Copying encrypted files to a non-encrypted folder using robocopy

If I use robocopy to copy encrypted files to a shared folder that does not support encryption, it fails with a

The specified file could not be encrypted.

This happens with or without the /EFSRAW flag.

Is there an equivalent for robocopy of the /G flag of xcopy that allows copying encrypted files to an unencrypted folder?

user209974

Posted 2019-02-14T15:11:15.870

Reputation: 121

@harrymc Not a duplicate, I am asking specifically about robocopy, which is not mentioned in the other Q&A – user209974 – 2019-02-14T15:24:21.787

But there is no solution with robocopy. You need to locally copy the files with EFS, unencrypt them, and then move to the shared folder. – harrymc – 2019-02-14T15:47:30.417

Maybe you can explore using a file system for the share that is compatible with EFS if the reader of the data once transferred is also expected to be able to decrypt it using EFS. If there is a require for encryption in transit and decrypting before transmitting is not an option, perhaps you need another file-level technology that is compatible across the source and destination file system such as PGP, Zip 256 bit AES, etc.? Depending on your requirements if any are applicable will depend on an ultimate solution your the end goal of your task. – Pimp Juice IT – 2019-02-14T16:22:24.510

@harrymc Ok thanks. It feels a bit awkward that robocopy is less capable than xcopy (or even plain copy) in that regard. – user209974 – 2019-02-15T08:46:34.620

Robocopy uses the wrong Windows API for doing what you are asking for. Possibly some third-party product may do it better, but I don't know of one. – harrymc – 2019-02-15T09:51:58.210

Copying encrypted files to a non-encrypted folder using robocopy

No answers