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needed: tool to sync two HDs/folders

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brotherS:
Hi,

I need a (free if possible) tool to sync my HD - or really just several folders, including subfolders (from C: and D:) - to my backup HD that I just connect every now and then.

Is there a smart tool that has no problem with some of the source folders being written to while running? (i.e. it should just copy what it finds in that moment and not care over more changes after that moment)

Over the years I saw a few of these programs, but since I never needed one before... your help is appreciated!

CWuestefeld:
Sounds like you don't need bi-directional syncing, but handling locked files is critical.

I know just the (free) program for you: HoboCopy http://www.pluralsight.com/wiki/default.aspx/Craig/HoboCopy.html

What is HoboCopy?

HoboCopy is a backup/copy tool. It is inspired by robocopy in both name and in functionality. It differs greatly from robocopy, however, in two respects:

   1. It is not as full-featured as robocopy.
   2. It uses the Volume Shadow Service (VSS) to "snapshot" the disk before copying. It then copies from the snapshot rather than the "live" disk.

...

Why Does HoboCopy Use the Volume Shadow Service?

Because HoboCopy copies from a VSS snapshot, it is able copy even files that are locked by some other program. Further, certain programs (such as SQL Server 2005) are VSS-aware, and will write their state to disk in a consistent state before the snapshot is taken, allowing a sort of "live backup". Files locked by VSS-unaware programs will still be copied in a "crash consistent" state (i.e. whatever happens to be on the disk). This is generally a lot better than not being able to copy the file at all.
--- End quote ---

brotherS:
Thanks! In this case I might even spend some money for a tool with a nice GUI (to show progress, to most easily specify folders), so if you know something like that please feel free to mention it!
 8)

cranioscopical:
You've looked at this?
SyncToy 1.4 for Windows Vista is available as a free download from the Microsoft Download Center. The easy to use, customizable application helps you copy, move, rename, and delete files between folders and computers.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=E0FC1154-C975-4814-9649-CCE41AF06EB7&displaylang=en
Not sure about locked file behaviour...

MerleOne:
Total Commander (www.ghisler.com) has a really impressive sync feature.  If you always sync the same folders, you might also look at SyncbackSE (http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/syncback-hub.html), which is supposed to backup open files.

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