Synchronizing files

[bassman]

OK, I finaly got off my duff and figured out how to access the other comps on my network. I am enjoying listening to music files on one machine from another, printing without having to unplug my laptop and carry it into another room and all that good stuff :D
Now for my question: I have several folders on different machines that I would like to synchronize accross the network from one machine to another. Can this be done without hours of Copy and Paste? I have looked in several directions but don't seem to see what I am looking for. All machines are XP pro.

Thanks
Frank:cool:

[Paul Komski]

I typed Synchronize into WinXPpro Help and it then starts off with.

To set up your computer to use offline files
(1)Open My Computer.
(2)On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
(3)On the Offline Files tab, make sure that the Enable Offline Files check box is selected.
(4)Select Synchronize all offline files before logging off to get a full synchronization. Leave it unselected for a quick synchronization.

Fast User Switching must be disabled.

There then follows further help on how to customise this for each computer. I don't know a way of synchronising any individual file or folder "simultaneously across the whole network" especially if you consider that not all PCs need to be "on-line" on the LAN at all times.

[bassman]

Thanks Paul,
I looked at that once before and it seemed that the only files it was going to let me synch was my home page :rolleyes: I looked at it in a little more depth this time and got to a place where I had some input, but still unable to select files or folders that I wanted. I am thinking it may have something to do with the way my network is set up.
Another option in that help listing is “Briefcase”. I used that once or twice back in the 95 days :eek: but don’t seem to have it available on this machine at this moment. I will have to look into that.

Here is a brief description of my setup and what I am trying to do. I do not necessarily need to synch the same folder, network wide, simultaneously, just would like the ability to select two or more folders on the network and then synch them.

Computer A>Desktop>Mydesiredfolder>various work folders and docs.
Computer B>Desktop>Mydesiredfolder>various work folders and docs.
Computer B>D:>Folder from crashed Laptop>Mydesiredfolder>various work folders and docs.
Computer C>Desktop>Mydesiredfolder>various work folders and docs.

I would like to synch just “Mydesiredfolder”. I can access these from any machine on the network. Copy and paste will work, but if there is a way to set up synchronization, I could work anywhere and all info would be accurate on any machine. I also have a machine in another location that I would like to have this work over the internet, but I will start with local first ;):D

Thanks again
Frank

[malcore]

Have a look at this article: http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1646 . Pages 4, 5 and 6 detail network file/folder synchroniztion.

Hope it helps.:)

[bassman]

Thanks malcore, that is exactly what i needed. A bit more coaching there then XP offers. I DO need to set up my record keeping better but this will work great. It even shows you exactly how to set up a VPN so we can synch the remote comp. :cool:

Thanks again ;)