR a network address style directory name (\\Server1\directory\mybackups).

Hint: The directory Browse button will allow you to select the directory on your computer (or network drive) instead of typing the name manually.

4. Click the “Copy Now” button.

5. Your done. As the file is being copied the status is shown real time on the main screen in the “Status Window”.

Hint: You can right-click on each item in the Status Window to use functions like pause or view the log file.

Hint: You can choose multiple items in the list by holding down the Ctrl or Shift keys while clicking.

Hint: While a file is being copied you can choose to copy more files by clicking the large “Simple: Copy A Large File” again.

Global Options

View the Global Options window by clicking the “Options” tool bar button on the Main Screen.


When the “Beep when finished copying” option is checked then CLF will periodically beep after the copy has completed. Clicking on the “copy project” line in the status window will stop the beeping and flashing. Default OFF.

Tool tips are the extra text description that is shown when the mouse is positioned over items on the CLF screen. The “Show tool tips” option allows you to turn on or off the too tips. Default ON. Tool tips look like this:

When “Enable Logging” is checked then detailed information concerning the status of each file as it is being copied is saved to text file on your computer. This log file will contain information like when the copy was started, various errors encountered and overcome, and when the copy was finished. If you are having trouble then GatherBird support may ask you to send them a log file. The log file can be read in a text editor (like Notepad) or viewed by right-clicking the “copy project” line in the Status Window and choosing the “view log” option. It is not recommended creating log files on network or removable drives.

Hint: The log file is useful to check the status of files that were copied overnight.

When the logging is enabled then the “Logging Directory” text box will be available. Enter the directory name in this text box where you would like the logging files to be created.

Hint: When viewing the log file with a text editor search for the key words “SUCCESS” and “ERROR” to quickly see the most valuable information.

The Copy no more than ... files simultaneously to the same server option only applies when more than one project is actively copying files. Single projects only copy one file at a time. The purpose of this option is to limit the number of files that can be copied to the same server at the same time. Copying multiple files over slow/poor VPN connections can actually reduce the total time it takes to copy the files.

For the convenience of making data entry easier; CLF remembers directory names, files names, and other past entries in a configuration file. Clicking the “Clear History” button will remove these items from the configuration file. Also, clicking this button deletes any log files.

You have the option to disable many message boxes at the time they are viewed. This is
useful when you no longer want to see an informational or warning message box. Click the “Enable all Don’t ask me again warning messages” option to re-enable the message boxes which you have previously disabled by checking the “Don’t show me again” type options. Here is an example of one of the “Don’t ask me again” warnings:

Selecting A File To Copy

To copy a file click the large “Simple: Copy A Large File” button.

Enter the full path and file name of the file you want to copy into the “Copy this file” text box.

Hint: The file Browse button will allow you to select the file on your computer instead of typing the name manually.

Hint: The “Copy this file” text box contains a drop down list that can be seen by clicking the down arrow button. Use this to select files have previously entered.

The “Destination Directory” is where CLF will copy the file. It can be a network drive or a local drive. The drive name can be specified with a drive letter (for example g:\archive) or as a network drive address (for example \\MOSRV1\Netaddr\archive). If the directory does not exist you will be notified after clicking the “Copy Now” button. CLF will attempt to create the directory if it does not exist.

Hint: The “Destination Directory” “Browse” button will allow you to select the directory on your computer (or network drive) instead of typing the name manually.

Hint: The “Destination Directory” text box contains a drop down list that can be seen by clicking the down arrow button. Use this to select from item you have entered previously.

If the file can not be found you will be notified after clicking the “Copy Now” button. In this case, you can still attempt to copy the file because CLF will keep looking for the file and when it becomes available the copy process will start. This feature is used to automate a copy that will begin at a later point in time (when the file arrives).

Click the “Advanced” button to change the default options which determine how the file should be copied. These options include whether is is OK to copy over an existing file with the same name or to do additional accuracy checking.
Advanced Copy Options for individual copies



CLF will check for the existence of the destination file before attempting a copy. If a file with the same name as the source file already exists and that file is dated the same or newer than the source file then CLF will NOT copy the file. Checking the Copy even if an identically named destination file is newer option tells CLF to copy the file without checking if a newer copy already exists. In other words, always copy the file.

When “Overwrite identically named destination files” is selected CLF will copy over files with the same name if they exist in the destination directory. If the option Create “Copy (2) of” file if identically named destination file exists is selected then existing files with the same name will not be over written. Instead, the source file will be copied and re-named using the standard Windows “Copy (2)” convention.

Enable Fast Mode can increase copy speed up to 15% under some circumstances. Some systems may experience a slow down in other applications running in Windows when CLF is in fast mode. Also, closing CLF or using the pause feature while a copy is in progress may take longer to complete when in fast mode.

