SyncToy for Windows

User Reviews

• Simple and easy to use

  Carlos_ReyesOctober 29, 2013

  Pros

  Simple user friendly interface Excellent backup to prevent data loss from programmes like Cryptolocker

  Cons

  none that I can think of

  Summary

  Using this to sync my docs with a thumb drive in case of a catastrophic data loss event or Cryptolocker infection (have some careless co-workers on my work network). It's perfect for backing up any changes at days end and removing the drive for safe keeping. One reviewer stated it does not work on Win7. I must disagree. my office comp is Win7 and it works like a charm. Running win8 on home laptop, with no issues either.

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• My new favorite software

  AaronRicciFebruary 3, 2013

  Pros

  it's awesome and easy to use

  Cons

  cannot set a schedule directly from the program, have to use windows task scheduler

  Summary

  I have it set so every time I unlock my pc my skydrive, google drive, and flashdrive (lots of driving) all sync together

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• Has some issues with encrypted files.

  benkisOctober 31, 2012

  Pros

  Extremely easy to use.

  Cons

  You can't sync encrypted files with it, pretty dumb since it is a Microsoft software (although they don't care about it since it is a 2010 version).

  Summary

  It is really useful if you just want to sync a couple of folders between a external drive and your computer, but keep in mind that it doesn't sync encrypted files.

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• Nice program

  CVBTOctober 16, 2012

  Pros

  It's user friendly. It takes a minute to understand the necessary concepts of Echo, Combine and Contribute. Once that is out of the way the interface is straight forward. The Preview mode is quite useful. Although the CNET summary says this program is not schedulable, there is a whole section in the help on how to schedule it using the Windows scheduler and command line options.

  Cons

  I had to keep resizing the columns to see what I wanted in preview mode.

  Summary

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• Does what it says

  KevinProvSeptember 11, 2012

  Pros

  mutiple folders. choice of syncing one way, two ways, deleting or not deleting, etc.

  Cons

  needs to be run manually.

  Summary

  I was hoping for something that ran (quietly) in the background, and always kept my usb updated, but I guess you have to pay for that type of program.

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• Hasn't successfully run yet after 6 tries.

  ukepeteJune 4, 2012

  Pros

  I used it previously and it worked fine.

  Cons

  I tried it on my Windows 7 Machine and it chokes.

  Summary

  I keep getting an Exception during run: The directory or file cannot be created.

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• Does not work with Win7

  dennphillMarch 19, 2012

  Pros

  Free. Lots of entries on MS forum for SyncToy users having problems and no resolutions - so you can have company. May work with small number of files/directories according to some. Was quick to finish, though it failed to do a proper synchronization for a large number of pictures.

  Cons

  Failed to Sync between computers, both with Win7 64-bit and SP1 - Desktop having 14.9 GBs of pictures (in multiple directories and sub-directories) with a Laptop that had some of the files already on it.

  Summary

  Pictures: I have 14.9 GB in multiple files and directories...accumulated by subject or place/trip or date and so on...and some d/led from my old computers with identifying directories and sub-directories. Lots of trips, lots of travels, lots of memories. Simply copied picture files at the time I bought my most recent laptop (mass dump that took forever), but have added many more files and directories (and pictures!) to my desktop since. Thought it best to simply delete pix (directories, sub-dirs and all pictures) off the laptop and do the recopy thing, but searched around, saw SyncToy and d/led ver. 2.1 today, thinking it would work. (Microsoft lied.) Followed instructions, made a folder pair and tried to sync the pix on the desktop with the laptop (both on the same wireless network now), but after thousands of failures - individual files, with no reason given for failure - and SyncToy saying "successful finish but with errors," the resultant laptop files were nothing like the desktop. Re-tried, then deleted the pair and re-tried everything again, but I end up with about 10.4 GB on the laptop (instead of the 14.9 GBs on the desktop, and directories that look nothing like the desktop. Directories missing, and those that are there do not have all files (or sub-directories) - it's a mess. I rate the program a failure. Apparently most people have problems of one sort or another. I guess what you get for nothing is just that - nothing. And looking at forum closer, I see other claims of failure with similar problems and no resolutions. Using Desktop with Windows 7 Home Premium, w/SP1, and same on laptop.

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• Simple, efficient file synchronization

  jmstanfordFebruary 14, 2012

  Pros

  I works well. Easy to set up. Stable and robust. Effective.

  Cons

  It won't make you breakfast or take out the garbage.

  Summary

  If you need file synchronization, this is quite handy.

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• Works as expeted

  mezelleFebruary 8, 2012

  Pros

  Also works with Windows task scheduler for scheduled, automated backups

  Cons

  None yet, but have only tried one type of backup to date (Echo).

  Summary

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• Buggy - slows down to nothing, will run for days

  stever876November 27, 2011

  Pros

  Easy to setup. Nice that it stores files as files that you can easily grab (you don't need to use the software to "restore" the file).

  Cons

  I'm running this on Win 7 64 bit, version 2.1, and I'm having the same problem everyone else has, it slows down to nothing, using all your CPU - and will runs for days, stuck on "adding an action for ...".

  Summary

  I've tried to use this program for years, as it seems easy to use, free from Microsoft - but they do not come out with updates, even when there's a big bug stopping anyone from using it. Don't waste your time. I already had to split up the My Documents area into 3 backups, since there was too many files that SyncToy couldn't handle. I've tried using this for years, it used to work, but no more.

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