SyncBack’s point-and-click interface is user-friendly; however, newcomers may find some options or settings confusing or unfamiliar.
If this option is enabled, a window will pop-up whenever an external device with specific labels/volume/hardware serial number connects to your computer (SyncBack must be running for this feature to work). This feature is especially helpful if you manage multiple profiles at the same time and wish to keep tabs on them all.
What is SyncBack?
SyncBack is an intelligent and highly configurable program for keeping data sets stored across different locations in sync, or “in sync”. Available in two forms (the $40 SyncBackSE 7 and the $55 SyncBackPro with online storage synchronization features), this software excels at keeping the various pieces together in sync.
Establishing a new profile is straightforward. After selecting a profile type, a window appears that allows users to set basic parameters such as its name and where files should be copied from and to. Recurrence and start-up options can also be set here, before running a simulation of it to verify it’s functioning correctly. SyncBack offers simulation tests as an additional security measure against incorrect configuration of profiles.
One of the key advantages offered by SyncBack is its ability to copy both locked and open files using Delta Copy technology, which only copies those parts of files which have changed thus saving both storage space and network usage.
Other features include the ability to pause and resume profiles, making SyncBack an invaluable solution for those wanting a backup running while they work or for keeping a remote copy up-to-date. In addition, SmartSync keeps track of file states to enable profiles to identify automatically when deleted files should be restored back into SyncBack’s history.
SyncBack offers an array of global settings which determine the behavior of all profiles, such as when to shut down or hibernate and whether standby and hibernation should be disabled for SyncBack. Each individual profile can also be set to run only when idle.
An advantageous option is enabling SyncBack as a service, so that it will always be ready to detect changes and begin syncing when they happen. To do so, click on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) on the top-left of SyncBack main window then Global Settings before making your selections – there is even an option that starts the program automatically each time Windows boots up!
Creating a profile
SyncBack offers a quick and straightforward method for backup your data. Its easy mode makes the software user-friendly for beginners while its advanced mode offers greater control to customize every aspect of its operation. When first starting up the program you will be asked to create a profile – effectively a backup job – using an intuitive wizard which assumes certain defaults; later this profile can be changed as needed.
Once a profile is created it can either be set to run automatically or manually – the former gives you more control over when and how often it runs, while the latter gives more direct control.
Backup Files to Rackspace Cloud
Setting up a SyncBack Pro/SE backup profile that utilizes Rackspace’s cloud is straightforward, as this article details. Simply follow its simple instructions for creating one via FTP.
Beginners Guide to SyncBack Profile Installation & Setup
With increasing security threats and physical disasters, backing up data becomes more of a necessity for computer users than ever. While most people backup their data regularly, some don’t have a plan in place for recovering after an unanticipated event occurs.
20 Years of SyncBack Since 1999, 2BrightSparks’ SyncBack has helped hundreds of thousands of people protect their important files and data. Since its introduction, SyncBack has undergone thousands of feature additions and modifications, as well as multiple version revisions.
Extensive Features
SyncBack’s latest release boasts advanced and extensive features, such as copying both locked and open files, versioning (copy only the changed parts to save storage space), fast backup engine support and version control features.
SyncBack comes equipped with an excellent scripting function to extend its functionality, such as customizing user interfaces or automating certain backup/synchronization tasks. In addition, there’s also an advanced log file system capable of sending email reports, updating information from registry keys, sending emails reports about backup activity and much more!
Syncing files
The SyncBack software program lives up to its name: it creates backup copies and synchronizes data efficiently and simply, making the experience easy for the user. As such, many computer tech websites such as Guiding Tech recommend it.
SyncBack’s smart scheduling capabilities allow it to keep the latest version of your data. Furthermore, certain programs can be set to run a profile as soon as they close – enabling you to quickly retrieve it after working on it.
Delta copying, also known as delta checking, allows a profile to check if files have been altered since its last run by comparing original and updated versions of each file compared with newly uploaded ones. This process drastically decreases copy time from one location to the next if there already exist newer versions on destination and the old file can be ignored.
If the new version already exists in your destination folder, you have various options for what to do with it if an identical file exists – for instance, delete and replace with the new version or simply ignore.
In addition to standard options like frequency and source/destination folders, SyncBack SE and Pro provide more advanced control by enabling you to define what actions should be taken when changes are detected. It offers features like compression, encryption, logging, resume of interrupted FTP transfers, running programs prior to/after profiles being run as well as status emails – in short all kinds of useful advanced features!
Intelligent Synchronization is highly recommended; with it, SyncBack keeps an up-to-date list of changes since the last time your profile ran, enabling more informed decisions than its basic synchronization which does not track changes.
Downloading the free trial version of SyncBack can give you more insight into its capabilities and features, with installation taking only minutes to complete and ready-for-use right after launch. For those needing assistance getting started with the program there are also online tutorials and help videos available that will show how it’s used.
Running a profile
At first, the SyncBack point and click interface may seem complex and bewildering due to all its options; but once familiarized, the program becomes straightforward and user-friendly with plenty of helpful information available at every turn.
To launch a profile, simply select it in the main window and press Run (or use Ctrl + R shortcut keys). When running an unattended profile – such as one scheduled to run at login time on Windows – SyncBack will show a Differences window which lists files/folders to be copied, moved, deleted or skipped and gives you the chance to review and change these actions if you so choose (e.g. deleting a file but opting not to).
At runtime, the program will attempt to adhere to the settings in its Profile Setup window by only copying or moving files that match those specified there. You may also exclude specific files and folders by using Filters settings within this window.
Your profile can also be configured to wait a specific amount of time before continuing a run, which is helpful if you need an external program to complete its task before the profile begins or completes its run. SyncBackPro even offers the ability to start this external program automatically for you; be aware though as doing so could cause system crashes if it exits incorrectly.
Hot Keys provide another means of initiating runs manually. They work as long as the SyncBack Pro program itself is already running when the Hot Key is pressed; for optimal results it would be wise to configure SyncBack Pro so it will start when Windows boots up (see Global Settings in burger menu).
Once a profile has been completed it will be added to a queue and depending on its type (Backup, Synchronization or Mirror), may be copied directly or remotely for storage. You may also choose to group two profiles together so they run simultaneously (see Group profiles for more details).
