Best Free Folder Synchronization Utility
File synchronization utilities help you keep updated copies of files or folders in two or more different locations, such as different computers, network drives, USB drives, online storage, etc. While a file sync utility could be used as a simple backup tool (called one-way syncing), its real power lies in keeping two sets of identical working files, such as keeping current versions of the same data files on both your home computer and office computer (two-way syncing). File sync utilities keep track of which files you create or change, or even delete in one location, and can create, change, and delete those same files in the other location.
There are two first choices here. The first is SyncToy . This program is more than a syncing program; it can copy, move, rename, and delete files between any number of folders and even computers. The program operates on the principal of pre-defined folder pairs. You define and name these pairs and then when you want to perform a task, you recall one of these pairs and carry out the operation. Syncing can be in either direction and covers all options from complete sync to updating newer files only. SyncToy can also keep track of files you rename and rename those in the sync destination. Overwritten files in the destination can be saved in the recycle bin, in case you need the older version. It is a well rounded utility, with almost every feature you could want. The only major things it lacks are direct support for ftp, and a portable version.
If you need a synchronization solution that also works for older Windows versions, has support for ftp, or includes a portable version, I recommend Allway Sync. It is a very capable program with a great selection of features. It is very easy to use "right out of the box" with a clear-cut and simple interface based around folder sets that are set up in tabs. These sets can be fine tuned with sync rules, inclusion and exclusion filters, versioning policies, and more. You can run a job with all the folder sets at once. One nice feature is its ability to detect and begin sync jobs the moment a removable device is connected.
Comparison: When it comes to certain aspects of file tracking, SyncToy probably has the edge, but Allway Sync's ability to upload files to online storage through ftp, and the existence of two different portable versions, including one that supports U3 technology, makes it first-rate option as well. The free version of Allway Sync is crippled: you can only synchonize 20,000 files in a 30 day period, but this is probably more than enough for the average user.
Another highly recommended program is SyncBack Freeware. It works for Windows 98 through XP (only partial Vista support) and has a number of features that SyncToy lacks. One very nice feature is its ability to sync to a remote FTP server. It also supports using zip compression so the files take up less space on removable media. A commercial version of the program, SyncBackSE, has many additional features, and full Vista compatibility. However, for many average users the freeware version will prove sufficient.
SyncToy
Website: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/synctoy.mspx
Author: Microsoft
Current version: 1.4 (2.0 Beta)
Version date: October 30th 2006
License: Freeware
Download File Size: 971 KB
Operating Systems Supported: XP/Vista
Additional Software Required: Microsoft .NET Framework v2.0
64 Bit Capable: For 64-bit support use version 2.0 Beta (Download Link)
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
Allway Sync
Website: http://allwaysync.com
Download link: http://allwaysync.com/download.html
Current version: 7.1.2
Version date: February 29th 2008
License: Freeware for use in a non-commercial environment
Download File Size: 3.7MB
Operating Systems Supported: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: Yes
Portable Version Available: Yes
Non-English languages supported: Multiple
Other relevant information: 20,000 file sync limit per month.
SyncBack Freeware
Website: http://www.2brightsparks.com
Download link: http://www.2brightsparks.com/downloads.html
Current version: v3.2.14
Version date: October 30th 2006
License: Freeware
Download File Size: 1.63MB
Operating Systems Supported: 32-bit MS Windows 98/NT/2000/XP/Vista
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: In commercial version.
Portable Version Available: U3 (In commercial version only)
Non-English languages supported: Multiple
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Paul Lawrence
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I have the Pro version of Allway sync (v.8.1.0), I got it for it's automatic sync features (sync per day, sync on file change, sync when PC idle, etc). Just to let folks know, the automatic features don't work for me. I have to use MS scheduler to kick off the syncs. I've brought this problem to the attention of the developers several times (first time over a year ago) without resolution.
Also - I think GoodSync and Allway sync are the same product.
I don't like programs that litter my hard disk with database files. Synctoy and allwaysync do this.
I have been using syncback free for a while and it works reasonably well. However, one drawback is that if I do a 2-way sync set to 'prompt for missing source files'; then if the source has had folders deleted then syncback will recreate that those folders as empty, even if I tell it to delete the missing folders from the destination when prompted. In the FAQ/Help this is a known issue (won't be fixed).
The other bugbear is that if I move some folders and then resync, then syncback isn't clever enough to see that the "missing" folders have really been moved, even though all the relevant files/folders show up in the lists for the new source location and the old destination location.
SG
http://getdropbox.com/ , currently in Beta, but an awesome contender. You can sync files between not only multiple computers but multiple users (if you so choose), you can sync up to 2 gigs of data. All the process involves is a simple install and online setup. It is currently Invite only, and I have a few to share if anybody is interested...
