SyncToy vs RoboCopy

[Kelvin]

I'm fed up with Windows XP synchronization.
I've been using it to synchronize laptop users files to the server so they
can get backed up.
It doesn't synch ALL file types, it doesn't seem reliable\consistent, and on
the computers (laptops) that I have it Enabled, the laptops disconnect from
the network frequently and randomly.

I've found these two tools SyncToy and RoboCopy.

For the synchronization of the users My Documents folder I'd like the synch
to happen as part of the logon script, but not sure if that is practical, or
the correct approach.
I could also create a batch file and have them run it on their own, but I
don't like the idea that they may not synch for months and then their laptop
goes out and they're missing some important data.

I've tested with RoboCopy a little. I have it set to mirror a couple
different directory structures.

I created this one for an application we run that I need to update
occasionally.
This one seemed to have issues (timing out) when I have it recreate a
complete folder structure, but if I make minor changes it seems to work
great. Most of the changes would be small so the timing out issue isn't a
deal breaker.
robocopy "\\Prosperity\SharedData\CommonShare\Procede Software\Procede
Image\Procede Software" "C:\Program Files\Procede Software" /S /E /NP
/LOG+:"U:\RoboCopy.log" /Z /MIR /R:10 /W:30

This one I created to synch the My Documents folder.
robocopy "C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\My Documents" "U:\" /S /E /NP
/LOG+:"u:\RoboCopy.log" /Z /MIR /R:10 /W:30

Any recommendation on the two software options for what I'm trying to
accomplish?
Any suggestions on the two RoboCopy examples?

Any input would be appreciated

Thanks

Kelvin

XP workstations
MS 2003 Servers
Domain environment
Using Active Directory

 

[Al Dunbar]

I'm fed up with Windows XP synchronization.
I've been using it to synchronize laptop users files to the server so they
can get backed up.
It doesn't synch ALL file types, it doesn't seem reliable\consistent, and
on the computers (laptops) that I have it Enabled, the laptops disconnect
from the network frequently and randomly.

I've found these two tools SyncToy and RoboCopy.

For the synchronization of the users My Documents folder I'd like the
synch to happen as part of the logon script, but not sure if that is
practical, or the correct approach.
I could also create a batch file and have them run it on their own, but I
don't like the idea that they may not synch for months and then their
laptop goes out and they're missing some important data.

I've tested with RoboCopy a little. I have it set to mirror a couple
different directory structures.

I created this one for an application we run that I need to update
occasionally.
This one seemed to have issues (timing out) when I have it recreate a
complete folder structure, but if I make minor changes it seems to work
great. Most of the changes would be small so the timing out issue isn't a
deal breaker.
robocopy "\\Prosperity\SharedData\CommonShare\Procede Software\Procede
Image\Procede Software" "C:\Program Files\Procede Software" /S /E /NP
/LOG+:"U:\RoboCopy.log" /Z /MIR /R:10 /W:30

This one I created to synch the My Documents folder.
robocopy "C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\My Documents" "U:\" /S /E
/NP /LOG+:"u:\RoboCopy.log" /Z /MIR /R:10 /W:30

Any recommendation on the two software options for what I'm trying to
accomplish?
Any suggestions on the two RoboCopy examples?

Any input would be appreciated

Thanks

Kelvin

XP workstations
MS 2003 Servers
Domain environment
Using Active Directory

I've never had problems with robocopy timing out. Are you running this over
a direct LAN connection, or over a remote connection over the internet. If
the latter, I would be a bit concerned with any synchronizing technique if
the users have virtually no limits to the volume of files they can store on
their desktops.

We do not support files placed on the local desktop. The policy is that all
files should be maintained in the home folder on the server. Editing
documents there over a remote connection can be hard on the nerves, so I
suspect that some users do as I do - copy it to the desktop, edit it, then
copy it back. I sometimes do this by using a briefcase folder on the
desktop, synching it only as required, and, ideally, when I am connected in
the office.

/Al

 

[AllenM]

Checkout GoodSync. It's a freeware download and works great for what you
need to do. Has the ability to do one-way or two-sync and is pretty darn
fast.

 

[Steve Schofield]

Either tool works awesome in my experience!

SS