Shadow file copy, not sync backup

[plugger]

I'm looking for a shadow file copy program to copy files upon creation, modification, or rename.
More precisely, to copy a file whenever the file is closed, or to copy newer files to a target tree on a schedule or when manually started.

Not one-direction sync, which will copy a source folder tree to an empty target tree. I.e., I wish to skip the initial step of copying the entire source tree to the empty target.

SyncToy would be nice, if it didn't start by copying the source tree. (I didn't see how to suppress that initial copy.)

Any suggestions?

 

[logicearth]

So you are looking for Previous Versions which is already built into Windows. Assuming you have not turned off System Restore that is.

All you have to do is right click on the file or folder and select: "Restore previous versions"

 

[plugger]

System Restore doesn't seem what I want.
The Help says "System Restore isn't intended for backing up personal files, so it cannot help you recover a personal file that has been deleted or damaged."

 

[MilesAhead]

There are free version control programs on SourceForge.net. Some have shell extensions built in. Unfortunately file numbering of versions built into the file system like on the old VMS OS, is not present in Windows. I would check out the VCS offerings. Maybe some have pared down functions that don't require file check in and check out etc..

 

[logicearth]

I'm talking about Previous Versions, which is part of the System Restore infrastructure. Previous Versions is what backs up personal files and keeps versions of edits or changes.

 

[kado897]

Not quite. It only takes a copy when a Restore Point is made. You may have made many changes between RPs.

 

[MilesAhead]

Not quite. It only takes a copy when a Restore Point is made. You may have made many changes between RPs.

Correct. If you only have Home Premium you can achieve much the same without the context menu integration with ShadowExplorer

It's a very nice freeware.