Help: Run a sync program when a computer comes online on network?

[SirRob]

I have been using a synchronization program that would automatically sync several folders across multiple computers whenever they were both turned on. All of the computers are connected to the same local area network. I have recently learned that this program is not reliable, and I am looking for an alternate solution. I am using windows 7 and XP on the network. I have not been able to find another program that has this feature, so I was wondering if there is a way to have the Windows task scheduler automatically ping the different computers that are to be synchronized every 5 or 10 minutes, and once there is a response, initiate a new sync program.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to do this?

 

[Binky]

Have you tried Puresync? I have't used it for what you're asking, but its worth a try.

 

[SirRob]

Yep. You figured out the culprit. Puresync is fantastic, except that it does not always work. The fact that it is unreliable makes it unusable.

 

[bobdole369]

Dropbox?

Failing that how about MS Synctoy.

Or dedicate a share and run scripts with rsync from that server.

 

[SirRob]

Dropbox's limit is much too small for my needs. I am thinking about using the "offline files" or a batch file with "IF" statements to execute a synctoy or rsync job if the ping comes back positive. I could then have windows run that batch file every ten minutes or so.

Now I just need to figure out if "offline folders" will do what I want or how to do the batch file commands.

 

[Binky]

Yep. You figured out the culprit. Puresync is fantastic, except that it does not always work. The fact that it is unreliable makes it unusable.

Did you try it using the command line options? It can respond to a ping success.

You could also look at robocopy and richcopy.