Need to create a batch file to select one random file from a folder and copy to another folder

Question

I need to create a batch file for Windows OS that will select a random file from a particular folder, then copy that file to a different folder. I still need a copy of that file to remain in the original location.

FYI, it needs to be a batch file.

Thanks in advance for your help...

Batch file for what kind of operating system? Windows, linuxes (+unix) and OS X have different languages to implements such functionality. — рüффп, Sep 22 '13 at 16:00
Windows... sorry that I didn't specify this from the beginning. I will edit the question to reflect the operating system. — Cheri, Sep 22 '13 at 18:18
@Cheri: That is not necessary; the `batch-file` tag clearly indicate: "Script files containing a series of commands that are executed by the Windows command-line interpreter". — Aacini, Sep 22 '13 at 18:25

score 6 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 22 '13 at 17:12

6

@echo off
setlocal EnableDelayedExpansion
cd \particular\folder
set n=0
for %%f in (*.*) do (
   set /A n+=1
   set "file[!n!]=%%f"
)
set /A "rand=(n*%random%)/32768+1"
copy "!file[%rand%]!" \different\folder

answered Sep 22 '13 at 17:12

Aacini

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Just to be clear, I just copy this entire code and replace the file paths, correct? – Cheri Sep 22 '13 at 18:21
"access is denied" :( – john ktejik Sep 24 '20 at 15:05
Xcopy worked where copy didn't. I just had to add the /Y /I switches – john ktejik Sep 24 '20 at 15:29
I would need some information: how do I make sure the batch keep generating random numbers? – Les Go Feb 18 '21 at 11:56

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 13 '19 at 14:27

1

@echo off
set/a %%/folder
/a copy <folder2>

edited Apr 13 '19 at 14:27

Zoe stands with Ukraine

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answered Apr 13 '19 at 14:26

micklepickle

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Need to create a batch file to select one random file from a folder and copy to another folder

2 Answers2

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