SyncToy Vs RoboCopy Vs RoboMirror Vs other free sync

Django x2 · 22 Jan 2015 at 20:45

So, here's my dilema.

Got a NAS (Synology DiskStation) which SyncToys to a server (which also then shadow copies)

Thing is, one of the PCs had a legacy mapped drive to the server (all others go to the NAS). A file was saved there, but it looks like SyncToy came along and overwrote the server file with the one from the DiskStation. ie, it didn't see the newer version on the server.

So, what can I use that's a bit more intelligent?

RoboCopy is fine, but so many options. At least with RoboMirror you get a GUI idea of what's happening.

liamcrane · 22 Jan 2015 at 21:18

always used xcopy myself mate and its never let me down.

CaptainCrash · 23 Jan 2015 at 00:32

Maybe SyncToy can't allow for the difference in file timestamp granularity between NTFS and ext4 (or whatever filesystem your Synology is running).

Robocopy can get around it using the /FFT switch, or if you want a GUI you could try FreeFileSync, which by default considers files with less than a 2-sec timestamp difference to be equal (adjustable if you want by altering the relevant "expert" setting in GlobalSettings.xml).

FreeFileSync knocks Synctoy into a cocked hat for speed, reliability and features in any case.

welshdragon · 24 Jan 2015 at 12:33

CaptainCrash said:
FreeFileSync knocks Synctoy into a cocked hat for speed, reliability and features in any case.

I use this too. Really good

Django x2 · 28 Jan 2015 at 23:46

And it can be set up as a scheduled task?

yonderblue · 29 Jan 2015 at 10:13

Yes after checking it out. In FreeFileSync you setup and save a batch job and then Create a task in the Windows Task Scheduler running the FreeFileSync exe and arguments for job point to the saved FreeFileSync saved batch job file. It's pretty easy, FreeFileSync built-in help tells you how to setup it up in the Windows Task Scheduler.

Might switch from SyncToy with my WHS2011 server to FreeFileSync.

Kreeeee · 29 Jan 2015 at 10:17

I use Robocopy for everything, using scheduled bat files.

Raumarik · 29 Jan 2015 at 10:30

I'd recommend robocopy or alternatively Crashplan (the client is free to use), neither misses anything, I have had Synctoy miss some files before and it never reported issues, they were noticed later when I needed them..

These days tbh I'd personally use Crashplan, as it can encrypt them too

CaptainCrash · 29 Jan 2015 at 12:50

Django x2 said:
And it can be set up as a scheduled task?

If it's of any interest to you, FreeFileSync also includes a component which allows continuous syncing in realtime. It's called, unsurprisingly, "RealTimeSync" (check out the help file for more info).

Halfmad said:
I have had Synctoy miss some files before and it never reported issues, they were noticed later when I needed them..

This was my main problem with Synctoy when I used it long ago - missing files was bad enough, but its nasty habit of failing silently was a complete showstopper for me, and completely unforgivable in anything used for backup purposes.