Briefcase Application

[Mark Holtz]

Somehow, I can't access the Briefcase application on XP. So, I found a nice substitute here (http://www.rekenwonder.com/brfcplus.htm) so that I can make a backup of my USB drive onto my home HD. This was kinda inspired when my co-workers USB drive bit the dust.

If someone knows of a better application, please let me know.

[DonLandis]

Float your mouse pointer over your desktop and right click. Select NEW and the items in the drop down menu are Folder, Shortcut and then Briefcase. Select it and set up your briefcase folder on the networked machine. I'd put a "briefcase shortcut on your laptop and then when you get ready to travel, click on the briefcase shortcut and it will allow you to "Update" Look over the list to be sure you update in the right direction and then let'r rip. When you return from travel, connect the laptop to your home network and select update again and this time you will be moving files back to the desktop.
This is how I do it and it works well. I also use Active Sync for my PDA from the travel laptop. To make life easier, I have all my files I expect to use on the road in a special folder with all subfolders under that. This way, one big briefcase, about 50Gb of files is all that need to be synced but they are all in one place. Don't fear, once the files are synced, only the ones needing updated tale time to sync lateer on so 50G does not need to get transferred each time.

Recently I found a need to access files and programs that were not in the Briefcase and would be awkward to have that way so I use a remote desktop access. A case like this would be my Quicken files since my wife may make changes to the entries while I'm away and this would generate update needs in both directions when returning home. Be careful about using Briefcase in this situation as you will have a conflict for update where both files are different from last sync time.

[Mark Holtz]

I'm running a streamlined version of Windows XP SP2, and it is entirely possible that I removed the functionality of Briefcase from my install last year.

[Mark Holtz]

Apparently, Microsoft has come out with a powertoy that replaces Briefcase called SyncToy (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/synctoy.mspx). You may have to have the .NET framework installed.