Backing up files from internal to external HDD

[UsernameTaken]

I am backing up files from my internal hard drive to my new external WD MyBook 500GB drive. It is the Essential version so it didn't come with any software. The other day I backed up my music and movie files by copy and pasting. But then I wondered, could something get corrupted while copy and pasting? Can I check to make sure the files are fine? I still have the original ones on the internal drive.

 

[Cromewell]

If it didn't give a CRC or some other error it should be fine. You could always check the MD5 before and after using one of the many MD5 checking utilities out there.

 

[UsernameTaken]

If it didn't give a CRC or some other error it should be fine. You could always check the MD5 before and after using one of the many MD5 checking utilities out there.

I already have some files on the external drive, but I kept those on the internal drive. I have QuickSFV. I could create MD5s of the files on the internal and external drive and check them. Would this be accurate or would I have to check the MD5 of the original files, re-copy them, and then check the copied files?

 

[Cromewell]

Just comparing the MD5 of the files on the drive and another copy will tell you if they are the same. You don't need to recopy them.