When the CRC option is checked CLF will read back the copied file during the copy process and check its accuracy against the original. This is a “double check” that contends with the problem of Windows inaccurately reported a successful copy. It is not usually needed. Checking this option will reduce the speed of CLF by half. If you ever experience a copied file that is not identical to the original you will need to check this option.

When the “Other programs may change the source files” option is checked CLF verifies that the source files have not been changed by another program while the copy is taking place. Most people do not have this problem. Note: If the destination file is deleted by another application during the copy then CLF will restart the copy regardless of this setting.

The “Reset” button allows you to reset the values to the defaults values that were in place the first time you ran CLF.

Advanced Copying


The Advanced Copy screen allows you to add multiple files to a Copy List. It is also possible to add files from a directory to the list. When clicking Copy Now all the files will be copied.

There are three way to add files to the copy list.

The browse button allows you to choose individual files. Single or multiple files can be added through the file selection dialog box that appears after clicking the browse button.

The history button allows you to select a group of files that you have previously copied. The history window will show the groups of files you have previously copied. Use the rename button to change the copy project name from the computer generated random string to a name that is more easily recognized.


The wild card search button allows you to copy files that are contained within a directory and its sub-directories.

Hint: Files can be dragged and dropped from Windows Explorer to the Copy list.

Hint: Right clicking items in the list will bring up a list box that allows you to remove or modify the items.


Hint: You can choose multiple items in the Copy list by holding down the Ctrl or Shift keys while clicking the items.

The Destination Directory is specifies where you would like the files to be copied. When copying multiple files from different directories to a destination directory CLF will maintain the directory structure when needed. This avoids the problem of where to copy identically named files.

For example, when CLF copying these two files to the directory f:\oldfiles

c:\backup\file1.txt => the end result will be => f:\oldfiles\file1.txt
c:\archive\file2.txt f:\oldfiles\file2.txt

However, when copying these two files identically named files to the directory f:\oldfiles

c:\backup\file1.txt => the end result will be => f:\oldfiles\backup\file1.txt
c:\archive\file1.txt f:\oldfiles\archive\file1.txt

The Advanced button allows the same option to be chosen as in the Simple: Copy A Large File process and is explained in that section of this document.



The wildcard search screen


The Filter option determines which files from a particular directory will be copied. Multiple filter options can be entered by separating them with a semicolon. For example “*.zip;*.txt” will copy all zip and text files. The filter is case insensitive and supports * and ? wild cards.

Hint: Using the * in a filter means look for zero or more characters. The ? looks for exactly zero or one character.

The Source Directory is the base directory where CLF will find the files that need to be copied.

When Include sub directories is checked then files that match the Filter will search for in directories under the Source Directory.

The Preview button allows you to see the list of the files that CLF will copy based on the criteria you have entered. This feature allows you to see the files before CLF attempts to copy them.



GatherBird Copy Large Files for .NET Command Line

The command line utility of GatherBird Copy Large File for .Net is named gbclf.exe. It accepts command line parameters allowing it to be easily used from an automated or batch process. gbclf.exe will recover (retry) when encountering network problems and automatically exits when the copy has finished. But ... unlike the Copy Large Files for .NET application, the command line utility will not resume copies after it has been closed or abnormally exits.

Note: When specifying directory names and file names that contain spaces quotes must be used. For example the “Documents and Settings” directory contains spaces so quotes must be used in the command line like this: gbclf -P"C:\Documents and Settings\All Users"

The command line supports two different styles of copies. The first is copying a single file and the second is copying multiple files from a directory. The syntax for copying a single file is:


Copying a Single File

gbclf.exe -S<full path and file name of source file> -D<destination directory> -O<options> -L<logging directory name> -X<minutes>

The <full path and file name of source file>, <destination directory>, and <logging directory name> may be enclosed in quotes. Sometimes this is actually necessary when a path name contain the 'space' character (for example “c:\program files”.

The < and > characters are shown above for notation purposes, do not include them in your command line.

The -L<logging directory name> is optional. Specifying this parameter will result in the creation of a text file that mirrors the text that is displayed in the command window. When this parameter is missing then no logging text file will be created. It is NOT recommended that you use a network or removable drive as your logging directory.

The -X parameter is optional. If specified the application will exit if no progress on copying is made within the number of minutes specified.

The -O<options> is optional. Without specifying any options the default parameters will be set to:

Do Not copy when a newer and identically named destination file already exists.
Create “Copy (2) of” file if identically named destination file exists
Disable Fast Mode
Disable CRC check
Other programs will not be changing the source files during the copy
Do not check the free disk space on the destination drive.

