I answered a [similar question here][1] a while back. My answer is copied below. [1]: https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/39504/best-way-to-copy-all-files-ignoring-errors/99517#99517 ---- I use `cp -Rfv sourcefile destinationfile` with success on a pretty regular basis. `cp` = copy `R` = maintains file hierarchies `f` = if an existing destination file cannot be opened, remove it and try again `v` = verbose mode, displays files transferred as it progresses `sourcefile` = data you want to copy `destinationfile` = directory/drive you want to copy to