In this continuation of the previous guide, we will explore additional command-line tools in Windows that are essential for managing disk operations. These commands provide powerful capabilities for copying files, checking system files and their integrity, managing partitions.

 The first part can be found here: Guide to Disk Management Command-Line Tools in Windows.

The `robocopy` Command

The `robocopy` (Robust File Copy) command is a powerful file copying tool that allows for the replication of directories and files. Unlike the basic `copy` or `xcopy` commands, `robocopy` is designed to handle large file transfers and can resume copying after interruptions.

Copying Directories with `robocopy`

To copy the contents of the `Downloads` directory, including all files and subdirectories, to the `c:\Users` directory:

1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

2. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   robocopy Downloads c:\Users

   This command replicates the `Downloads` directory to the `c:\Users` directory, preserving the directory structure and contents.

   - Note: `robocopy` is particularly useful for copying large amounts of data, as it is designed to handle network interruptions and can resume copying from where it left off.

The `sfc` Command

The `sfc` (System File Checker) command scans and repairs system files that are corrupted or missing. This command is crucial for maintaining system stability and integrity.

Running a Full System File Check

To scan all protected system files and repair any issues:

1. In the **Command Prompt**, type the following command and press `Enter`:

   sfc /scannow

   This command may take some time to complete, as it thoroughly checks all protected system files and repairs any corrupted ones.

   - Note: If you encounter integrity issues that have been repaired successfully, this command is recommended after system crashes or when experiencing system instability.

Repairing a Specific System File

To scan and repair a specific system file:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   sfc /scanfile=c:\windows\system32\ieframe.dll

   This command specifically checks the `ieframe.dll` file in the `system32` directory for corruption and repairs it if necessary.

Verifying System Files Without Repairing

To verify the integrity of protected system files without making any repairs:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   sfc /verifyonly

   This command scans the files and reports any integrity violations without attempting to fix them.

   - Note: This process can take a considerable amount of time. If needed, you can cancel the operation by pressing `Ctrl + C`.

The `diskpart` Command

The `diskpart` command is a disk management tool that allows you to create, delete, and manage disk partitions. It is a powerful tool for managing hard drives, SSDs, and external storage devices.

Starting `diskpart`

To start the `diskpart` utility:

1. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press `Enter`:

   diskpart

   This command opens the `diskpart` shell, where you can execute disk management commands.

Listing Available Disks

To view all available disks on the system:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   list disk

   This command lists all the disks connected to the system, including their sizes and status.

Selecting a Disk

To select a specific disk (e.g., Disk 1):

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   select disk 1

   This selects Disk 1, allowing you to manage its partitions.

   - Note: The selected disk will be marked with an asterisk `*`.

Listing Partitions on a Disk

To list all partitions on the selected disk:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   list partition

   This command displays all partitions on the selected disk.

Selecting a Partition

To select a specific partition (e.g., Partition 2):

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   select partition 2

Making a Partition Active

To mark a selected partition as active:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   active

   - Note: If the partition cannot be marked as active (e.g., it is not on a fixed MBR disk), you will receive an error message.

Formatting a Partition

To perform a quick format of the selected partition with the NTFS file system and assign it a drive letter:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   format fs=ntfs label=F quick

   This command formats the partition and assigns it the label "F".

Exiting `diskpart`

To exit the `diskpart` utility and return to the standard command prompt:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   exit

   - Note: You can view a list of all available `diskpart` commands by typing `help` within the `diskpart` shell.

Conclusion

In this second installment of the series on disk management command-line tools, we have delved deeper into advanced functionalities that empower users to optimize their Windows systems. By covering robocopy, sfc, and diskpart, you have expanded on the foundational tools introduced earlier, offering a holistic view of how command-line utilities can be leveraged for effective system management. As readers progress through both parts of this guide, they gain a robust toolkit for handling everything from simple file transfers to complex system repairs and disk configurations. Armed with this knowledge, users can confidently manage their system's storage and integrity, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.