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When you copy files from one location to another location, it removes files from the target that were removed from the source, updates modified files, and adds new files. After it is done, the target location matches the source location.

On MacOS / Linux, you can use rsync which is free and you can run it within Terminal on the Mac. Some people need a GUI slapped on it so they either do these subscription type applications or buy it like Carbon Copy Cloner.

I just call it backup software
 
@MikeDr206
@tonmischa

Guys having trouble with Resilio. I‘ve set up 3 pair of sync folders issues with all 3. Talking to their support via email, trying to get onto their community forum, hoping they have a support phone number, not not yet located.

In the power user preference, I set the sync down from 600 to 60 seconds. On the one pair of sync files (the smallest of the 3) that have given me green check marks, I assume this means files synced, as a test I place a small file in one of them to see what would happen and 45 minutes later, still nothing. A couple hours later I checked back and it had synced.

The second pair of folders which are both 80GB, I picked the first folder then selected “sync with local”, picked the second folder, which was identical in size (previously synced with a different program) and I’m getting a red circle icon with an exclamation mark that says “can’t download file”.

The third pair of folders (100GB each) just stays in a perpetual state of indexing, both of them at different levels of indexing anf they finally produced an orange triangle exclamation mark and “99+” what ever that means.

I don’t expect you guys to have the answer, just crying on your shoulders. ;)
 
Also, my jnders
When you copy files from one location to another location, it removes files from the target that were removed from the source, updates modified files, and adds new files. After it is done, the target location matches the source location.

On MacOS / Linux, you can use rsync which is free and you can run it within Terminal on the Mac. Some people need a GUI slapped on it so they either do these subscription type applications or buy it like Carbon Copy Cloner.
also, utilities like Resilio offer real time sync. So as files in your watched folders change, syncing occurs instantaneously.
 
Also, my jnders
@MikeDr206
@tonmischa

Guys having trouble with Resilio. I‘ve set up 3 pair of sync folders issues with all 3. Talking to their support via email, trying to get onto their community forum, hoping they have a support phone number, not not yet located.

In the power user preference, I set the sync down from 600 to 60 seconds. On the one pair of sync files (the smallest of the 3) that have given me green check marks, I assume this means files synced, as a test I place a small file in one of them to see what would happen and 45 minutes later, still nothing. A couple hours later I checked back and it had synced.

The second pair of folders which are both 80GB, I picked the first folder then selected “sync with local”, picked the second folder, which was identical in size (previously synced with a different program) and I’m getting a red circle icon with an exclamation mark that says “can’t download file”.

The third pair of folders (100GB each) just stays in a perpetual state of indexing, both of them at different levels of indexing anf they finally produced an orange triangle exclamation mark and “99+” what ever that means.

I don’t expect you guys to have the answer, just crying on your shoulders. ;)
hmm! I don’t mess with any of the power settings. the process I used was to set up the folder on one computer, and then share the link to the other computers to set up the folder in that computer. The files the sync from the first computer to the second. For 100 gb it’ll take time, although over a LAN it shouldn‘t be too bad.

the 99+ I’ve seen up front, but it goes away once syncing is completed.

if you start with an empty folder on both computers, tho, adding a small file in either should be instantaneous.
 
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Also, my jnders

hmm! I don’t mess with any of the power settings. the process I used was to set up the folder on one computer, and then share the link to the other computers to set up the folder in that computer. The files the sync from the first computer to the second. For 100 gb it’ll take time, although over a LAN it shouldn‘t be too bad.

the 99+ I’ve seen up front, but it goes away once syncing is completed.

if you start with an empty folder on both computers, tho, adding a small file in either should be instantaneous.
I actually copied the 100GB + folder to the second drive in advance to be sure they were identical and thinking that the registering of these would be quicker than allowing the sync program to move the files from the origination to an empty second folder.

In the smallest folder I was syncing, after it was all done and showed green checkmarks, I was really concerned when I moved a small file into the origination and an hour later it had not been copied. I’m not 100% sure, but the program might have been distracted by one of the larger folder syncs.
 
