Move files from local to network drive without stealing away focus on production computer

When working in a production environment, it is common to have a local computer where you do your work and a network drive where you store your files. However, moving files from your local computer to the network drive can sometimes steal away the focus from your production computer, causing interruptions and slowing down your work. In this article, we will discuss how to move files from a local to a network drive without stealing away the focus on your production computer.

Before we begin, it is important to understand the concept of a network drive. A network drive is a storage location on a network that is accessible to multiple computers. It allows users to store and access files from a central location, eliminating the need for individual storage on each computer.

Method 1: Using Background File Transfer

The first method we will discuss is using a background file transfer tool. There are several tools available that allow you to transfer files from your local computer to a network drive in the background, without interrupting your work.

One popular tool is Robocopy, a command-line utility built into Windows. Robocopy allows you to copy files and directories from one location to another while preserving file attributes and permissions. It runs in the background, so you can continue working on your production computer without any interruptions.

To use Robocopy, open a Command Prompt window by pressing Win + R and typing cmd. In the Command Prompt window, navigate to the directory where your files are located by using the cd command. Then, use the following command to copy the files to the network drive:

Replace source_folder with the path to your local folder and destination_folder with the path to the network drive folder. The /E option ensures that all subdirectories are copied, the /ZB option allows Robocopy to copy files in backup mode, and the /MT option enables multi-threaded copying for faster performance.

Another tool you can use is FreeFileSync. FreeFileSync is a free and open-source file synchronization tool that can be configured to run in the background. It provides a graphical interface, making it easier to use for entry-level users. Simply select the files you want to transfer, choose the network drive as the destination folder, and configure the synchronization options. FreeFileSync will then run in the background, transferring the files without stealing away the focus on your production computer.

Method 2: Using File Drag and Drop

If you prefer a more straightforward method, you can simply use the drag and drop feature to move files from your local computer to the network drive. This method is suitable for smaller files or when you only need to transfer a few files at a time.

To use this method, open two File Explorer windows side by side, one displaying the files on your local computer and the other displaying the files on the network drive. Then, simply click and drag the files from your local computer to the network drive. The files will be copied or moved, depending on the settings of your File Explorer.

While this method is easy to use, it may not be suitable for large files or when you need to transfer a large number of files. In such cases, using a background file transfer tool like Robocopy or FreeFileSync is recommended.

Moving files from a local computer to a network drive is an essential task in a production environment. However, it can be disruptive if it steals away the focus on your production computer. By using background file transfer tools like Robocopy or FreeFileSync, or by simply using the drag and drop feature in File Explorer, you can seamlessly transfer files to the network drive without interrupting your work.