Has anyone tried Comodo BackUp? What's the veredict?
http://backup.comodo.com/#
I just tried version 1.0.4.337, downloaded from Comodo's own site.
The good news is that it lets you choose subfolders you want to exclude.
The bad news is that it goes ahead and includes them anyway.
"SyncToy is limited to running only one folder pair at once."
This is false. Here's how to run all folder pairs:
- From the Start menu, select All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Task Scheduler.
- Select Create Basic Task in the Actions pane on the right.
- Add a Name and Description and select Next.
- Choose when you want the task to start and select Next.
- Choose date/times (if applicable) to run task and select Next.
- Choose Start a Program option and select Next.
- Select Browse and locate the SyncToy.exe.
- Type "-R" in the Add Arguments textbox. –R all by itself will run all folder pairs that are active for run all.
In version 2.0, this is even more easy:
- Select "All folder pairs"
- And "Run all"
Just for the record, I'm syncronizing 15 folder pairs with lots of sub-folders and files, with no problem. 2.0 is even more reliable and faster.
You have to try AutoVer. To quote the developer's site linked below, it's "a configurable automatic or real time backup and personal versioning system. It can be used as a simple real time backup or as a more complex, but transparent version control system (like a realtime incremental backup). The beauty of this system is that once you set it up (which is extremely simple) it does everything."
http://beanland.net.au/AutoVer/
I use it and recommend it to all my clients.
GeneH @ http://genehuller.com
I'm once again looking at the synchonization options. I need:
*LOTS of files synchonized
*the ability to set up a job with several folders sets at once
*exclusions at the file and folder level.
- Just simple HDD to USB drive . . .
The problem with Allway was it crashed when merely logging the folders to do the exclusions - too many folders I guess. I I really only need to log a couple of levels of files. It is among the best so far in terms of interface, setup. The website says "Free for personal use synchronization software." http://allwaysync.com/features.html but they don't mean that, and you have to read the fine print. They should say something like "Free for limited personal use synchronization software"
I have also tried InSync (a commercial product), and would have bought it but for the lack of a beep when finished, and poor progress notification is poor. It has a great interface for making choices. (Interesting how little thngs are significant??)
Unison I think only does one pair of folders. And it is a little more complex to install if you are not a geek. ??
SyncBack (Free) is good. No progress bar either, just a small text indication, and NO beep on completion. But it has this function where you can set up folder pairs and then group them - cool!!. But no file exclusion.
I am prepared to buy when I find what I want.
Thanks for the warning on Allwaysync, I was about to download it. If anyone is interested, here's what the licence agreement says:
"Customer agrees that Allway Sync Free has certain limitations and that these limitations may change over time without notice or obligation on the part of Developer. Currently, these limitations allow Customer to synchronize no more than 20,000 files per 30-day period."
Hi Ritho - take a look at Microsoft's RoboCopy. I was quite impressed when somebody pointed me at it. It's command line driven, so ideal in batch files, not a GUI at all. It's very good, fast, and there is a free GUI (RoboGUI?) available to create batch files to call it. I don't think it can backup/synch to another computer, I think it only syncs between folders / disks visible to a given computer, but it does that very well from my internal disk to an external USB disk, and allows automatically deleting files from the destination that no longer exist on the source.
Hey Amarillier, RoboCopy does indeed do very well at the job it was designed for, but it is probably not the best for the average user.
Lately I've been using GoodSync http://www.goodsync.com/ because it can sync with an FTP folder directly. GoodSync seems to be closely related to Allway Sync because it picks up any Allway Sync jobs if it is already installed on the computer. Have not tested it fully yet but it is a much smaller download than Allway Sync and it seems to be easier on resources.
Like any synchronization program make sure you know exactly how the synchronization direction works or else you risk loosing all your files. At any rate, a synchronization program should not be relied upon soley for backup of important files - I learned that the hard way!
Unison...
http://www.cis.upenn.edu/~bcpierce/unison/
What about Tree Comp?
http://www.xs4all.nl/~lploeger/TreeComp3.htm
Excellent interface, works across network. Extremely easy to use.
I agree, but the best part of this program is that it is multi-threading, blindingly fast - the last time I compared it with others it completed in 10th of the time.
I'm fine with DSynchronize v2.30.1 by Dimio http://dimio.altervista.org/eng/ It(s certainly not the best web designer. But his soft is very nice & easy
I quite like ViceVersa. I like it so much I have been PRO version owner for some time, however, the freeware version is very accurate for sync on two folders.
One drawback of the free version is that it can only sync one set of two folders under one "job" or "task", meaning if you have multiple sets of folders to sync, you need to setup jobs for each folder pair.
Still, a very capable little program.
http://www.tgrmn.com/free/
Thanks for this wonderful resource for finding quality freeware!!
John C.
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