Frequently Asked Questions Hub
Frequently Asked Questions: General Questions 2
Using SyncBack
How can I create versions of my backups?
I have deleted files from my source directory, but they are still in my destination directory. Why?
I do not want the Differences screen to appear! How to I stop it showing?
I'm copying large files and it is taking a long time. Why?
How can I see how long it's going to take to copy each file?
I'm copying files over a slow network connection and it is taking a long time. Why?
How can I see how long it's going to take to copy each file?
How do I stop the profile running when very large files are taking a long time to copy?
How do I change my log settings?
Can I change the layout of the tree in the main screen?
The copied file always has it's archive attribute set. Why?
How do I check for an update of SyncBack?
Where can I find further support as a SyncBack user?
Why can't I uninstall SyncBack?
Using SyncBack
Q: How can I create versions of my backups? For example, keep copies of the changes over the previous 5 days.
A: SyncBack comes with two small example scripts (timestamp.vbs and RotateBackup.vbs) that can be run before or after a profile is run. They can only be used when compressing to a single file. To use them, modify your profile, and go to the 'Programs' tab.
Timestamp.vbs copies the destination Zip file and prefixes the copies filename with a timestamp. This allows you to keep versions of backups based on the time the backup was made. To use timestamp.vbs, enter the following in the 'Run after profile' edit box: cscript "C:\Program Files\2BrightSparks\SyncBack\timestamp.vbs" "%_DESTINATION%"
You may need to change this if you have installed SyncBack to another directory, or have moved 'timestamp.vbs' to a different directory. Also enable the 'Run the program even if the profile fails' option. You will have to manually delete ZIP files from your destination as they accumulate (this is not required when using the RotateBackup.vbs script).
The second script (RotateBackup.vbs) does a similar things but only keeps the last 4 backups (by default, you can edit the script to keep more). It prefixes the Zip file with a number. To use it, enter the following in the 'Run before profile' edit box: cscript "C:\Program Files\2BrightSparks\SyncBack\RotateBackup.vbs" "%_DESTINATION%"
You may need to change this if you have installed SyncBack to another directory, or have moved RotateBackup.vbs' to a different directory. Also enable the 'Wait until the program has finished before running the profile' option.
For SyncBackSE you can also use the new variables to keep versions. See this page for more information.
Q: I have deleted files from my source directory, but they are still in my destination directory. Why?
A: Modify your profile, and select 'Delete from destination' on the 'Advanced' tab.
Q: I do not want the Differences screen to appear! How to I stop it showing?
A: Select 'Skip Differences Window' from the 'Preferences' main menu. You can also select 'Do not display this window again' from the pop-up menu on the 'Differences' screen itself.
Q: I'm copying large files and it is taking a long time. How can I see how long it's going to take to copy each file?
Q: I'm copying files over a slow network connection and it is taking a long time. How can I see how long it's going to take to copy each file?
Q: How do I stop the profile running when very large files are taking a long time to copy?
A: Modify your profile, go to the 'Copy/Delete' tab, and unselect 'Do not display a progress dialog box'. Note that the progress dialog is only displayed when running profiles manually, and not when run from the Windows Task Scheduler.
You can also modify your profile to not use the Windows shell for file copying. This can be done on the Copy/Delete tab. When the shell is not used SyncBack can show exactly how many bytes are being transferred for large files. This also lets you abort a profile very quickly even when large files are being copied.
Q: How do I change my log settings?
A: Click 'Preferences' in the main menu and select 'Log Settings'. From here you'll be able to choose whether the log is presented in plain text or HTML format, and whether you'd like to append the log to an existing file.
Q: Can I change the layout of the tree in the main screen?
A: The tree in SyncBack Version 3.2 is much more configurable than in previous versions. To hide or show columns, select them from the 'Columns' main menu. To move a column to a new position, click and hold the left mouse button, then drag it either left or right. To sort the tree, simply click on any column. Click the same column again to change the sort order. You can also change the widths of most columns by clicking on the column dividers and moving them left or right. To automatically set the width, double-click on the column divider. All these settings will be saved when you exit SyncBack.
Q: The copied file always has it's archive attribute set. Why?
A: Windows always sets the archive attribute of a copied file. This is even true when the destination is a Zip archive, but is not relevant when the destination is an FTP server. You can ask SyncBack to clear the archive attribute (on the source and destination file). See the Copy/Delete Settings section for more information.
Q: How do I check for an update of SyncBack?
A: You will need to be connected to the Internet for this feature to function. Click 'Help' on the main menu and select 'Update Check'. SyncBack will automatically check for an update. Click the SyncBack window and a dialogue window will appear informing you as to whether you have the current version.
Q: Where can I find further support as a SyncBack user?
A: You'll find the SyncBack forum on the website at: 2BrightSparks.com.
Q: Why can't I uninstall SyncBack?
A: Ensure that SyncBack is not running. You may have scheduled a task for SyncBack to perform which is preventing you from uninstalling it.
To uninstall SyncBack select 'Uninstall' from the program's Help menu (you can also do this with the 'No Install' version). This will ensure everything is deleted.
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