Program for synchronizing folders

Hello guys,

I've used the in-built feature of Windows XP called Briefcase, i.e. a synchronized folder, to keep my documents up to date. However, as I am now will be getting a laptop with a big harddrive and no longer have my desktop working station, I thought that there must be better solutions than the highly limited Briefcase feature.

I have a file server with all my data on, so I am trying to deside what will go on the 80 gb laptop disk. It's tough, since I want to maintain the order on my disks. I'm too finicky to have half of my program install files on the laptop and the rest on my file server, so that won't work. I'll try to solve it somehow.

Anyway, are you aware of an application that is able to copy files instantly upon a click between harddrives so that I can keep more things than documents up to date? I am thinking of music files and such that is nice to carry around.

Also, the program would be great for backup, seeing that a laptop could be dropped or stolen on the go.


Thanks in advance.

 

Help me understand where Briefcase falls short. I use it for photos, images, files, etc. I'm sure you've looked at it closely, I'm just not clear on the core problem you're trying to resolve.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Well, an example: If I drag a file from the desktop (the Windows desktop) on my computer to a briefcase, the synchronisation path for the file will be the desktop. This causes a problem seeing that I not always save my stuff directly to the final destination on my drive.

A workaround is seemingly to create subfolders in the briefcase. However, this causes an error when copying files from various locations to the briefcase subfolder. I have a Swedish version of Windows XP, so I cannot reproduce exactly what the error dialog says, but here's a translated longshot:

"It is not possible to create synchronized copies in -briefcase subfolder- since the folder already has or is a synchronised copy. If you would like to add files to the folder, you must move them to the folder and choose to Update All."

That's EXACTLY what the error dialog says, written in correct English. I cannot apprehend in either language.

 

Ok, I see your point now. Yeah, Briefacse is far from perfect. Shame they haven't done more with it.

That said, I'm not aware of programs out there than handle this need very well. I'll think about it some more though and see if anything comes to mind.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com