Windows 7 Network Folder Sync - Sort Of

[Machnumber2]

I have two computers, computer A and Computer B, both with windows 7. Folder A is on the hard drive on Computer A. Folder B is on the hardrive on computer B. The computers are networked.

Before the first time sync the contents of computer A folder A is say a b c d e

Before the first time sync The contents of computer B folder B is say d e f g h

I would like to sync for the first time, then on an automatic basis just the folders Folder A and Folder B such that no files ever get deleted from either folder. Folder A should look at folder B and determine it needs to add to itself only f g & h from folder B. Folder B should look at Folder A and determine it only needs to add a b & c from Folder B.

The filnames can be compared using just the filename with extension.

After they are done syncing the first time, the result should be that Folder A contains a b c d e f g h and Folder B contains exactly the same a b c d e f g h.

If a file gets added to Folder A, Folder B should automatically add that same file to itself and vice versa.

Can Windows 7 do this with all of its new networking features? Any help appreciated. Thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

To achieve a two-way folder synchronization between two Windows 7 computers (Computer A and Computer B) over a network while ensuring that no files are deleted from either folder and new files are automatically synced, you can use a synchronization tool or set up sync processes manually.
Here's a general overview of how you can accomplish this manually using Windows 7 networking features:
1. Share Folders:
- Share Folder A on Computer A and Folder B on Computer B over the network. This enables each computer to access the shared folders of the other.
2. Use Batch Scripts:
- You can create batch scripts on each computer to synchronize the folders. These scripts can be scheduled to run at specified intervals (e.g., using Windows Task Scheduler).
3. Robocopy:
- Windows 7 comes with a command-line tool called Robocopy that can be used to copy files and folders in a synchronized way. You can create scripts using Robocopy to synchronize the folders.
4. Network Sharing Options:
- Ensure that network discovery and file sharing are enabled on both computers to allow seamless communication between Computer A and Computer B.
5. Scheduled Tasks:
- Use Windows Task Scheduler to schedule the synchronization scripts to run automatically at specified intervals for continuous synchronization.
6. File Monitoring:
- You may also need to set up a system to monitor changes in the folders to trigger synchronization processes when new files are added or modified.
7. Permissions and Security:
- Ensure that appropriate permissions are set on the shared folders to prevent unauthorized access.
By implementing these steps, you can create a system where Folder A on Computer A and Folder B on Computer B stay synchronized automatically without deleting files and adding new files as needed.
While Windows 7 offers basic networking and file-sharing features, for more advanced synchronization requirements and ease of use, you might consider using third-party synchronization tools that offer more robust features and user-friendly interfaces.
If you prefer a third-party tool, there are many synchronization applications available that can simplify this process and offer additional features for folder synchronization across networks. These tools often provide more advanced options for bi-directional synchronization with file change detection and conflict resolution.
Should you need specific recommendations for third-party tools or further assistance in setting up the synchronization process using Windows 7 features, feel free to ask!