I'm wondering about the risks of file corruption when I'm copying files from a network server to an external hard drive. Specifically, if there's an interruption during the process, like a power loss or if I accidentally close the window, what are the chances that either the copied files or the source files could get corrupted? Are the original files recoverable if something goes wrong?
3 Answers
When copying files over a network, you should be aware that the speed can be limited by the connections involved. If you're transferring many files at once, a slowdown can occur, which might create issues. It's a good idea to keep an eye on things if you're doing a big transfer.
In most cases, issues during the transfer only affect the files being sent, not the source files. However, any system can suffer from data loss if the power goes out while it's working. If things go smoothly, your source should remain intact, even if something messes up with the copying.
The source files are likely fine since copying from the source is a read-only operation. If you're worried about interruptions, you might want to invest in a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to keep everything running during outages or interruptions. It’s a great way to ensure your data stays safe.
What is a UPS? I had a situation at work where I closed my file window by accident while copying files overnight. Some files copied, but I'm anxious about whether I corrupted the originals since the process might have still been running.