The security configuration information, such as the ACL, is not copied if a backup operator uses the Robocopy.exe utility together with the /B option to copy a file on a computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008

Consider the following scenario:

• You add a user account to the Backup Operators group in a domain.
• You use this account to log on to a computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008.
• You use the Robocopy command together with the /B option to copy some files to which you do not have permissions or ownership.

In this scenario, these files are copied successfully. However, their security configuration information, such as an access control list (ACL), for a file is not copied. The ACLs of the copied files are inherited from the destination folder.

Additionally, the Robocopy.exe utility returns the following error message:Note A member of the Backup Operators group can access file security configuration information in the backup mode of the Robocopy.exe utility. The member should be able to access this information even if the member does not have permissions or ownership to the file.

The Robocopy.exe utility does not open these files by using the "backup intent" flag when the /B option is used. This behavior prevents access to security configuration information for a user who has the "Back up files and directories" (SE_BACKUP_PRIVILEGE) privilege.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, your computer must be running one of the following operating systems:

• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)
• Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Registry information

You do not have to make any change to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

For all supported x86-based versions of Windows Vista and of Windows Server 2008

For all supported x64-based versions of Windows Vista and of Windows Server 2008

For all supported Itanium-based versions of Windows Server 2008

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information about the Robocopy command, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information about another issue with the Robocopy command, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: