Move/Migrate SharePoint list items/documents and preserve metadata properties
In moving the mass documents to other folder or libraries there is a pretty common way by using Windows Explorer view. But there's a drawback to that method as the metadata properties like document properties get updated in the process - manily the modified Date/Time as well as the user would take on the role of the person that 'Last modfied '. This also applies to copying list data in the data sheet view from one list/library to another.
I have figured out a new way to doing this where you can save the current list properties after moving the documents as a template with content included and redeploying that to other location.
So if you want to move the contents of a SharePoint Document Library or List and be able to preserve the item’s metadata/property values at the same time you should use this method:
The process to move the content of a SharePoint Document library or List and be able to preserve the item's metadata/property values at the same time you should use this method:
1. Create a Blank Document library where you want to move, don't worry about the custom field it will automatically created once document moved.
2. Go to to "Content and Structure" page. You can access this item within the site with Site Actions >Site Settings then under Site Administration tab there is a option called Content and Structure.
3. Navigate to you Source Library and select the view that you would like to have moved. Then click on View > Select the view . Then Click on Action > Move...
Note: You can create you own custom view. Example You want to move 30 days old file. So create your view which show files for only 30 Days.
4. You'll then be prompted witha pop-up that will let you navigate to your destination library or Document library .After you find that, just press the OK button and you’ll be good to go!
