How to Use Microsoft SyncToy to Backup Your Data

Microsoft SyncToy is a free utility you can use to back up your data on number of storage devices

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Microsoft SyncToy is a free utility that you can download as one of Microsoft's PowerToys. This easy-to-use application enables you to use a number of storage devices to back up your 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, for example, combine files that are in two folders into one case, it can manage multiple folders at the one time, and even synchronize different directories. Follow these tips to learn how to use Microsoft SyncToy to back up your data.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Download Microsoft SyncToy (see Resources) and save it to your desktop. Locate the downloaded installation file "setup.msi" on your desktop. Double-click this file to run the installation program. Once installed, you will find the program in your "All Programs" menu.

Step2

Begin to back up your files to an external hard drive, to a flash drive or any other storage devices of your choice.

Step3

Connect the storage device to your PC. Open "My Computer" and locate the storage device. Make a note of the drive where you find your storage device for future reference.

Step4

Go to the Programs menu and open Open SyncToy. Click on "Create New Folder Pair" to begin backing up your files and folders.

Step5

The left folder is the source location; the right folder is the destination for the information you want to back-up Click on "Browse" and locate the file or folder that you want to back up. Next click "Browse" for the Right-hand side folder, to choose the location that you want to back it up to. SyncToy uses right and left folder pairs for creating back-ups. The left folder is the source location, typically your hard drive. The right folder is the directory or drive for your back-up device, e.g., the external hard drive or flash drive that you just connected to your PC.

Step6

Click on "Browse" in the right side folder. Select the drive where you want to back up your file. Create a new folder in this drive by clicking on the " Make New Folder" button, right-clicking on this folder, and then selecting "Rename." Type in a name of your choice such as "Back-up," which you will easily recognize later as a back-up file. Click on "Next" to move on to the next screen.

Step7

Select one of the back-up options below for backing up your information. You can choose synchronize, subscribe, echo, combine or contribute.
Synchronize option: This copies any new or updated files in two different folders. Any renames and deletes in one folder are duplicated in the second, synchronized folder.
Echo option: Any new or updated files in the left folder duplicated in the right folder.
Subscribe option: This copies updated files in the right folder into the left folder.
Contribute option: This copies all new or updated files in the left folder into the right folder. It's almost identical to echo, aside from the fact that there are no deletions.
Combine option: All new or updated files will be copied both ways – in essence, it combines both the right and left folders. There is no action for renamed or deleted files.
Select a backup option and name the folder pair. Click on "Finish" to complete the backup process.