How to Synchronize Folders Using Foldershare

Spreading a workload over two computers can be frustrating at times, especially if you forgot to download a copy of an important Word document from the office computer before driving home. Fortunately, with synchronization software provided by Windows Live Foldershare, you can alleviate your frustration by synchronizing your files to remotely receive identical changes. If you install Foldershare's free software download and follow the steps provided here to synchronize folders, you will easily turn your two computers into identical twins.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Primary and secondary computers

Instructions

1. Install a free software download and create a Foldershare account. Microsoft purchased the Foldershare synchronization software service in 2005 and transformed it into a Windows Live product. Like Windows Live Messenger, it will require you to make a free software download in order to get started. Simply type in the URL www.foldershare.com and click on the "get started" button, and you will see installation software available for both Windows and Mac. Next, create an account by providing the standard information like your email address and a password. On the second computer, you will not need to install the same free software download, but instead just choose the option "I've Already Created an Account" and proceed to enter your email address and password.

2. Make sure the computers you want to sync are online and both signed onto Foldershare. You need to have both computers powered up and plugged up to the Internet for this to work. If you've shut down one of the computers to let it rest, don't expect to be able to synchronize folders from the other computer.

3. Open "Create a Personal Library" through the Taskbar. Not only does Foldershare allow you to use a primary computer to remotely access a secondary computer, but it also allows you to use its synchronization software to make changes to files so that changes made are one computer are identical to changes made on the other computer. To sync up a file in this way, you first need to go to the "notification area" of the Foldershare taskbar, then click the Foldershare beta icon. Next, click "My Foldershare" and "Create a Personal Library".

4. Select the file you desire to sync to your Personal Library. This is the easy part. Open up a folder in the new Personal Library you have created and select a file that you want to make an identical copy of. Follow the prompts to let Foldershare synchronize the folders (click the destination name for the file, click "Automatic Synchronization" or "On-Demand Synchronization", then click "Finish".) With Foldershare's free synchronization software, you are bound to save time both at the office and at home.

Tips & Warnings

• If you run into difficulties, visit the Foldershare forum to brainstorm solutions with other Foldershare users from all around the world.

• If you are a firewall user, Foldershare will require you to temporarily disable your firewall in order to permit its synchronization software to load.