Sync Documents Folder

I was just wondering if there is a easy method to sync folders between a desktop and laptop both on windows 8.1 ... I know I could possibly transfer things through OneDrive or DropBox but it's not really sync'd ...

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a safe & happy New Year as well.

Much like all of you I'll be Geek'n it in 2015

Ken

 

Happy Holidays to you too.

According to what I could find out, you'd need software (commercial) or use Sky/One drive. Tablets, apparently, are better for doing this type of thing.

 

It's all built into 8.1. I haven't used it myself but here is Microsoft's explanation of how it all works. I'm sure we would be interested to hear how you find it.

If you would rather explore it for yourself just open Sync Center in Control Panel.

 

Thanks guys, I'll give your suggestions a try... I just hope one will work over a wireless connection after they're setup .. I don't mind if I have to plug the one laptop into the main pc at first but as long as things will stay updated when not plugged in I'll be happy...

I'll be fooling around with the windows 8 sync center today and see how things go for me and I'll report back with my experience and findings in the event that another user is wanting a answer to the very same question.

 

When you have a laptop and a desktop, and need to be able to work on the same files on either machine, then there are alternatives to sync. I have the same situation, but instead of trying to keep two copies of my documents in sync I just map the documents folder on the PC as a network drive on the laptop. That way there is only the one copy of my documents and no risk at all of two copies being out of sync. If this is your situation and want to look into this as an alternative to sync then post back.

 

I like the idea Earthling, but not to throw a curveball your way but although sync'n the documents or doing the network drive is a great idea but here's a slight curve for you, at times the computer and laptop may not be in the same house or the same country... mine will for the most part be in the same country however if I figure out how to do this and it's easy the in-laws want it done as well for when they travel and the thing is they travel down to the US so if things will still work I'm up for trying things, although what I may just suggest to them is transfer documents via thumb drive from one machine to the next, because i dont want to make things too difficult for them...

 

As ever with Windows, always several ways to skin a cat. For those times when the machines are in the same house/on the same network, then imo you can't beat the mapped network drive. In my long, and sometimes bitter experience, attempting to keep two copies in sync will always eventually lead to problems - a situation where you just aren't certain of the status of either copy. So I try to avoid having duplicates wherever possible.

For those occasions when the machines are going to be separated for a week or two I use OneDrive. OK, it may take up to 24 hours before you can be sure that OneDrive sync has happened but as long as you are aware of that it shouldn't cause problems. One safeguard is to put a date tag file in Documents and when that appears on the laptop I know sync has happened. Of course, putting it all on a pen drive would be equally satisfactory, DropBox too, though have you ever looked at how much memory it hogs?

Then there is remote control. If you are OK with leaving the 'main' PC running while you are away then Teamviewer gives you the same access to and direct control of your files as does the mapped network drive. It works really well but personally I wouldn't be comfortable leaving a PC running unattended while I'm away.

Any of these methods, or a mix solves the problem.

 

Well I did introduce my father-in-law to dropbox as they tend to goto Florida or Hawaii so if they take photos they can quickly and easily send them back to myself & my wife.. they rather like the dropbox idea, they know how to use OneDrive as well.. I think that's no doubt what they'll stick with is do that or just transfer via thumb drive.. I did talk to them about Team Viewer they do like the idea one way but in another way not really so I think that idea is out... As I said they'll no doubt transfer things either OneDrive or thumb drive.

Thanks for all your help Earthling, very much appreciated.

 

I didn't give you anything you didn't already have, but if you still decide to play around with Sync Center do tell us if you think it's worth looking into.

HNY

 

Not sure if I'm going to play with sync center or not as it requires a usb cord for first time setup but the only usb cords I have are ones for playstation controllers or mini usb cords i don't know if i have one with a usb cord on both ends.. but if I do find one I may play around and report back.

HNY to you as well.