How to Use Microsoft SyncToy for Hard Drive Backup and Data Recovery
Microsoft SyncToy is a free utility that you can download as one of Microsoft's PowerToys. SyncToy enables you to use a number of storage devices to back up the data on your PC's hard drive. You can also copy, delete, rename and move your files from one folder or computer to the other. SyncToy can combine files that are in two folders into one, it can manage multiple folders at the same time, and even synchronize different directories.
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Instructions
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1
Open your preferred Web browser and navigate to the SyncToy download page. Click the "Download" link for the 32- or 64-bit version, depending on Windows version being used. Save the file in a convenient location.
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2
Run the setup program and follow the prompts to install SyncToy. SyncToy runs automatically after setup or may be selected from the "Start" menu. Plug in your external hard drive or connect to the network drive you plan to use for backups.
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3
Click the "Create New Folder Pair" button. Click the "Browse" button under the Left Folder field to select the folder you want to back up. This folder may contain sub-folders, such as My Documents or Documents.
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4
Create a new folder on your backup drive to save the data. Click the "Browse" button under the Right Folder field to select the backup folder. Click "Next."
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Select the "Synchronize" option if you plan to edit files in both locations. If you only plan to edit, add or remove files in the left folder location, click the "Echo" option to make the right folder a simple backup. Click "Next."
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Enter a name for the folder pair. Click "Finish." Repeat for each folder you want to back up on your computer, then click "Run" to run the backup.
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Tips & Warnings
The Echo option is the most popular and most recommended because any changes made on your hard drive will be echoed in your back-up.
There is no scheduling option in SyncToy, you'll need to manually click "Run" to back up regularly.
