Using Robocopy

Batch File: Mirror a directory (synchronize). Output Robocopy log appending date and time stamp
save as Rename.bat and replace “Rename” with Backup job name of preference…

Mirror Desktop
robocopy.exe “%userprofile%\desktop\Rename” “Z:\Backup\UserProfile\desktop\Rename2″ /MIR /SEC /XA:SH /XJD /XF *.PST /R:3 /LOG:”Z:\Backup\UserProfile\Logs\Rename-%date:/=-%-%time::=-%.txt”

Mirror User Profile
robocopy.exe %userprofile% “Z:\Backup\UserProfile\Profile” /MIR /SEC /XA:SH /XJD /XF *.PST /R:3 /LOG:”Z:\Backup\UserProfile\Logs\Rename-%date:/=-%-%time::=-%.txt”

When using the /PURGE or /MIR Commands with Robocopy beware that if the destination has files that the source does not, it will delete! When using the /MIR or /PURGE commands make sure that you are specifying exact UNC locations such as “\\hostname\parent\subdir” and that you want that directory mirrored with the source. Common mistakes may include trying to copy source to the root of the destination in which anything in the root destination gets deleted because the files/folders do not exist in source.
To see a list of commands used with robocopy click here

Using free programs

DataGrab
Friendly GUI based copy utility created by Foolish Tech. Very nice utility
DataGrab
PureSync
I’ve had great success with synchronization using PureSync by Jumping Bytes. Jumping Bytes offers with it’s free personal version the following benefits:
1. Synchronize
2. Backup
3. Restore
4. Subfolders/multiple folders
5. automatic synchronisation/backup
6. Filter (size, date, …)
7. Paths with environment variable, e.g. %USERPROFILE%
8. Paths with wildcards e.g. for date and time
9. Photo-Sync

Allway Sync
I’ve also had great success with with Allway Sync, however, you should pay for a Pro license if you use this software for a commercial purpose or to synchronize more than 40,000 files in 30-day period.

Their Professional Version is priced at: $19.95 USD

Allway Sync Includes the following features: (Copied from their site)
1. Free for personal use synchronization software. No spyware, adware or malware.
2. Easy-to-use graphical interface.
3. Performs true bi-directional and n-way file and folder synchronization, forget about backup and restore routines.
4. File modifications and deletions are tracked in a local database. So, Allway Sync knows the true history of your files – no unnecessary questions asked.
5. Our innovative, proprietary algorithms do not rely on the accuracy of the system clock or network connection quality. So, Allway Sync helps prevents data loss.
6. Generates a full report of differences between synchronization folders.
7. Synchronizes folders as well. Allway Sync detects when folders are removed from one device and removes them from any other corresponding synchronization targets.
8. Supports virtually any file system (FAT, NTFS, SAMBA, Netware, X-Drive, CDFS, UDF and more).
9. Can be installed on a desktop, laptop, USB stick, external HDD or a U3-enabled device (see details).
10. Capable of synchronizing more than two folders.
11. Synchronize data between your desktop PCs and laptops over a network.
12. A good way to backup and restore files if you run Allway Sync in one-way mode.
13. Specify independent synchronizarion parameters for any number of sets of folders (multiple jobs).
14. Transfer documents from one computer to another using an intermediate removable drive.
Or just synchronize with a removable device (USB key, flash drive, CDRW, Zip) so that you always have your data with you.
15. Flexible configuration and customization.
16. Supports files of any size.

https://sites.google.com/a/obxcompguy.com/foolish-it/vb6-projects/datagrab