Copying a specific file between disks in DOS Which DOS command do you use to transfer a particular named file from one disk to another (for example, from A: to C:)?

Introduction / Context:
Routine file management in DOS includes copying individual files between drives or directories. Selecting the correct command prevents accidental whole-disk operations and ensures precise control over what is moved.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We need to copy a specific file (for example, A:\REPORT.TXT) to another location (for example, C:\DOCS).
• DOS command-line interface is available.
• User has read permission on source and write permission on destination.

Concept / Approach:

The COPY command duplicates one or more specified files to a target path, preserving the original. Wildcards are supported, and directory paths can be included. This differs from DISKCOPY, which duplicates entire floppy disks sector-by-sector.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Attempt DISKCOPY and note it requires identical floppy formats and copies an entire disk; this validates that COPY is the correct command for single-file operations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

b: DISKCOPY clones entire diskettes, not single files.

c: TIME sets or displays system time; unrelated to file transfers.

d: RENAME changes a file’s name/path; it does not copy.

e: Not applicable because COPY is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Overwriting existing files without the /-Y prompt; forgetting quotes around paths with spaces in later DOS shells; mixing up source and destination order.

Final Answer:

COPY