Which MS-DOS XCOPY syntax copies only files with a timestamp on or after the specified date (that is, modified since a given date)?

Introduction / Context:
Incremental file maintenance often requires copying only files that have changed since a particular date. MS-DOS provides an extended copy command that supports date-based filtering to streamline backups and deployments without redundantly copying unchanged files.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• XCOPY is available (commonly in C:\DOS).
• User supplies a date parameter appropriate to the DOS locale (for example, mm-dd-yy).
• Goal: Copy files modified on or after the specified date.

Concept / Approach:
The XCOPY /D:date switch selects files whose last-write time is on or after the provided date. XCOPY then copies only those qualifying files to the target. COPY does not support /D:date. Other switches like /V verify copies but do not filter by date. COPY /M is not a DOS standard for date-based selection.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Re-run the same command immediately; with no newer files, XCOPY should report zero files copied, confirming date filtering.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• COPY /D:date and COPY /M: COPY lacks these date-based semantics.
• XCOPY /V: Verifies data after copy; does not filter by date.
• None of the above: Incorrect since XCOPY /D:date is valid.

Common Pitfalls:
Using the wrong date format for the configured locale, leading to unintended selections, or forgetting to include subdirectories with XCOPY switches like /S if needed.

Final Answer:
XCOPY /D:date