SyncToy

1.0 stars

"Does not work properly"

June 12, 2007  |   By jldrue

Version: SyncToy 1.4

Pros

Nice interface, but it doesn't work correctly

Cons

I tested this software - both sync & echo functions to do work properly. Will not create new folders and does not delete files as it should in these modes. Not reliable, and not recommended!

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5.0 stars

"Free, Clean, Easy, Flexible. Gives you 5 different sync options, keeps it simple"

April 8, 2007  |   By Helj

Version: SyncToy 1.4

Pros

First of all, it's FREE. That was a key for me because I didn't feel like spending more money after buying the external drive and not liking their software.

This was exactly what I was looking for, a very clean, simple and effective tool that would allow me to backup several key folders (Music, Documents, Photos, etc) to my Western Digital MyBook drive. This made the process painless. Gives you 5 different options, like a two folder sync, or a one folder copy, subscription method or contribution (no delete) mode.

The application will only update what has changed (handles file renames as well), so it's efficient. Seemed to run very fast too. The only thing that took any kind of time was my first time archiving my music (10 gigs), and any speed limitation there is probably the result of the firewire and HD, not the application.

On each folder sync setup, you can use file extension filters (like * versus *.jpg), compare by file name only or by contents to determine changes, backup removed files in the recycle bin, etc.

Also pretty neat is that the application can be setup to run as a scheduled task in Windows, which is another thing I wanted.

The app requires you to setup the auto scheduling yourself through windows task scheduler, using a command line. The benefit of this approach is that the application does not have to run as an extra process on your machine (like other annoying applications and hardware tend to have). You can even schedule one folder at a time, or all "active" folders, whichever is easier (allowing you to sync you music weekly, and your photos daily, etc).

Cons

They could have provided a GUI for PC novices that taps into Windows Scheduler, so you don't have to setup a task like C:\My Folder\SyncToy.exe" -R"My folder pair.", but that in my opinion is a very small negative.

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4.0 stars

"Nice synching software"

January 23, 2007  |   By Ed-duh-win

Version: SyncToy 1.4

Pros

In a few mouseclicks, you're on your way to sync two different folders; the interface is easy to use; does its job reliably most of the time; five different synching options to choose from; available for free, for anyone.

Cons

Some files may be overlooked if not dealt with first time around.

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