Want to copy files you don't have access to?

No, I’m not a hacker, I’m an administrator wanting to copy files from one server to another in a domain environment. The folders are restricted to users only and deny the Administrator from viewing them.

As the admin, I could take ownership of the files, and then give myself permission to read them, then copy the files

-- OR --

I could use robocopy /b. The “/b” means to copy it in backup operator mode.

The only other thing you need to do, is add the user who is performing the robocopy command to the “Backup Operators” group. This will maintain permissions, but allow you to copy all files!

This is also a handy tip for home-grown backup solutions of computers that don't have an integrated backup solution.