Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix error 87 Error – Robocopy error 87 during copy and backup PDF files (to exFAT micro-sd card)

Robocopy error 87 occurs when copying PDF files to an exFAT micro-sd card, causing the process to halt and return an incorrect parameter error.

Quick Answer: Try using the /XO flag with Robocopy to exclude PDF files from the mirroring process.

The error 87 encountered during Robocopy operations when copying PDF files to an exFAT micro-SD card is a frustrating issue that affects users who rely on mirroring for backup purposes. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive troubleshooting solution to resolve this problem.

The inability to successfully copy PDF files using Robocopy can be caused by the limitations of the exFAT file system, which does not support certain metadata attributes required for PDF files. In this guide, we will explore possible causes and provide two primary fix methods to help users overcome this issue.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The error 87 is typically caused by the fact that Robocopy requires the 'Change File Attributes' operation to be performed on the source file before copying it. However, some PDF files may not support or require certain metadata attributes, such as the 'PDF Version' attribute, which can lead to this error. Additionally, the exFAT file system has limitations when it comes to handling metadata, which can further contribute to this issue.
  • Another possible cause is that the PDF files are being copied in a way that requires the 'Change File Attributes' operation, but the destination file system (exFAT) does not support or recognize these attributes. This can be due to differences in how the operating systems handle metadata, leading to an incorrect parameter value.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Modify Robocopy Command to Ignore Metadata Issues

  1. Step 1: To resolve this issue using the first fix method, modify the Robocopy command to ignore any metadata issues that may arise during the copying process. Add the '/XO' flag to the command, which tells Robocopy to ignore any errors or warnings related to metadata changes.
  2. Step 2: Update the Robocopy command as follows: ROBOCOPY "C: est" "E: est" /MIR /COPY:DT /Z /W:5 /XO
  3. Step 3: This modification will allow Robocopy to continue copying PDF files without encountering errors due to metadata issues.

Convert PDF Files to a Compatible Format before Copying

  1. Step 1: If the above solution does not work, an alternative fix method is to convert the PDF files to a compatible format that can be copied without issues. One common approach is to use a tool like Adobe Acrobat to convert the PDF files to a different format, such as EPS or TIFF.
  2. Step 2: Use Adobe Acrobat to open the PDF file and select 'Save As' > 'EPS' (or other compatible format) > 'Save'. This will create a new file in the desired format that can be copied successfully.

💡 Conclusion

By following one of the two primary fix methods outlined in this guide, users should be able to resolve the error 87 encountered during Robocopy operations when copying PDF files to an exFAT micro-SD card. Remember to always verify the compatibility of the file format and destination file system before attempting any backup or mirroring operations.

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