Synchronizing files: XP on Laptop, 2000 Pro on Desktop

[Guest]

Hi --

Can anyone tell me how I can synchronize my files (document folders, Outlook
data) between my desktop running Windows 2000 Pro and my laptop running XP,
Home edition?

I'm not a business, so don't have access to Exchange Server and I'm not
networked. At this point, I have nothing but the two computers, no cabling,
etc. So, if I need something, please let me know!

Thanks for any advice or assistance you may have to offer.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Hi --

Can anyone tell me how I can synchronize my files (document folders, Outlook
data) between my desktop running Windows 2000 Pro and my laptop running XP,
Home edition?

I'm not a business, so don't have access to Exchange Server and I'm not
networked. At this point, I have nothing but the two computers, no cabling,
etc. So, if I need something, please let me know!

Thanks for any advice or assistance you may have to offer.

If you wish to do this occasionally and if the amount of data is moderate
then you could use a USB flash disk as a "go-between" medium.
Ask your computer dealer for the price of a 1 GByte USB flash disk,
then check if its capacity would suffice.

If you wish to transfer data frequently or if the amount is too large
for a flash disk then you need to network the PCs. Here is what
you need:
- A network adapter for your desktop
- A PCMCIA adapter for your laptop
- A cross-over cable of sufficient length
Again your computer dealer will tell you how much these items
cost.

 

[Guest]

If you wish to do this occasionally and if the amount of data is moderate
then you could use a USB flash disk as a "go-between" medium.
Ask your computer dealer for the price of a 1 GByte USB flash disk,
then check if its capacity would suffice.

If you wish to transfer data frequently or if the amount is too large
for a flash disk then you need to network the PCs. Here is what
you need:
- A network adapter for your desktop
- A PCMCIA adapter for your laptop
- A cross-over cable of sufficient length
Again your computer dealer will tell you how much these items
cost.

Thanks for the speedy response. I do have a flash drive, and know how to
copy files, so that is certainly an option.

But, how can I force synchronization so that I don't have to overwrite all
documents (which may overwrite the more current of the two) and to
synchronize e-mail in Outlook, again the overwrite issue? Is there a feature
in either Win 2000 Pro or Win XP Home that will automatically control for
that (if I activate it or something)? Or do I need to purchase additional
software to perform that function?

Thanks again!

 

[Guest]

I use a newly aquired microsoft technology. you can check it out at
foldershare.com

computers must both be on and online at the same time at somepoint for the
sync to work.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Thanks for the speedy response. I do have a flash drive, and know how to
copy files, so that is certainly an option.

But, how can I force synchronization so that I don't have to overwrite all
documents (which may overwrite the more current of the two) and to
synchronize e-mail in Outlook, again the overwrite issue? Is there a feature
in either Win 2000 Pro or Win XP Home that will automatically control for
that (if I activate it or something)? Or do I need to purchase additional
software to perform that function?

Thanks again!

If you wish to use your flash drive then you can write yourself two
batch files: One to copy files from a PC to the flash drive, the other
to copy files from the flash drive to the PC. They would look like
this:

Line1 @echo off
Line2 echo.
Line3 echo Copying files to the flash drive.
Line4 echo.
Line5 xcopy /s /y /d /c "c:\Documents and Settings\Kim\*.*" E:\
Line6 echo.
Line7 echo Press the space bar to close this window.
Line8 pause > nul

Line1 @echo off
Line2 echo.
Line3 echo Copying files from the flash drive.
Line4 echo.
Line5 xcopy /s /y /d /c E:\*.* "c:\Documents and Settings\Kim\"
Line6 echo.
Line7 echo Press the space bar to close this window.
Line8 pause > nul

In each case Line5 would copy only new and more recent files.
It would never replace a newer with an older file. If necessary
then you can be more specific by having several lines of this
type in order to copy precisely what you wish to copy. It is
even possible to dismount the flash disk with a command so
that you can simply unplug it when finished.

The batch files assume that your folder structure is identical on
the two machines.

Post again if you require further details.

 

[Plato]

Can anyone tell me how I can synchronize my files (document folders, Outlook
data) between my desktop running Windows 2000 Pro and my laptop running XP,
Home edition?

http://www.centered.com/download/sc2000.exe

 

[Guest]

Hey, thanks! That is a simple solution. I appreciate your assistance.

 

[Guest]

Hey, thanks - this is awesome stuff. This might be a workable solution for
me and simple (and free! ...for now!). I've just gotta figure out how to be
online with two systems at the same time. (I'm rural, still have dial-up,
although I just found out one company is offering broadband out here... !)
I'm thinkin'. ...I can log-on from desktop and race the laptop down to
campus. That might work if my home system doesn't time-out.

....Hmmmm... my brain is twirling with possibilities. Let's see, while my
neighbors are at work, access their outside phone company tech connection;
or, plug into the telephone pole outside, .... just kidding. I did download
it onto the desktop PC. Will get the laptop downloaded tomorrowish and see
what I can do.

Thanks! If this doesn't work, I can do the flash drive with the DOS
programs.

I appreciate all of you. You are wonderful.

Thanks,
Kim

 

[Guest]

Last note: Found a broadband service that does serve my rural address,
Insight, they are the only one. But, have now installed it. Once I go
wireless, I'll be able to have both machines online at the same time.

Thanks a million!
Kim