Disk Accord

Disk Accord is a Windows 95/NT task bar utility that replicates folders or directories, including their files and subdirectories. The replication process can be scheduled to run automatically, or can be run on demand.

New with Version 1.16 (4.0)

Version 1.16.(4.0) supports CD-RW, the Windows Recycle Bin and the running of external tasks. It also has the ability to check for significant changes and request authority to proceed. See History for more details.

Replication process

Disk Accord performs bidirectional replication or synchronisation of pairs of folders or directories (unidirectional is an option). Windows 95/NT long filenames will be used and are expected to be enabled. As there is no precedence, no sense of source and destination, the directories are known as Yin and Yang. The only difference between them is that there will be two files with the extension ACCORD in the Yang directory.

When first run against a pair of directories, known as a Profile, Disk Accord will create any missing directories and subdirectories in both Yin and Yang and will copy files from one to the other until both match exactly. If a file exists in both Yin and Yang with different modification date/time stamps then the earlier dated file will be discarded. On completion of the replication process, the current state of the directories is saved in the .ACCORD file in the Yang directory. A log file with the extension .ACCORD.LOG will also be created showing any copying errors.

When the profile is run subsequently, the ACCORD file is used to determine what changes have been made. If a file has been added to or updated on one, then it will be copied to the other, if it has been deleted from one then the copy on the other will be deleted. Similar rules will apply to subdirectories.Note however that deletion is subject to the "Prompt on delete" menu option and "Prompt on Delete" option in the profile and may result in a Delete prompt dialog.

Conflicts can occur when a file is updated independently in both Yin and Yang. If this is detected, then dependent on the setting of "Auto conflict resolution" in the profile, either the older file will be renamed with an additional numeric extension and both will be copied, or the Conflict resolution dialog will be displayed. If a file is updated on one and deleted from the other, it will be reinstated.

Should there be an error in copying, deleting renaming etc., files or directories then an error message will be displayed asking for user guidance as to how to proceed.

Scenarios

Disk Accord can be used in a number of scenarios, you can use any or all of them or invent your own ways of using it. You will most likely start with one of the following so a quick start guide is given for each.

Keeping a local second copy. This is where you want to secure valuable data by regularly backing up to a second hard disk drive in your computer (selecting a disk partition on a separate device is better than a second partition on the same disk).

Keeping a remote second copy. You can improve the safety of your data if you have another computer connected with a local area network. However you should be aware that sensitive data is more visible to other people.

Synchronising Internet Explorer Favourites. By synchronising the favourites folders on two or more computers, the IE favourites can be shared between users - useful for laptop/desktop situations or more than one computer at home..

Keeping data on two machines in step using a network connection. This is for when two people need access to the same information, but require local copies for when they are disconnected from each other.

Keeping a laptop and desktop in step using Direct Cable Connect. Copy data between your portable and your home/work desktop machine using Microsoft's Direct Cable Connect and a parallel or serial cable.

Keeping data on two machines in step using a removable hard disk drive. If you have a machine at home and at work where you wish to keep the data files in step.

Keeping a backup of data on the same or another disk. By selecting "copy one way", the Yang directory will be kept as an exact replica of the Yin - changes in Yang will be overwritten with the current Yin.

Download

The latest version of Disk Accord may be downloaded from this site by clicking here.

Disk Accord Version 1.16	Zipped (255502 bytes)
Disk Accord Version 1.16	Self install (365846 bytes)

Year 2000

Disk Accord has been developed in full awareness of the time and date issues associated with the year 2000.

The product has been tested for compliance with dates beyond 31 December 1999, and for continued correct functionality over the change between 1999 and 2000.

Registration

Disk Accord is shareware and should be licenced for use beyond a reasonable evaluation time. This version is not crippled in any way, but will display the About box on startup for an increasing period of time as an inconvenience and reminder.

As a registered user, you will be entitled to run Disk Accord on any number of computers that you use personally as the main user. To register, you will need to send me GBP10, USD15 EUR 15 or equivalent in convertible currency together with the name by which you wish to be registered and a return address, either snailmail or email. I will return the name you supplied and a registration number..

Alternatively, you may register online by Credit Card using the UKShareReg service and your registration information will be returned automatically by email.

Bulk discounted rates are available for multiple users and sites

Disclaimer:Although I have tested this product, and use it myself regularly on three machines with a number of scenarios, I do not accept liability for any loss of data or consequential loss as a result of using this program.