Automating SyncToy Backups in Windows XP

Requirement

Before automating SyncToy you will want to set up one or more synctoy folder pairs.

Automating SyncToy

SyncToy can be automated to run at a specific times using Scheduled Tasks in WIndows.

For Windows XP

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and click Scheduled Task.

Double-click Add Scheduled Task.  Click next in the scheduled task wizard. 

Click browse

Go to My Computer and choose Local Disk (C:)

C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\SyncToy\SyncToy.exe

Choose Open.

Select the Daily option.

Choose Next.

Select a Start time (during the work day) and the Every Day option

Choose Next

If you want to run an automated sync during off hours you will need to provide the task scheduler with your user name and password. By default the user name you are logged into right now is what you should see in the user name field. Otherwise leave these fields empty

Choose Next

Check off Open advanced properties for this task whin I click Finish.

Choose FInish

In the next window you will want to type the following in the Run option. Make sure you include the double quotes!

“C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\SyncToy\SyncToy.exe” –R

Insure that the Run only if logged on is selected.

Insure that the Enabled box is check and then choose Apply, then OK

Testing your setup

To test your automation right click and choose Run.   (The new task will show up in Scheduled Tasks with the name SyncToy.

You should see SyncToy open and perform a backup.