How to backup/sync saved game folders between multiple computers

Question

I'm trying to basically sync some saved game files (in this case from Red alert 3) over 2 computers.

So what I would like to happen is when I start my game, a script or batch file searches a network folder (T:\saves) and copies the latest version of the saved game folder to the local machine (c:\users\NAME\Red Alert\Saves).

Once the game/process ends, I would like the script to copy the latest local version to the network location.

I would also like the script to play nicley if the network location isn't available if possible.

Is this kind of thing possible using a batch file or autohotkey perhaps? I thought perhaps even dropbox could prove useful?

All of my computers are running Windows 7

Answer 1

I think I've found the easiest way of doing this, by using dropbox and symbolic links:

How to sync backed up games using dropbox

1. Install dropbox on machines you want to use save games with, make sure it is all up and running ok
2. Move your saved game folder (eg. c:\users\username\game name\saves) into your dropbox folder (Dropbox\Saved games\game name\saves)
3. Create a symbolic link from the original save game folder location to your new dropbox saved game location - make sure that the symbolic link folder name is the same as the original folder name

Basically what this will do is create a shortcut, so that when your game looks for its saved game folder, it is actually being redirected to a different location (in this case, the dropbox folder)

Here is a simple app for creating symbolic links: symlinker

Please note: symbolic links only work in Vista and Windows 7 - not XP

Here is my dropbox referral code for anyone wanting some extra space on dropbox (we both get an extra 250mb free if you use this link): Get dropbox

Answer 2

Take a look at the freeware Allwaysync: http://allwaysync.com. It can be set up to sync on a schedule, on hardware events or on file changes. It's very stable, reliable and runs quietly in the background.