Laptop syncing software

[dwsdad]

Anyone know of some good software that allows you to:

- sync specific files or directories between laptop and server/desktop?
- auto sync upon laptop connection to network?
- pretty much idiotproof?

[LodiHal]

I've been very happy with Smart Sync Pro for my clients.
http://www.smsync.com

[dglenn1]

I take it you've already tried the Offline Files functions in Windows? Works for me in my situation.

[Gino]

I've been using this (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/synctoy.mspx) with good success - a MS product, so YMMV :) .

[MarkEngland]

Anyone know of some good software that allows you to:

- sync specific files or directories between laptop and server/desktop?
- auto sync upon laptop connection to network?
- pretty much idiotproof?
If your computer IS a member of a Windows 2000 (or higher) domain (forest), then you can use roaming profiles function and GPO policies to sync at logon, logoff or every xx minutes. I have several friends that use this as they are in and out of the office several times a day and it works well, but does require some care and feeding on occasion.

If your computer is NOT a member of a domain, then you can use a solution like Hal suggested.

Myself, I use robocopy (free Windows support tool) that can update files in either direction. Robocopy checks for files that have "changed", thus runs fast. My laptop has about 31GB of data, and robocopy takes about 2 minutes to run each time since it is only coping the "changed" data. If not for my 1.8GB Outlook PST file, robocopy would be done in about 10 seconds. You will have to write a script to run robocopy, but the script only needs to be one line. :) I have robocopy on my kids and wife computers that backup their data every night at 11:00pm (automatically) to an external hard drive.

[dwsdad]

I take it you've already tried the Offline Files functions in Windows? Works for me in my situation.

Nope. Haven't tried that. Where is it in XP?

[Dick]

Nope. Haven't tried that. Where is it in XP?
In the 'Tools' drop down menu ---- is that it?

[dglenn1]

In the 'Tools' drop down menu ---- is that it?Yes. From any folder go to the Tools Menu and go to the Offline Files tab. Then go to any folder you want to sync, right click and check Make Available Offline. I'm not an expert but I use a laptop at work and have it set to sync my network files every time I login and logout. Seems to work OK yet I thought it was better in W2000.

[RT_COOP]

Try the program BeyondCompare.
I use it all the time on my Laptop and my home, office computers (Jeez, how many do I have?!).
They allow you to try it before you buy it.
Check out the link...

Beyond Compare Link (www.scootersoftware.com)

[Nebish]

I have been using Second Copy with very good results. You can find a link here: http://www.centered.com.

The price of the software is competitive and the program very intuitive and easy to use.