Backing up a PSE backup - skipping existing files

[WSC33]

I created a complete Elements catalogue backup on my Windows 10 computer in a designated folder.  I later backed up that drive, including the Elements backup folder, to a USB 3.1 external drive.  The creation of the Elements backup took 25 minutes, but took hours and hours to copy to the external drive.  I was prompted to copy or skip the existing files already in the designated folder which would have saved a lot of time.  Can I skip the existing files in the new backup without corrupting the external drive backup version of the catalogue backup?

I know. I used the word backup a lot.  I hope it was clear anyway.

PSE 2021, Windows 10

Thanks.

[Greg_S.]

Sorry, but it's clear as mud.  Please explain what backup software you are using to backup the Elements backup folder to the external drive and what software is giving the prompt to skip files?  A screenshot would be helpful.  And what files are you being requested to skip - catalogue files or media files or both?

[WSC33]

I have a formal backup program (XXCopy), but in the example above, I just cut and pasted the PSE backup folder from my h/d to the backup drive.  The message just indicates that duplicates exist.  It doesn't specify catalogue files vs media, but i get your point.  The media would be fine to skip, I would suppose, but the catalogue files change.

[WSC33]

I also did the full PSE backup to the same folder where I had performed a previous full backup.  I don't know if that's a bad idea or not.

[MichelBParis · Accepted solution]

I also did the full PSE backup to the same folder where I had performed a previous full backup.  I don't know if that's a bad idea or not.

By @WSC33

Yes, a dramatic idea: the new and the old backup folders are now totally and definitelyly unusable.

That explains why your XXcopy software finds so many duplicate names.

[WSC33]

Ow.  I wish PSE had alerted me.