IntroductionFile synchronization utilities help you keep updated copies of files or folders in two or more locations, such as different computers, network drives, USB drives, or online storage. While a file sync utility could be used as a simple backup tool (called one-way syncing), its real power lies in keeping an identical set of working files in two or more locations.An example of this would be 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 a lot of contenders in this category, but only a few stand out based on the criteria below. Criteria for the Evaluating a Synchronization Utility:A good synchronization utility would have most or all the following features.Support two-way synchronization of files.Able to replicate any source folder even if the files are in use.Detect conflicts or file collisions.

1. Good Sync
2. Ftp Sync Tool

These occur when a file has changed in both locations since the last sync operation. This requires that a database or journal be kept by the utility.Propagate deletions and detect file renames. This also requires a log file of previous operations.Support filters and rules for fine tuning what files are, or are not included in the sync operations.Show a preview of what is going to take place during a sync operation, and allow the user to easily over-ride any actions desired.Have a job scheduler and the ability to automatically detect and launch sync operations when a destination becomes active. (Such as plugging in a USB drive).Support syncing to both local and network locations.

Monthly file copy limit of 40,000 files, no support for copying locked files.Honourable Mentions.supports file compression and can verify file integrity after job completion.had a lot of votes for this one in the comments section.is good if you are looking for a minimalistic or simplistic utility.Related Products and LinksYou might want to check out these articles too:.EditorThis software review is copy-edited. Please help edit and improve this article by.Please rate this article. Currently seems to be a problem finding home website of FreeFileSync. The Help tab within the program results in unable to connect and if you follow the download link given here it takes you to SourceForge. There is a link there but that also results in 'Unable to connect'.

I've had the program since version 8.3 but occasionally go to the website to consult the manual. There are a few blogs about the program but there not quite as good as the developers proper manual.Maybe it's a temporary issue or maybe the project has been terminated.Based on comments of others here I thought I'd give Synchredible a try. However my 'go to' file download site, Softpedia, only seems to have the commercial version. A search found the developers site and they do have a 'Free for private purposes' file to download. or to post comments. I've been a long-time user of Karen's Replicator.

Yesterday I was sad to learn that one of the Microsoft May 2017 patches has made Karen's Replicator unusable. (Briefly, from what I gather, the patch made it so that KR can't create a new folder on the destination drive. Which means it can't create a back-up copy of any file created in a folder that didn't exist before your PC received the offending May patch.)So of course I came to Gizmo's Freeware to see what is recommended. Based on comments, I evaluated Synchredible. It was looking pretty good until I ran into a problem I was unable to solve. (The problem was that it kept trying to resynch files that didn't need to be synched, because the files were identical. These are old files that I brought over from another system.

The problem might be that the file 'modify date' is 2009 while the file 'create date' is 2014. I wanted to see if that situation was confusing Synchredible, causing it to want to always recopy the files. Otherwise, I had no explanation.)However, the point of this post is not to dwell on that, but rather their support situation. The company Ascorp (in Germany) has a not-very-active forum.

I was going to create an account in order to ask a question or two. Unfortunately, their forum registration form wouldn't let me create an account. (1) The form included a captcha that you had to respond to, but neither Firefox nor IE would display the graphic. Only after I told IE to 'display insecure content' would the graphic appear.

(2) For some reason, the form said that 'the community' wouldn't accept my e-mail address, and please use a different e-mail. Well, sorry, but that's my e-mail (the same one I use for my account here at techsupportalert).So I have a problem I can't solve with the app and no way to get on the forum to ask a question. That doesn't work for me.If I have a better experience with another app, I'll report it back here for the benefit of those who follow. or to post comments. Following up from a couple of days ago, I am very pleased with SyncBackFree, which is in the 'honorable mentions' category of this review.

SBF won't appeal to everyone. It has a bit of a learning curve as there are a LOT of options. I like software that puts the user in charge, and SBF certainly does that.In a nutshell, you create one or more 'profiles' (i.e., tasks) for the back-up, synchronization, or mirror you want to perform.

It will do pretty much any file operation you can think of, contingent on the status of the files & folders in the source & destination drives. It operates on demand or, via Windows Task Scheduler, on the schedule you set. You can set filters at the file and folder level, and you can either skip or include files or folders that are created after you set up the filter. You can set a warning so that you don't delete a bunch of your backup files inadvertently.A particular strength of SBF is the comprehensive, context-aware help utility. On the flip side, the after-the-fact reporting could be more flexible and robust. By default, SBF provides a recap of the most recent run of each profile.

I would prefer that it didn't overwrite the previous log, and instead offer to retain all logs for 'x' number of runs or 'y' number of days. The intrepid user can work around the issue, but native support would be better.Some options (e.g., encryption and versioning) are reserved for one of the two paid-for versions. But the free version does a lot.

Good Sync

I recommend it for those whose back-up needs might be a little more complex than average and/or for those who like a fine level of control over their critical apps. or to post comments. Australia, thanks for your comments. I am managing about 3 TB of data, so I certainly do appreciate speed.In the checking I've done so far, SyncBackFree doesn't seem to be missing any files. My biggest folder has 250,000-plus files (including subfolders) and the numbers agree between my source and destination. But I will test more thoroughly, based on your cautionary words.If you are running in interactive mode, SBF does give the user a report of exactly what files & folders will be copied, created, and deleted. You can review the report and abort the run before any changes are made.