Chronosync.

Perhaps you’ll get more helpful suggestions without such a useless thread title?

Yup, came here to mention the same product. Chronosync: https://www.econtechnologies.com/product/chronosync/

Have been using it for several years after someone on this forum recommended it. I have it sync individual files, folders, and whole drives and I have it set to do so every "X" days. Set it and forget it. Works like a charm and it is a purchase not a rent.
 
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I actually copied the 100GB + folder to the second drive in advance to be sure they were identical and thinking that the registering of these would be quicker than allowing the sync program to move the files from the origination to an empty second folder.

In the smallest folder I was syncing, after it was all done and showed green checkmarks, I was really concerned when I moved a small file into the origination and an hour later it had not been copied. I’m not 100% sure, but the program might have been distracted by one of the larger folder syncs.
Did it end up working after it scanned both folders?
 
Did it end up working after it scanned both folders?
Sorry for the delayed reply. It seems to be working for me now. One thing I don't like about it is that I much prefer getting notifications when a synch starts and when it finishes, and apparently Resilio can't do this. I may give Chronosynch a quick try before my 30 day return on this runs out.
 
Sorry for the delayed reply. It seems to be working for me now. One thing I don't like about it is that I much prefer getting notifications when a synch starts and when it finishes, and apparently Resilio can't do this. I may give Chronosynch a quick try before my 30 day return on this runs out.
Yeah, Resilio is meant more for a real-time automatic solution, not something to give you notifications when sync occurs.
 
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Yeah, Resilio is meant more for a real-time automatic solution, not something to give you notifications when sync occurs.
I've decided to give Resilio a go, even without desktop notifications. When I crank it up, on the 3 pairs of synched folders it shows green checkmarks. I'll believe it, and do a check now and then on folder size. :)
 
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Hi all,
After an initial TimeMachine or CCC migration from my iMac to my new MacBookPro 16" (Pro, not Max), will any of these apps keep the two Macs in sync wirelessly (in both directions) without having to through an external drive to copy files from one Mac over to the other Mac? Is this what you've been talking about? I'd very much like to set up my new MBP-Pro 16" to always mirror my iMac...
Thanks!
 
Does Chronosync give desktop notifications?
Yes (as well as email). Try it!

Having used both Resilio and Chronosync, I find Chronosync much the most robust and reliable for LAN sync between 2 devices. I would only consider Resilio if I needed remote sync and/or multiple devices.
 
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Yes (as well as email). Try it!

Having used both Resilio and Chronosync, I find Chronosync much the most robust and reliable for LAN sync between 2 devices. I would only consider Resilio if I needed remote sync and/or multiple devices.
I downloaded a trial version and synched up to folders worth of files using Chronosync. Then for a test I added a new file to the left folder and it does not notice this change. I've got it set to bidirectional synch, and selected the aggressive option, but it's not noticing the change. I've looked at the documentation for for both sync and mirror it says "source is monitored" and for 2way synch "both folder monitored" but I am making changes using bidirectional synch and the program is not responding to those changes. I sent a ticket to the devs, but anyone have an idea why it's not updating when I make changes?
Thanks.
 
but anyone have an idea why it's not updating when I make changes?
I think there is a misunderstanding here. CS does not watch for file and folder changes. Each job needs to be scheduled (or run manually).

For my wife's iMac to my iMac, I run a scheduled job. For my MacBook to/from my iMac, I manually run 2-way sync jobs.
 
I think there is a misunderstanding here. CS does not watch for file and folder changes. Each job needs to be scheduled (or run manually).

For my wife's iMac to my iMac, I run a scheduled job. For my MacBook to/from my iMac, I manually run 2-way sync jobs.
Hmm, well its documentation talks about different modes "monitoring", I would normally assume "mirror" especially would update automatically, but if you say no, then the advantage goes back to Resilio. I do want desktop notifications, but more than that I want the program to react when changes are made without me having to tell it too. Thanks for your help! :)
 
I think there is a misunderstanding here. CS does not watch for file and folder changes. Each job needs to be scheduled (or run manually).

