SyncToy Disaster

[rafinney]

I had used SyncToy a lot the past few days - synchronizing Outlook on
2 XP Pro machines. I had made backups, just in case, but it worked
every time without fail. And it was fantastic being able to sync so
often and keeping data aligned.

So, of course, the first time I didn't make a backup - disaster. The
sync didn't work and all of my newest data was lost on both machines.
I wasn't too worried as I "knew" that SyncToy supposedly deleted the
original files to the Recycle Bin - and there they were. Except that
those files were also no good - same bad synched data.

So, total disaster for me. I guess I can only blame myself for not
making backups every single time. I can't imagine that there is
anything I can do now - except, of course, never, ever use SyncToy
again.

I will go back to previous methods, which are not as elegant and
time-saving, but at least do not wreck my data.

It is just too depressing to even contemplate right now. Well, another
horrifically painful lesson learned the hard way. Too bad - synching
regularly would have been very useful, but no way in hell I would now
ever synch on a regular basis throughout the day.

In case there is some recovery I am not aware of, please feel free to
suggest anything that comes to mind. System restore is out but
desperate folks will try just about anything at this point!

 

[Ludwig Alberter]

So, total disaster for me. I guess I can only blame myself for not
making backups every single time. I can't imagine that there is
anything I can do now - except, of course, never, ever use SyncToy
again.

Well, the name says it all - it's just a toy! Not a real solution for
critical missions, not made for pros, just a toy to play with it...

No kidding, if you look at SyncToys options, there is not much left to
impact the way, how SyncToy treats files and folders. I deinstalled it
after a first glance.

My choice for folder synchronization is "ViceVersa Plus" - it's cheap,
it's working, and it has all the options I need. If one would need
further (professional) options, than there is a Pro version that does
also not cost a fortune. Check their website at http://www.tgrmn.com and
download a free 30day trial.

And no, I'm not related to TGRMN in any way - I'm just a user who
doesn't understand all the hype about Sync- and other toys...

HTH,
Ludwig

 

[Guest]

Rafinney,

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your newest data and even sorrier to hear
that SyncToy played a part. Yours is the first feedback we've had of this
kind, though I know that doesn't help you much. I'd like to learn a little
more about the issue if I can.

First, you mention that "the sync didn't work and all of my newest data was
lost on both machines." For a Sync to work in the scenario you describe,
SyncToy should copy the newer outlook files over the older outlook files.
When you say the sync didn't work, do you mean that you received an error
from SyncToy, or that SyncToy didn't copy the newer file, or something else?


Thanks Raffiney,
george

 

[rafinney]

The outcome of the sync was that my Outlook data on both computers was
the same - but it was almost (but not exactly) as if I had overwritten
my newer data with older data. Almost none of the data I had entered
in the past few hours was present on either computer. Synchronize was
checked and there WAS some data that was synched but most of it was
just plain gone.

And as I mentioned, restoring from the Recycle Bin only restored
either earlier data or in the case of the most recent deleted file,
the exact same data set that was already on both machines following
the errant sync.

I have no other data or info, and I have already removed any trace of
Sync Toy from my system. At this point, I don't think I would trust
any sync program to run without a manual backup first - I have heard
too many stories about lost data. So that's why I really blame myself
- it was plainly a stupid thing to do.


George Goley - Microsoft <George Goley -

 

[Guest]

I had an identical problem synching Outlook on a laptop and desktop. After
returning from a long trip I ran the SynchToy. It deleted all the Outlook
sent items I had sent in the last week - none of the Outlook data genererated
in that week on the laptop was present on either machine after synching.

And the missing data did not appear in the recycle bin on either PC.

 

[Michael J. Mahon]

Was the time and date set correctly on both computers?

-michael

 

[Guest]

I had an identical problem synching Outlook on a laptop and desktop. After
returning from a long trip I ran the SyncToy. It deleted all the Outlook
sent items I had sent in the last week - none of the Outlook data genererated
in that week on the laptop was present on either machine after synching.

And the missing data did not appear in the recycle bin on either PC.

Both the desktop and laptop had their times set from the internet.

And I had been useing SyncToy to do this sort of sychronization sucessfully
for a month or two.

I would like to make SyncToy work for me, so if you have any ideas I would
appreciate it.

RME

 

[Guest]

George-

Is there somewhere I can view clear instructions for syncing laptop to
desktop outlook files? ... the PST files???

I'm hoping for a "Palm Pilot" type solution that lets me add, edit or delete
info on both machines and then sync to most current status to both machines.

I have tried an app called EZoutlooksync and it has a fine elegant UI but
when I tried syncing using a USB flash drive I corrupted my files.

I've been told that this type of sync will work with sync toy but almost all
of the discussion I've seen is centered on syncing folders, not .pst files.

all I need is a little encouragement <VBG>.

thanks,

tom

 

[Guest]

Hi Tom,

SyncToy synchronizes files, including PST files. However, there are two
complications with PST files:

1. Users hope SyncToy will only sync the changes in the files. SyncToy works
with entire files.
2. PST files change a lot. That means that SyncToy will be copying them often.
3. PST files are often open when users attempt to run SyncToy against them.
SyncToy can't work against files that it can't open exclusively.

So, it is possible to sync PST files (I do it all the time) but it can take
longer than expected to copy the entire file and copies can be skipped
because outlook has the file open.

I hope this helps...
george