Move folder and its contents but preserve the folder structure in the source

Help & Support
1

I've tried searching this online, but I haven't come across the right button code.

Sorry of the length, but I really need to type it because it's seemingly simple in my imagination - but difficult to articulate...

I have a 'Source' folder named "OBS Recordings" that exists at this path:

  • A:\Gaming\GTA V\OBS Recordings\

Naturally within my source folder, I have multiple subfolders and files that should be moved:

  • ex. OBS Recordings\Saturday\video.mp4
  • ex. OBS Recordings\Sunday\Team Game\video.mp4
  • etc.

I want to move the folder and its contents to a new 'Target' location:

  • E:\GTA V Backups\

So cutting and pasting the "OBS Recordings" folder would accomplish what I want within the 'Target' folder:

  • E:\GTA V Backups\OBS Recordings

However the problem is in the 'Source' folder.
In normal move behavior, the "OBS Recordings" folder and all its sub-content is deleted.
Instead, I'd like only the files to be deleted - while preserving the folder+subfolder structure.

Does that make sense?
Can I create a button to accomplish this?

2

Overview...

  1. Copy over the selected folder(s) content to predefined target location.
  2. Delete all files within the selected source folder(s) using delete filter.

Create an Advanced selection (delete) filter...

Name      Match      *      (Use wildcards)

Name it, save it.

Then in a button or hotkey.

@disableifpath:!A:\Gaming\GTA V\
@disablenosel:dirs
@nodeselect
Copy TO "E:\GTA V Backups\"
Delete FILTER "name_of_filter_saved_above"

If you would like to suppress the delete confirmation dialog.

Delete FILTER "name_of_filter_saved_above" QUIET

Best to test this on a copy of your data and not original until you're comfortable with the results.

3

Sorry I couldn't edit this into the original post...I have to perform this action on multiple locations, not just the specific locations I mentioned.

Is possible to create a custom "Paste" style button that could move the cut contents normally...but preserve the source folder structure? Something where I don't always have to edit in the locations?

Again, I apologize and appreciate your effort.

4

The @disable* command modifiers at the top are not required. I added them to prevent accidental execution where wasn't intended. The command should already work for any source folder(s) you have selected.

You can create multiple button/menu items to address each seprate location...

Button1:
Copy TO "E:\folder1"

Button2:
Copy TO "E:\folder2"

Otherwise if you want to work with the dual lister and copy the selected source folder to destination side...

@disablenosel:dirs
@nodeselect
Copy
Delete FILTER "name_of_filter_saved_above"

Short of a script, this is an easier solution to Copy over then delete the source files with delete filter while keeping the folder structure intact.

1 Like
5

Alternatively, you could turn on flat view and recreate the folder structure during the move operation. If you want to use a delete filter, I'd recommend Type rather than Name.

6

Just tried this and it worked perfectly in dual lister mode. Thanks so much man!

I did this kind of file moving manually yesterday and it cost me hours of time.
What a life saver!