For my wife's iMac to my iMac, I run a scheduled job. For my MacBook to/from my iMac, I manually run 2-way sync jobs.

Hmm, well its documentation talks about different modes "monitoring", I would normally assume "mirror" especially would update automatically, but if you say no, then the advantage goes back to Resilio. I do want desktop notifications, but more than that I want the program to react when changes are made without me having to tell it too. Thanks for your help! :)
Update: Talked to the Chronosync Tech support today via email, and indeed Chronosync can be setup to trigger a sync on a file change. And Resilio is giving me some troubles with error messages, it can‘t find the source file even though it is there, so at this point it is likely I’ll be requesting a refund for Resilio within their 30 day window.
 
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I had better read the user guide more carefully!!
Ref: Chronosync, there is a lot there to set up and it‘s not all intuitive. The choice is under under add schedule. And the schedule chosen is instead of a period of time, a file change. And to see the schedule details, that is under Window> scheduler manager. This will pull up a window that allows you to see the details of the schedule by selecting it and hit edit. :)


For some reason this video that covers scheduling, does not show the choice of “on file change”, but it is there. Possibly this is a feature that has been added since your purchased it:

 
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I'm thinking of Chronosync. In a video for setting up file sync between folders, they go out of there way to set it to "ignore invisibles" (first link in previous post). Does anyone know if there is a good or bad reason to set up a synch program that is only storing files, nothing system related, to make setting changes for invisible files?
  • As a rule will you find invisible files mixed in with non-system files?
  • On my Mac, sometimes I install apps on an external drive to save room on my MBPs internal drive. Would there be invisible files installed on that external drive associated with the app, that I should worry about synching if I want to make a backup copy of that app in it's folder?
  • Is it safe to turn on "ignore invisible files" for the purpose of syncing data? Or can you just leave it on default which is a basic setting and I assume it will copy any invisible files it sees...
 
  • As a rule will you find invisible files mixed in with non-system files?
You will certainly find a .DS_Store hidden file in most folders. You probably don't want to synchronise that.
  • On my Mac, sometimes I install apps on an external drive to save room on my MBPs internal drive. Would there be invisible files installed on that external drive associated with the app, that I should worry about synching if I want to make a backup copy of that app in it's folder?
No, this should not be an issue. But when copying apps you need to think about whether you want to copy settings and storage in ~/Library. That depends on the app. I use Chronosync to synchronise file data, not settings. For backup (and restore) I use Time Machine and Arq.
  • Is it safe to turn on "ignore invisible files" for the purpose of syncing data? Or can you just leave it on default which is a basic setting and I assume it will copy any invisible files it sees...
"Safe" really depends on how you will use the synchronised data. For just file data, you most likely don't need any invisibles. If it is as a replacement for Time Machine, then that requires more thought and consideration of what restoration you want to do in the event of disaster.

With my syncs, I go out of my way to exclude invisibles and other temporary files using exclusion rules in Rules - Advanced. For example when syncing my Dropbox folder, I exclude the .sync folder.
 
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You will certainly find a .DS_Store hidden file in most folders. You probably don't want to synchronise that.

No, this should not be an issue. But when copying apps you need to think about whether you want to copy settings and storage in ~/Library. That depends on the app. I use Chronosync to synchronise file data, not settings. For backup (and restore) I use Time Machine and Arq.

"Safe" really depends on how you will use the synchronised data. For just file data, you most likely don't need any invisibles. If it is as a replacement for Time Machine, then that requires more thought and consideration of what restoration you want to do in the event of disaster.

With my syncs, I go out of my way to exclude invisibles and other temporary files using exclusion rules in Rules - Advanced. For example when syncing my Dropbox folder, I exclude the .sync folder.
Thanks!
Of note with my experimenting with a variety of new sync programs, and being a bit too causal about it, I ended up losing some very important data, except I was fornunate that besides having this data backed up locally, I had a copy in the cloud (using iDrive). ?
 
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