To override these defaults specify -ODCFRPSI

D Always copy the file. Does not check if a file with the same name and same or later date in the destination directory already exists.
C Overwrite files instead of creating “Copy (2)” files.
F Enable Fast Mode
R Enable CRC check
P Anticipate that the source file may be changed while the copy is in progress.
S Copy sub directories (This option is ignored when copying single files).
I Do not attempt copy if insufficient space on destination drive.

Example 1: gbclf.exe -Sc:\backup\sql07092006.zip -Dn:\archive -Lc:\backup
Example 2: gbclf.exe -Sc:\program files\MSV7\source.zip -Dn:\archive
Example 3: gbclf.exe -S\\SrvCali\LA\sqlbackup -D\\SrvNY\NY\sqlarchive\cali -OCR

Copying Multiple Files

gbclf.exe -P<source directory> -D<destination directory> -F<filter> -O<options> -L<logging directory name> -X<minutes>

The <source directory> is where gbclf.exe will look for the files it will attempt to copy. The S option tells gbclf.exe to look in the subdirectories as well.
The <filter> is not required. It is assumed to be *.* when not specified. Multiple filter options can be entered by separating them with a semicolon. For example “*.zip;*.txt” will copy all zip and text files. The filter is case insensitive and supports * and ? wild cards.

Example1: gbclf -P\\server1\south\archive -Dc:\backup\Aug -OS -Lc:\backup\logs
Example2: gbclf -P"C:\Documents and Settings\All Users" -Dn:\userbackup\ben -F*.doc;*.pdf -OCS
Update History

Version 3.0 Released February 1st, 2011
A new timeout feature was added to the command line version of CLF. A timeout parameter has been added that tells the application to exit if no file copy progress is made within a configured number of minutes.

Version 2.9 released February 5th, 2011

The .NET version of CLF advanced copy screen shows a progress bar when many files are dragged and dropped onto the listbox.

Minor GUI improvements for the .NET version of CLF. The option screen save button is only active when changes to the options have been made.

System Requirements
Compatible operating system versions: All Windows desktop and server operating systems XP through Windows 7.
Required software: Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0 or higher
Disk space needed to install: 2 megabytes

How to install Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0

Running Copy Large Files for .NET without having the Microsoft .Net Framework installed on your computer will lead to and error message like this



You can install the Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0 by following the directions on this Microsoft website.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=9cfb2d51-5ff4-4491-b0e5-b386f32c0992&displaylang=en

Alternatively the Microsoft .Net Framework can be installed through the standard Windows Update process. Currently, the .Net Framework is under the optional or “custom” section of the Microsoft website so it must be specifically selected.


License Agreement
Copy Large Files
GatherBird

License Agreement
You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software.

Unless you have a different license agreement signed by GatherBird your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

Registered Version
One registered copy of Copy Large Files may be used by a single person and immediate family for non business use on up to 5 computers or installed on a single workstation used non-simultaneously by multiple people in a business environment, or both.

You may access the registered version of Copy Large Files through a network, provided that you have obtained individual licenses for the software covering all workstations that will access the software through the network. For instance, if 8 different workstations will access Copy Large Files on the network, each workstation must have its own Copy Large Files license, regardless of whether they use Copy Large Files at different times or concurrently.

Governing Law
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Kansas.
Disclaimer of Warranty
THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD ""AS IS"" AND
WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. Because of the various hardware and software environments into which Copy Large Files may be put, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.

Demo Version.
This is not free software. Subject to the terms below, you are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 45 days. If you use this software after the 45 day evaluation period a registration fee required. Unregistered use of Copy Large Files after the 45-day evaluation period is in violation of U.S. and international copyright laws.

Distribution
Provided that you verify that you are distributing the evaluation version you are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the evaluation version of this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original evaluation version to anyone; and distribute the evaluation version of the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means. There is no charge for any of the above.

You are specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and from distributing the software and/or documentation with other products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written permission.

Company Information

Internet Web Page
www.gatherbird.com

Contact Kaleen Fields for help on any product installation, usage, or the registration procedure at:
support@gatherbird.com

Send product suggestions to Ben Fields at
president@gatherbird.com


FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

I am copying a file from a Windows 2000 computer to a Windows 98 computer and Copy Large Files stops copying the file at 2 GB (or 4 GB).

Windows Operating Systems have a maximum file size limitation which can vary depending on how the hard drive is formatted and the BIOS settings of the computer. CLF can not workaround this Operating System limitation.

Basically, Windows 98 computers have a maximum file size limitation of either 2GB or 4 GB depending on if the hard drive is formatted as FAT16 or FAT32. The BIOS on the computer can also affect the limit. Windows NT based systems will have a have a maximum file size limitation of either 4GB or 2 TB (2 TB is huge) depending on whether the hard drive is formatted as FAT32 or NTFS.