Synchronize Folders
File and folder synchronization between two or more computers or electronic devices allows for automatic replication of data. Working on a document on a work computer and continuing where you left off on your home desktop can be tedious to do if your folders are not synchronized. Synchronizing your folders prevents you from having to manually update an old version of a document. There are various file synchronization techniques you can employ.
Contents
[hide]Steps
The Simple Method: Drag and Drop
- Drag data from one folder and drop it into another.
- Copy the updated file you want another file to reflect.
- Paste the current file into the folder and remove the old content. This technique works well when using a flash drive as a vehicle to move data from computer to computer.
The Non-Network Method: Windows Briefcase
- Right-click on open space on your computer desktop or within a folder. Select "New Briefcase."
- Name the briefcase appropriately for the work you will be synchronizing.
- Drag and drop files or folders you want to synchronize on another computer into the briefcase.
- Place the briefcase onto a removable disk or flash drive.
- Plug the drive holding the briefcase into a second computer.
- Drag the briefcase from the drive folder onto the desktop or another folder on the system.
- Edit the files within the folder.
- Save your work and drag the briefcase back into the removable drive.
- Plug the drive back into the original computer. Right-click and choose "Update all." This synchronizes the folders.
The Network Method: Offline File Synchronization
- Enable offline files on all computers that will be included in the folder sync.
- Click "My Computer" > "Tools/Folder Options" > "Offline Files."
- Select "Enable Offline Files."
- Open your system to sharing.
- Find and open the original folder to be shared and right click. Choose "Sharing and Security" from the options.
- Select "Share this folder on the network" and name it something recognizable to those who will be accessing the folder.
- Check the option to "Allow network users to change my files." This is what allows for version updates.
- Choose your files to synchronize.
- Using a second computer - one that will be sharing the folders - click "My Computer" > Network Places."
- Choose the folder you named earlier from the server.
- Click a file or folder you wish to synchronize.
- Check "Make available offline" and tell the wizard to automatically sync the folder whenever you log onto the second computer.
Tips
- Offline file synchronization is a common method for offices to keep their files updated with their at-home work. This method does not work without a document server and a shared network.
- You can stop synchronization of files in Windows Briefcase by deleting the original file from the parent computer. You can also stop synchronization by right clicking the folder within the briefcase and editing the properties to "split from original."
Warnings
- Be careful not to delete the updated version of your folder when employing the drag-and-drop technique.
- Do not drag the folders from the briefcase onto the desktop of the second computer. This destroys the link to the original files.
- Windows Briefcase does not work over a network. Files and folders must be physically moved from one computer to another. Files on the same network connection will not automatically update.
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