X-men origins wolverine patch. In fact, there is a Simulated Run mode that does just that. I think that is a fairly common feature.To your other point, SBF does not retain the original creation date on the newly-created file or folder copy, although it does retain the original modification date. I agree it would be nice if that info was preserved, but it's not a particular requirement in my case. (SyncBackSE is one of the 2 paid versions of the same program. I didn't install or work with that version.)Based on earlier user comments, I opted not to evaluate FFS. If SBF hadn't worked out for me, TrueSyncFree was next on my list, although I did see a comment or two that TSF had skipped files.

or to post comments. As a followup, I've been using Aomei Backupper for imaging my boot drive. Just discovered their version 4 has added Real-time Sync in the scheduling section. This will allow me to use it for Backup on Save functions as well - this is for key files to be automatically backed up with each new version. It avoids loosing a days work if something goes wrong between daily data backups. It's saved my bacon a couple of times.Synchredible is a good sync tool too though.

Cleaner interface than FFS. or to post comments. G'day David - please explain what you mean by 'sharing activity with external servers'.

What information does it share IYO? I only sync with partitions on or drives attached to my computer. I don't really see how it is meant to share activity with any one else, particularly as I obviously do not need to be online to sync. I use FFS every day and find it excellent. I even spend a few dollars once or twice per year to support Zenju who has responded well to the few issues I have had, Jon. or to post comments.

Hi JonThe free version of FFS now has ads. That requires sending data to ad servers and returning with the ad content. What that data includes, I don't know but there is often an effort to 'target' the ads, meaning they share some user data. I have 0 interest in having adware on my computer, especially when I have no way of knowing what is being shared with who. Many examples illustrate that once that door is opened, collected data tends to expand.

There is also issues with opening a door for malware if the unknown ad companies are compromised.If you've supported FFS, perhaps he gave you a code that turns that off?I understand why developers are doing this. Its become common for free apps on cell phones and is widespread online.

Most people have no clue how much of their user data is being collected and shared unknowingly. But I'd rather not invite that onto my desktop. To use an analogy, it's one thing to have someone listen in on a conversation in a restaurant. It's quite another to have it happen in my living room.

or to post comments. Thanks David - yes I did pay something for the new version (9.0) in mid-April, which may explain the lack of adware. The paid version has no ad or crap ware attached. Glad to hear (from others) that Syncredible is good. Will switch to that if FFS gets too intrusive (or expensive), but in the meantime, all my filters and time shifts work well in FFS, and my various backup relativities are saved. It is also remarkably fast - I backup around 100 MB per day to OneDrive - takes 0.5 seconds approx.

So for the time being I plan to subscribe every six months or so. Jon. or to post comments. FreeFileSync suits my needs.

I find it easy enough to use and it has a pretty simple and intuitive GUi. I've used it on and off for years and always keep coming back to it. I like it so much I donated $20 to the developer.Unfortunately that payment does not include upgrades. If I do upgrade to any future versions it reverts to the bundleware version, so I'm sticking with version 8.3 indefinitely.It's a pity they don't just provide a 'Pro' version that includes all future upgrades.Added:- If the pop-up nag to update annoys just add the following two lines to the host file:127.0.0.1 a2ss35.a2hosting.com127.0.0.1 www.freefilesync.orgHappy update/calling home to mother-ship blocking:).

or to post comments. FreeFileSync is excellent - at least six stars. My MalwareBytes identified OpenCandy as a PUP, but I agreed to install anyway. In practice, no open candy, no malware.

Ftp Sync Tool

But quite why I don't know. As a precaution, I took a registry backup before installing. But this time, and the last two or three, there has been no click-off malware button during the install, and nothing untoward has installed.

Actually the program is so useful, that I will go back to donating for each new version - not very much I admit, but I do donate more for major upgrades, eg, when FFS goes to version 9. I am looking forward to the day when Zenju can give OpenCandy the flick and just rely on donations.Sorry CANCEL THAT - my normal morning MWB scan found:PUP.Optional.OpenCandy, C:UsersAdminAppDataLocalTempis-7Q1NL.tmpOCSetupHlp.dll, 9dab8ba2b3512123e1ce32Encouraging is that it doesn't seem to have done anything, but I have anyway deleted it. I will also post to the FFS forum. I have therefore reduced my FFS rating to 5 stars. or to post comments.

The application Unchecky is quite useful in helping to deal with PUPs (such as OpenCandy) that may be included with an application one would like to install. During the installation process, it helps steer one along the path to the options (if they have been provided) to deselect the PUPs that may have been bundled with the app.

It also writes exclusions to the HOSTS file, preventing the PUPs from phoning home (The app automatically updates itself.Also extremely useful (in many ways) is the venerable WinPatrol, as another commenter has mentioned (are highly recommended (if not essential) for every Windows box, IMHO. or to post comments. It is now common practice for freeware programs to come bundled with unwanted components. This is why we have an installer warning message next to the download link and publish articles such as this.When you run the installer it is necessary to block any outgoing connections in order to prevent these from downloading additional material although the fact this is happening is clearly stated during the install process.You can easily make a test install first using one of the freeware programs such as ToolWiz Time Freeze. MC - Site Manager.

or to post comments.

Helloo i like your program alot. I miss some functionality like, sync all jobs.Portable windows folder leave's a.config in the windows user folder, would be good if it'll store the conf in the portable folder, then the settings will allways be on the usb, atm i did a workaround by making a job coping the conf to my backup folder, so i would have the list of jobs allways with me on a usb). And even found a bug with win7.