Mirroring Windows Directories

Goal

Automatically copy files in one directory to another directory on another computer, specifically from a Windows 7 desktop to a NAS.

This way, tracks in my iTunes library can be copied to the NAS where they will be available to any device on the LAN that can access the iTunes service on the NAS.

Also, video files captured with phones or cameras and saved in a Lightbox library can also be copied to the NAS where they would be available to be viewed on the flat-screen TV.

Solution

• SyncToy utility from Microsoft (free).

Creating "folder pairs"

• TK

Scheduling the synchronization

• Windows Start Menu > Search box > "task scheduler"
• Actions pane > Create Basic Task
  • Name: SyncToy
  • Description: whatever
  • Trigger: Daily
  • Start: 3:30 pm
  • Action: Start Program
    • Program/script: "C:\Program Files\SyncToy 2.1\"
    • Add arguments: -R (Syncs all folder pairs)

Source: Schedule SyncToy to Run Automatically With Task Scheduler in Windows 7 | How-To Geek

Troubleshooting

Accessing NAS from Windows results in network name/password prompt

• Computer > right click > Properties > Advanced system settings > Computer Name tab > Network ID button
• Make sure that the "This is a home computer; it's not part of a business network" option is selected.

Keywords

backup, back up