Synchronize your Files between Folders and Computers using SyncToy
If you are lookng out for a software which can help you synchronize files between various folders and computers, SyncToy, a free software tool by Microsoft is the software to go for. The easy to use, customizable application helps you copy, move, rename, and delete files between folders and computers.
In today’s era we keep creating files from various sources, the need for syncing up these various copies of files from one location to the other also keep increasing. Just for the simple reason that the situation demands two exact locations. Most of us, do this through the old manual way of dragging and dropping the files from one folder location to other. An easier and simple way of doing this could be SyncToy.
SyncToy is a free PowerToy for Microsoft Windows, is an easy to use, highly customizable program that helps users to do the heavy lifting involved with the copying, moving, and synchronization of different directories. Most common operations can be performed with just a few clicks of the mouse, and additional customization is available without additional complexity. SyncToy can manage multiple sets of folders at the same time; it can combine files from two folders in one case, and mimic renames and deletes in another case. Unlike other applications, SyncToy actually keeps track of renames to files and will make sure those changes get carried over to the synchronized folder.
In my previous posts, I have written about the importance of Data Backup and free online storage space available on the cloud. Combining both Data backup and Free Online Storage Space on the internet can help you use the Free Storage online to keep a sync up copy of your data on the cloud. Personally, i use SyncToy to sync up all my files to my LiveDrive account. This ways, even if someday god-forbid, my data is lost, i will still have it on my LiveDrive. Also, the other use case can be to send all your pictures taken in frequent intervals from your webcam to LiveDrive for storage.
SyncToy, essentially does a Left to Right Operation, i.e. Take Files from Left Folder, apply the various rules and operation to sync up the Right Folder. It allows you to create three different types of Left and Right combinations
Synchronize: New and updated files are copied both ways. Renames and deletes on either side are repeated on the other.
Echo: New and updated files are copied left to right. Renames and deletes on the left are repeated on the right.
Contribute: New and updated files are copied left to right. Renames on the left are repeated on the right. No deletions.
How to start with Synchronizing files using SyncToy?
1.) Download and install SyncToy.
Image: Create a new folder pair
2.) Create a Left and Right Folder Combination. If you are planning to use, LiveDrive or any other online storage as the place to keep your sync up, choose the appropriate folder. SyncToy can automatically detect drive letter changes, so you dont have to worry about changing drive letters.
For example, you may choose to create a folder pair with the left folder assigned to G:\MyFolder. This folder may be located on a removable device and the next time you plug in that device Windows may assign a different drive letter because G: is currently being used by another device or network share. Consequently, the new drive letter assignment results in what was G:\MyFolder becoming h:\MyFolder. SyncToy is able to detect this change and update your folder pair accordingly.
Image: Select appropriate operation.
3.) Choose the operation to employ between the left and right folder. You can choose from Synchronize, Echo and Contribute.
4.) Name your Folder Pair.
Image: Press Run to start the Operation on the Folder Pair
5.) Press Run to run the folder pair operation.
SyncToy can also be run from a command line which allows you to manage folder pairs via the command line interface.
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