Windows Quick Start

The server component can be run by locating and double clicking on its icon as described below.  The client component must be run from a Command Shell.  If you are using a purchased version of SyncDat, have your license code ready the first time you run each application.  No license code is needed for trial versions.

1. Extract SyncDat
SyncDat for Windows is distributed as a WinZip packages with "win32" in the name.  For each computer where you wish to use SyncDat, download or copy the appropriate package file and extract its contents.  You will then have a folder named "SyncDat" with subfolders named "Client Files" and "Server Files" that contain the executables and other files.  You can ignore the other files for now.
 
You must extract the package contents, do not "browse" the Zip file.

2. Run the Server
On the remote (server) computer, locate the servedat.exe file and drag it into the folder you wish to serve.  Then double click on its icon.
 
You may receive security prompts.  Click to allow servedat to run and allow network access.
 
A console window should open and display the server version information along with the message "Serving files from: .\".  The server will then display logs for each transaction.
 
Check this output carefully for warnings, particularly regarding firewall settings.  If you receive a firewall warning, try right-clicking on servedat.exe and using "Run as Administrator".
 
In Quick Start mode, no username or password will be required to access the files in this folder.

3. Synchronize Files
You are now ready to synchronize files between the server and client workstations.  syncdat is a command line utility, so you will need to run a Command Shell to use it.

To see a list of proposed changes without actually modifying either side, type:
syncdat -n localpath servername:pathname

To compare changes made to both directories since the last synchronization, type:
syncdat localpath servername:remotename

To mirror the remote files onto the local directory, type:
syncdat -r localpath servername:remotename

To mirror the local files onto the remote directory, type:
syncdat -l localpath servername:remotename

See the Setup chapter for more detailed installation options and instructions.

If the transfer speed is not what you expected, please refer to the Performance section for information about potential bottle-necks and performance tuning options.

If the client and server appear unable to communicate, verify that you are using the correct server address.  If they are not on the same local network and the server is behind a DHCP device, you will need to setup an NAT port map.  Also check the Windows Firewall settings.  See the Connectivity section for more information on firewalls.