What Happens when you Merge Directories in Windows XP?

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A merge directories command in Windows XP has the same effect as a merge folders command, with the added benefit that nothing is deleted, and everything kept as they are. Check additional information about Merge Directories.

What happens when you merge directories in Windows XP? The effect is exactly as the term implies. When you merge two directories, there results a single location containing all the files of the other ones. In effect, all of them are combined in a single directory; much like ten people sharing a single room.

What is remarkable with the command is that no files are being deleted in the process. In the conventional copy and paste command, if there are identical documents in the destination, the files therein have to be deleted before the documents of the source can be copied. This is not merging as described. This is a simple replacement of contents. The term "merging" implies that two factors become a single one. Thus, for two or more directories to merge, they must create a single one in the end, retaining all the content files of its components.

When you perform this command, the source directory is merged with the destination directory, with the contents of the former being transferred to the latter. The result is a single location containing all the files of both the source and the destination. If there are identity issues, these issues are resolved in such a way that no file is deleted and that everything stays the same - except the location, that is.

This is the most convenient method of synchronizing your data in more than one computer - effectively setting up a backup mechanism to preserve your data. In performing the function, all you have to do is copy a folder from the source directory into the destination directory, where the same folder already exists. When the popup message stating that there is already an identical folder in the destination directory appears, selecting yes will merge the both locations to a single one. The merging function can be performed manually with the use of the facilities of a Windows operating system. Also, there are software programs available for download as demo programs that can do merging for you, with the additional benefit of letting you determine which files will be disposed of and which ones will be retained.

This command is most applicable in cases where you need to make a backup of your contents and to update them at the same time. This is because no file deletion takes place, as previously discussed. You are able to update your files without having to replace anything. Thus, a merging command may be likened to a backing up and updating command - except that both functions are prepared all at once.

Using a software program for merging your locations may be the best option to take at this point, for the reason that programs specifically designed for merging directories will give you better assurance that the precious contents contained in the destination are preserved and kept as they are. The merge directories command has a lot of applications in the hands of a capable and experienced Windows user. This will come in handy if you are trying to clear out a certain drive without having to endure the tedious process of backing up your files or making a record of the same.

If you are interested in Merge Directories, check this link to find out more about synchronize directories. Also, you can check other articles in General category.

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