SyncToy questions

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by cozumel, Sep 29, 2011.

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  1. cozumel

    cozumel Registered Member

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    Hi,

    Anyone use SyncToy?

    Want to sync mostly word, occasional powerpoint and publisher documents from laptop to desktop. Win7x64 > XPx86. two-way syncs via wireless network. Can they be automated?

    Will synctoy do that reliably? Is it secure (use public networks on laptop)?

    Thanks
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2011
  2. Robin A.

    Robin A. Registered Member

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    I used SyncToy 2.1 in manual mode for several months (in Windows 7 x64), until it began to work unreliably. Specifically, although I defined the "Echo" synch mode for a pair of folders, the program operated as if I had selected the "Contribute" mode. A file deleted in the "left" folder, wasn´t deleted in the "right" one.

    This is a known bug the was supposedly corrected in v. 2.1.

    I am now using FreeFileSync (in manual mode).
     
  3. The Seeker

    The Seeker Registered Member

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    I find Robocopy to be more robust (hence the name) than SyncToy.
     
  4. cozumel

    cozumel Registered Member

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    Thanks for replies.

    Will synctoy, FreeFileSync or Robocopy (love the name btw) sync up outlook folders too (vital these don't get corrupted in any way)?

    Anyone else got any other recommendations please?
     
  5. cozumel

    cozumel Registered Member

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    Also, what if the hard disk on the laptop is encrypted and the desktop workstation is not?
     
  6. MrBrian

    MrBrian Registered Member

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    I'm a happy user of FreeFileSync. I use manual sync, not auto sync. According to the list of features FreeFileSync can copy locked files.
     
  7. LenC

    LenC Registered Member

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    I've been trying out SynchToy for about a month. I like it so far - nice and simple and it does what I want - synching folders between computers on my home network. I really like the preview feature, where you can see the changes that are going to be made before you actually execute the synch.

    I have been using Karen's Replicator for a long time for backup purposes. It has worked well, but doesn't offer two-way synch capability. So assuming synchtoy continues to work well, I might go with it and phase out Karen's Replicator completely.

    I have a mix of windows xp home and vista on our computers.
     
  8. The Seeker

    The Seeker Registered Member

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    Probably a good idea as Replicator will most likely never be updated again.
     
  9. MrBrian

    MrBrian Registered Member

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    At least not by Karen, since she has passed away.
     
  10. The Seeker

    The Seeker Registered Member

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    Yes I was aware, hence my saying it'll probably never be updated again.
     
  11. Robin A.

    Robin A. Registered Member

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    Replicator had a basic fault when used with external USB disks --it depended on drive letters to identify folders, and these letters can change according to the USB devices connected. SyncToy doesn´t have this problem, and FreeFileSync pairs can be set to avoid it.
     
  12. fsr

    fsr Registered Member

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    SyncToy is quite old, I remember using it in XP days, it used to be good but development stoped somewhere. Personaly I use only Total Commander but that's a file manager (if you are interested in that, you have plenty of alternatives including several good freewares)
     
  13. bgoodman4

    bgoodman4 Registered Member

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    Just because its old does not make it poor at what it does. It works as well now as it did in the past.
     
  14. lodore

    lodore Registered Member

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    I have been looking for an application to replace karens replicator.
    Im looking for one way sync and copying of locked files.
    the best program ive found so far is SyncBackPro but its paid ware.

    I kinda wish directory opus would allow scheduled sync and backing up of locked files since i already own a license for directory opus and it would mean less programs running.
     
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2011
  15. layman

    layman Registered Member

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    I replaced Replicator long ago with a simple program named 'bart'. It might be simplistic for your needs, but it's worth taking as look.

    http://www.zhornsoftware.co.uk/bart/index.html
     
  16. MrBrian

    MrBrian Registered Member

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    I believe FreeFileSync can do this.

    You may also wish to check out these, which may allow you to use Volume Shadow Copy in conjunction with a backup program of your choice:
    VShadow
    Volume Shadow Copy Simple Client
    VSS BackupHelper
     
  17. Robin A.

    Robin A. Registered Member

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    From FreeFileSynch Help:

    "FreeFileSync supports copying locked or shared files by creating a Volume Shadow Copy of the source drive. To enable this feature go to Menu -> Advanced -> Global settings: Copy locked files."
     
  18. fsr

    fsr Registered Member

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    Ya... but since you don't live in 1985 anymore, you probably want to check a couple of alternatives
     
  19. bgoodman4

    bgoodman4 Registered Member

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    If it ain't broke why try to fix it. It does what I want and is reliable. No need to change IMO, but each to their own.
     
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