SyncToy 2.1 is a free PowerToy from Microsoft which allows you to perform sophisticated file backups. Most home users do not have the budget or time to setup enterprise level backups. SyncToy will allow anyone to streamline their backup process. SyncToy 2.1 is free, you can download it from Microsoft.
Sometimes complications involved with creating ISO images of your hard drive for backup purposes. What happens if the image becomes corrupt and you can no longer restore? One solution is to use SyncToy to copy all of your files to a separate location. The great thing is that you only have to do this once and the in the future the only files that are copied are the updated files.
As an example let’s say the first time you run SyncToy you backup 100gb of files and it takes 10 hours. The next time you run SyncToy only 10GB of files have been changed, SyncToy compares the versions of the files from the source and destination, and will only copy those 10GB of files. This makes it much easier to perform nightly or weekly backups without having to copy everything.
Terminology:
Left Folder, Right Folder – In the SyncToy wizards you will see references to the left and right folders. The left folder is the source, the right folder is the destination.
Folder Pair – Source and destination folders are paired together.
Sync – When you create a folder pair and they are synced, this means that a change on the left, will be reflected to the right. Likewise a change on the right (deletion or renaming) will be moved back to the left. If you are performing backups it is recommended that you use Echo.
Echo – An echo is a copy of the left. If you make changes on the left, deletions or renaming, these changes are reflected on the right. If changes are made on the right these changes are not moved to the left.
Contribute – Whatever is on the left is moved to the right. Deletions or renaming of files in the left folder are not updated in the right folder.
Create your folder pair:
How to use SyncToy to perform a simple backup:
Review your folder pair information and run the task:
Review your Sync!
Conclusion:
SyncToy 2.1 is a great program and highly recommended. It does one thing and does it well. Whether you are a syadmin or a home user you will probably find a creative use for SyncToy. Look for future posts regarding ways to utilize this free Microsoft PowerTool. Also make sure to send in any questions or comments.
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