Setup all the folders you would like to synchronize and ensure that each has been run at least once.
Running SyncToy in the background will only work after an initial synchronization has taken place!
Select Application > Add to open the Add Application window:
On the General tab:
In the Application field, enter the full path to the SyncToy command-line executable, SyncToyCmd.exe.
If you installed SyncToy in the default location, this is:
C:\Program Files\SyncToy 2.1\SyncToyCmd.exe
In the Arguments field, enter -R. That tells SyncToy to run all folder pairs.
If you only want to run a single folder pair, say, named "My folder pair", enter -R "My folder pair" instead.
In the Name field, enter the name that you will call this application in AlwaysUp.
We have gone with SyncToy but you can specify virtually anything you like.
Click over to the Logon tab and enter the user name and password of the Windows account where you installed and configured SyncToy.
SyncToy should run in this account so that it can find its settings:
Move to the Restart tab and choose when you would like SyncToy to run. Every morning at 3 AM works for us.
Note that we have checked the This delay applies to the first run box to avoid a synchronization whenever the PC reboots,
but feel free to uncheck it if you prefer:
We're now done configuring SyncToy, so click the Save button.
In a couple of seconds, an application called SyncToy will show up in the AlwaysUp window.
It is not yet running though so the state is "Stopped":
To start the service, which will kick off SyncToy at 3 AM, choose Application > Start "SyncToy".
SyncToy will remain in the "Waiting" state until it's ready to run your folder pairs:
That's it! Next time your computer boots, your SyncToy service be launched immediately, before anyone logs on.
Of course by design, SyncToy won't start copying your files until 3 AM, but that schedule is easily adjusted on the Restart tab (step 7).
SyncToy not working properly as a Windows Service?
If you've added a new folder pair to copied, be sure to run it at least once. SyncToyCmd.exe will fail if the folder pair has never been synchronized with the GUI utility.
Consult the AlwaysUp Troubleshooter — our online tool that can help you resolve the most common problems encountered when running an application as a Windows Service.
From AlwaysUp, select Application > Report Activity > Today to bring up an HTML report detailing the interaction between AlwaysUp and SyncToy. The AlwaysUp Event Log Messages page explains what each message means.
Browse the AlwaysUp FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions and troubleshooting tips.
