Abstract: A copying system incorporating means enabling the user to automatically recover from a jam or machine malfunction in the event the copy program is prematurely stopped with the result that some of the copies then in process are lost. A first counter means counts copies processed while a second counter means counts copies started. In the event of a premature stop, the second counter means is automatically reset to the same count as the first counter means thereby programming the system to make up copies lost as well as copies remaining on the original program. If the copying system includes a sorter, the second counter means is programmed to count copies when sorting is completed.If the copying system has an automatic document handler, a third counter means records originals brought to the platen and a fourth counter means records originals whose copying has been completed.