Use it to safely synchronize files between a desktop PC and a notebook PC, move files between the home and office with removable media, like ZIP or JAZ, or update multiple computers on a network, with the multiple folder settings. As you synchronize files, you can filter certain file types and exclude specified folders. You can display a preview window and check for disk space before you start the copying process. Launch CopyTo from an Explorer right-click context menu, from its own icon, or even from a DOS prompt. Plus, you can have the program play a .WAV file when it finishes. You can save and recall settings that you enter into CopyTo using the CopyTo file, which have the ".cp2" extension. You can start synchronizing using the settings in the CopyTo file by double-clicking. Compresses all files in each folder using PKZIP compatible compression. Added the options, Treats files exactly 1 hour apart as equal for daylight savings time.
I've used this for years mostly for one-off complex copying tasks where you just know Windows Explorer is going to fail and leave you wondering what got copied or not. I liked it enough that I sent money to the author before it was freeware.
Not as advertised
Chris_D1
Pros
None whatsoever
Cons
Does NOT work with Windows 98
Is NOT freeware
Summary
Both here and on the publisher's site it states that this program works with Windows 98 but the installation says it "expects a newer version of Windows".
Another lie to go with the one about it being freeware.
Good, but not equal to Windows Briefcase
ahdad
Pros
A good program, has many options, and it's free.
Cons
Not as straight forward as Windows' Briefcase.
Summary
If you rename one file and change another one on the source folder, you will need two operations to fully synchronize the two folders, one operation would be to "Update" and the other would be to "Backup Both Ways". The last one also needs your editing, otherwise it will copy the un-renamed file in the target folder to the source folder, resulting in having two copies of the same file, but with different names.
Therefore, it's a good backup program, but I do not recommend it for synchronization purposes.
I use it to back up and synchronize important data
paternl
Pros
With a large number of files to backup, synchronization needs to be part of the process. It is otherwise impractical to re-backup files that have not changed. CopyTo Synchronizer Free fills the bill nicely. It indicates what it plans to do first.
Cons
It isn't real easy to learn, but stick to it. It works swell.
Summary
CopyTo Synchronizer Free 3.31 is fast, communicates well, is free when you install the free license, has some documentation that should be read. I created small test files and folders to help me learn how the program works. I only use Backup and Synchronize but the program does more. I recommend making use of the CopyTo Synchronizer Free 3.31 Projects. These files can be saved and reloaded at will and will make fast work of your periodic backup process.
Practical, useful, configurable product
AlSCook
Pros
It works
customizations such as exclusion of specific files or of types of files, using wildcards
shows deletions, overwrites, disk space on target
Cons
Seems to freeze occasionally on Windows 7, but that's probably the OS
Summary
I have used various versions of this product for more than 10 years (and paid for my first one). I rely on it every day to keep various computers synced, after giving up on the frequently corrupted and inflexible Microsoft briefcase. Works fine with USB, network, etc.
Not freeware
ekenschaft
Pros
Lots of functions
Cons
Evaluation license expires after 30 days
Summary
There's nothing wrong with charging for software, but don't claim to be free when you're not.
Works WELL
SoraLaine
Pros
Does the job!
Cons
Interface is a bit complicated.
Summary
I'm using it now! It's just what I need. Download and try to find out. :)
Elegant product - stable, useful, versatile, easy
MatthewDratt
Pros
Easy to start using, very flexible options, easy to build complex backup schemes.
The synchronise feature is particularly handy.
The summary allows you to see what is going to happen and to make changes at folder or file level very easily.
Cons
Nothing wrong with it at all.
Summary
I have been using CopyTo for over 7 years on NT, XP and Win7.
It has never let me down.
I currently use it to migrate photo collections between two PCs using a portable hard disk. Sometimes the photo files are changed asynchronously on both PCs and CopyTo keeps track faultlessly and allows re-synchronisation.
Once file synch is set up the ability to save 'projects' and easily repeat a complex synchronisation is really handy. The speed and reliability of synchronising using this product knock spots off most commercial backup software - your backups are easily accessible - not stuck in some commercial write-once and lose-it format!
You can omit or select files using wildcards and other options to build complex backups.