File compare for My Documents in two different computers?

[drdan]

We had two stand alone computers in our office. We were keeping the billing info on each one current with backup/restore on floppies. I just discovered that the secretaries were not so particular about keeping the two My Documents files current and we have probably 2-300 letters in each. I just replaced the slower of the two computers and want to transfer all the most current correspondence to the new computer and then keep both computers current.

THE QUESTION: Is there some way to do a file comparision of the two My Documents folders on two different computers so I can find the discrepancies (ie letters typed on one and never transferred to the other) It is not just file names since there might be a file for one person with several letters in it. One computer may have Jane Doe with 3 letters and the other computer may have that same Jane Doe and 3 letters but with 2 more added. If I try to copy all of them from both computers into the new one there will be conflicts with identically named files. I need to know which identical file names have differing data so I can get all of the most complete, updated files on at least one computer.

[mjc]

I would probably take and move the files from each computer to a separate sub folder on the new computer and then compare the sub-folders, transfer out the ones I want to keep to a third folder (my docs) and then delete the rest (provided you copy from the old and not cut).

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[drdan]

Thanks mjc, It occurred to me after I submitted, that I could download them both to one computer to do the file compare. I went to the link you provided and did a google search and found a shareware called FCOMPARE that looks interesting. Any cheaper way such as a comparision program already in Windows 2000? Seems like I saw something like that a couple of weeks ago (maybe in Win ME).

[bassvax]

Not sure about utilities within the OS, but Hotfiles (http://www.hotfiles.com) has tons of freeware and shareware...specifically look under Utilities/File & Disk Management. I saw a couple that may do what your aiming to do http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Flush 'N' Forget
FE Stokes WWTP (http://www2.apex.net/users/hwuswtp)

[skhips]

You could click details on the view menu and compare the most recent dates.

In future if you use Brief case in windows this will help ensure you keep the most recent file only.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Dinosaur]

You seem to have a way to resolve your current problem.

Once you get the files organized, you might get a program called Laplink to keep the two computers synchronized. I have two stand alone systems and use Laplink via a parallel cable to keep common files the same on both systems. Laplink will also function via serial ports or modems if you do not want to install a second parallel port on both systems. You could also use AB switches to use the same port for a printer and for Laplink, but not concurrently.

Laplink and a very good File coordinating program. I consider it the best method if you do not have the computers networked.

------------------
Gouverneur
Eschew Obfuscation!
If one hundred million people believe a foolish idea, it is still a foolish idea.