How to auto-sync a USB thumb drive with folders on the PC? [duplicate]
In my job we are not guaranteed to keep using the same computer forever. Also, I need to keep the files at arm's reach when traveling. This is screaming a "cloud" solution, but here in Brazil mobile connectivity is still an issue, and relying on company networks there is always the firewall and network policy issue, so cloud is no-go.
So I started using a 16GB flash drive to store all my personal and work documents. But I am afraid someday the thumb drive will die on me and I will lose everything. Also I have a hard time when I forget it at home and can't access my files.
So I am looking for some utility/script that will run on my home and work computers and whenever I connect the thumb drive, it detects it as my thumb-drive and synchronizes with folders on the computer, kinda like rsync.
These are the needed features:
- Securely recognizes the thumb-drive (using a special "key" file or volume serial numbers)
- Update only modified files (no dumb-copying, as it's several GB)
- If a file was modified on both on the thumb-drive and the computer, ask for which one to keep.
- I may choose which folders to sync (do not want to sync the music folder, for example)
- Non-annoying operation, just ask for a decision on conflicts if needed (but a progress indicator would be nice).
Desirable but not required, are syncing being done automatically before removal (instead of at insertion).
Is there a ready-made Windows tool for this job? This could be pulled out with a batch file but I wanna know if there is something on the market already.
Thanks!
Update for future viewers..
SyncToy is very good, but has the flaw of needing Administrator account for installation. I needed to sync with na old XP work computer, with limited permissions. I've settled for Unison http://www.cis.upenn.edu/~bcpierce/unison/ . It is a command-line app, but matches all my requirements, and does not need to be installed.
- Microsoft SyncToy may work for the job.
- Desynchronize is freeware and doesn't install (stand-alone)
Doing anything before removing the drive is much harder, but Desynchronize offers real-time sync, which should do the trick.