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Throughout my PC I have to have exactly the same files in more than one location (for one reason or another) and it's getting really difficult to keep track of them all and keep them all up-to-date with each other (in sync, if you will).

So, I'm looking for some software that:

  1. Can track files, even if they are moved or renamed
  2. Can automatically detect which file is the latest and update / rename any other files that are linked to it
  3. Doesn't operate as a data deduplicator - that is, it doesn't operate like mklink /h / require a "master" file. I need linked files to be updated with an actual file, not just a link to the master file

Basically, a non-command-based, background, automatic file synchroniser that utilises data fingerprints (or something), akin to the functionality of Dropbox - "It just works".

I've tried "HardLink Shell Extension" but that didn't work particularly well. Suffice to say: I abandoned it in less than an hour.

I don't know if such a software exists that fits such strict criteria, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

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Is there a reason that editors insist on stripping out brief pleasantries from questions? Just curious.. – Ben Hooper May 21 '12 at 14:34
such is the way of SU... if the question isn't asked to certain specifications, it will get edited. Even where there is nothing wrong with wording... just the format (editing for appearance, not content). So, if you don't meet the specifications of the ranking individual who reads your question, expect it to be changed. Apparently thanking people didn't meet that particular individual's specifications.... not that I could find anything against it in the FAQ. – Bon Gart May 21 '12 at 15:22
Okay, thanks. Just curious as to why my "Hi guys," opening and "Thanks :)" closing always get removed, right across SE.. – Ben Hooper May 21 '12 at 16:01
Ben, for a thorough explanation of why this is, see here: Should 'Hi', 'thanks,' taglines, and salutations be removed from posts? — @BonGart Editing out salutations or otherwise irrelevant content from posts is acceptable and even encouraged here. If you don't want to do it, fine. This has nothing to do with "approval" of "some" individuals though. – slhck♦ May 23 '12 at 8:28

1 Answer

up vote 0 down vote accepted

Why not use a version management software like git?

This would allow you to create a local repository for your files you need synchronized and then you just always pull the latest version of your files from that repository.

Plus you get version control as a bonus.

Alternatively (if the git workflow is not for you), an equal approach can also be managed with Subversion using TortoiseSVN.

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Thanks. I'll have a look at those now and see what they're like. – Ben Hooper May 21 '12 at 13:26
Mmm.. It's hardly a user-friendly solution, if I'm honest. I'd like to keep the question open for a bit longer to see if any other solutions present. – Ben Hooper May 22 '12 at 8:49

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