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How do I sync folders/files between my PC and my external drive without using SkyDrive?

Anonymous
2013-11-16T14:15:14+00:00

I just paid for and downloaded "FileSync Application" from the Microsoft Store with the intent to Sync folders between my home computer and my external drive without the use of SkyDrive and I am running Windows 8.1.

So, how do I sync folders/files between my PC and my external drive without using SkyDrive?  And/Or, how do I find help on the program "File Sync Application" so that I can do and control what I need to do?

The FileSync Application instructions say "Simply click the Gather Sync information button to pick the folders you wish to sync together.  You will then be displayed with a list of all files found in bother (I think this was intended to say "both") and a list of changes that are to be made. If you are happy that the changes are correct, click the Sync Files button (which will appear once the information is gathered) to complete the Sync."  

I'm following the instructions, but I am not getting the display of listed files. 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The worse thing I ever did was to invest in a new high end computer with Windows 8. Program APPS dominate my full screen and I can't seem to access help within these programs.  Also, it feels like I am being "railroaded" into choices that I don't want (e.g. SkyDrive and other Apps) with fewer work arounds vs. the many choices that I was able to access before Windows 8 and find on my own. Even the categories on this forum do not allow me to select a category to what my real issue is.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. @CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-11-20T22:24:06+00:00

    SkyDrive is not going to help you sync between a PC and an external hard drive, because SkyDrive only syncs to the SkyDrive online storage. So that's not an option even if you wanted it.

    There is a free Microsoft program that can do this though, which has been around for about 15 years now. Good news, it still works just fine in Windows 8.  It's called SyncToy and it can sync an unlimited number of pairs of folders, such as syncing C:\Users to D:\UserBackup.  You can sync on-demand when you want, or sync on a schedule.  Very versatile.

    Keep in mind that Windows 8 doesn't require you to use full screen apps. You can delete them and just stick to the desktop and use the PC the same as if it was Windows 7 or earlier.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-15T17:24:45+00:00

    Synctoy.   I upgraded to Win8 from XP and thoughtthe marvelous Microsoft Synctoy utility was lost to me.  Having tried other apps with unsatisfactory outcomes, I installed Synctoy and it works just great.  Simple, fast and displays a progress bar.

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  1. @CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-02-17T01:30:16+00:00

    I also use SyncToy on Windows 8.1.  I think Pete-Zee has a problem with his computer.

    Pete, I would recommend installing it again and let start a new question on this site with any error(s) that you encounter so we can help resolve it for you.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-17T01:15:36+00:00

    I rely on Microsoft's Synctoy  on my Windows 8.1 desktop computer.  Synctoy is free, simple and quick.  I bought the latest version of Acronis which has a sync option, but setup seemed rather cumbersome.   I believe Synctoy has a command line capability so that a Sync can be scheduled via the Windows Task Manager/Scheduler.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-02-16T19:52:27+00:00

    Hi synctoy is no longer working for me.

    I used to use XP and now am on 8.1.

    When I installed synctoy on the 8.1 it created many conflicts and was not working not even the pc was  so i had to restore!!!!

    Furthermore with the latest XP update I had to repair the MS netowrk for it to work again.

    PLease microsoft give as a Win8.1 compatible version of synctoy so we can sync our portable memory with the hard drive

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