Suggestions for free automatic folder monitor and file copy app

mproost · 17 Apr 2014

Hello all-

I am looking for a small piece that will do the following:

1. Monitor folder A
2. Copy any new folders or files to Folder B
3. Run at start-up and at all times
4. Preferably real-time or at least once an hour.
5. Preferably only make the copy once, even the file is deleted from folder B.

It seemed simple, but I am having trouble funding something simple that does this. I tried sync toy, but it needs to be scheduled and it will continually copy the same file if it is already deleted from folder A.

Thank you in advanced!

Ztruker · 17 Apr 2014

I use a program called Mirror Folder that will this. I use it to backup specific folders to a 2nd hard disk and a few folders to a location on a 2nd computer over the network.

It costs $39.

~~Microsoft also has the free SyncToy which may do what you want as well.~~

Oops, sorry, see you already tried that.

You could also do this with a scheduled batch file using xcopy or robocopy.

Lady Fitzgerald · 18 Apr 2014

I use FreeFileSync. The mirror setting will copy files in one direction only; from folder A to folder B. However, if you delete the file from folder B, FFS will copy it back from folder A. It will also delete any files in folder B that you delete in folder A. You would have to schedule it to check every hour or so but scheduling is not all that difficult (I learned how in only three tries). You would also have to add it to your start menu and let it run fulltime.

scr · 18 Apr 2014

Another Free offering that will do what you want: SyncBack Free - freeware version of the ultimate data backup software

Lady Fitzgerald · 18 Apr 2014

scr said:

Another Free offering that will do what you want: SyncBack Free - freeware version of the ultimate data backup software

When I looked at that before settling on FreeFileSync, it appeared that only the paid version supported mirroring.

scr · 18 Apr 2014

Lady Fitzgerald said:

scr said:

Another Free offering that will do what you want: SyncBack Free - freeware version of the ultimate data backup software

When I looked at that before settling on FreeFileSync, it appeared that only the paid version supported mirroring.

Here's a shot of the Help page on Mirroring. I use the program for backup of my files and never wanted mirroring so maybe you are correct.