Need an explanation of the new sync feature in version 2012

Do you have 2012 installed and activated on both computers?

Hello, you should choose option OB(actually it says OB or another computer) and on the next steps just do not include OB. Then go on another computer, install ATIH there, login and join the sync.

Also note, that 1.5 TB sync will require some time, depending on your connection.

I don't see any "OB" option. Attached are my two screenshots. As you see, I pick other computers and by default on the next screen it dumps me into choosing Acronis online storage. Regardless, I went ahead and picked a folder and created a sync. I then went ahead and logged into my other comptuer remotely and joined this new sync. It now has a green checkmark and the log says sync started and then sycn finished. I tested by adding some small text files on one PC and nothing synced after 1 hour. As to the folders, they are almost 99% identical as I usually end up syncing one PC to an external drive and sync the external drive with the othe PC so it was not like it needed such a long time to sync 10-20 megabytes. To add more issues, every time now I open the program on either PC, I get a red error notification on the bottom where it says "unknown error occured while connecting to Acronis online storage"!

This has turned out to be more hassle than I expected.

I too wonder, why I would need an online account to continue syncing? As far as I remember the help file and other sources state that I can sync two computer locally w/o using any cloud space.

Btw, I surely won't store my data outside my network, too unsafe nowadays, especially when storing on any place within the USA. Not that I'm afraid of hackers but of NSA and other intelligence services which could get hands on my data without my knowledge, but that's a different story and my personal opinion.

I started a ticket with support as well but have not heard back. I guess the confusing part is that one is led to believe sync between PCs are done almost like in a VPN tunnel whereas I get a feel that the program tries to upload into the cloud and sync the other PC via the cloud storage. The help files do not provide any specifics.

Syncing blindly via a third party cloud system while it's not fully explained opens a can of legal worms for work related files. I still wait to find a formal explanation of how this is supposed to work and importantly I would like to able to sync something as I have not been able to sync regardless of backend or cloud intermediary with errors all over.

Sas123, here is what you need to do:

1. On the screen choice1 choose Other computer and OB storage
2. On the screen choice2 do not check Store version on Online Storage and just push the Create sync button.

Also about how it works:

1. If you do sync between 2 computers without including OB, then they establish per-to-per connection(encrypted) and trasfer data this way.
2. we need Acronis account because we need a way to identify that both computer belongs to the same person.
3. if you use online backup in your sync, than it is like another place to sync. Versions are stored and tracked there. Also, it is a good way to sync between 2 computers in case these 2 computers can not be online at the same time and establish a per-to-per connection.

Thank you Roman,

At least now I know Acronis online backup storage is not being used as an intermediary sync source. I will give it try. (my program still shows an error on the bottom of the main sync page to the effect that there was an error contacting Acronis backup.. same error on both machines). I have a ticket for that.

Thanks,

I'm adding this comment for all threads regarding the sync feature. The sync feature does NOT work period. I cannot sync locally and the program hangs. I setup sync between a home PC and a work PC. I was able to join the sync but nothing syncs. When I go online to check status (through Manage My Syncs), it shows only one computer name is is not the name of either PCs and shows no active share!! I created a sample text file on one PC and it would not sync.

I have screen shots of all and have already submitted to support. But, so far they have ignored me and still waiting for a response. The sync feature seems a like a gimmick at this point.

Hi Roman

"2. we need Acronis account because we need a way to identify that both computer belongs to the same person."

ok this is reasonable but what if i just want to sync betwen my computer and an usb drive or a drive within my privat network.

I think that should not care Acronis and there is no need for a login in that case.

Are there any data (exept login data) that are transfered to Acronis in case of an local sync?

S22

This seems to be another example of Acronis expanding into areas where they have no expertise. Personally, I have used ViceVersa Pro and VVEngine for syncing over my network for years and, whilst not perfect and having many critics, I have found it very effective. And they don't feel they have to bring out a new version every 12 months to cash in on a calendar year change.

S22, in this case you are right, technically we do not need it. we built it the same way to have more clear UI. for example you may add new participants to the sync afterwards and they may be from another computer...

As for data transfered, we just get list of syncs from the web and use login data to authorize on the web, that's it. no data transfered to the web for sure.

Hi Roman,

maybe it would be another way to request for login only in case a user is trying to make an sync pair via cloud.

Right now the new sync feature is not even usable if you dont provide login information.

S22, our main focus was on the network sync, local one is a good addon to the local sync. will see how user will use it and we will probably adjust the behaviour if required.

@Roman Alyoshkin
Basically, i don't mind login to my Acronis account, BUT, and that's written in capital letters, since i don't have an online backup subscription, i always get an error message, saying 'your subscription is overdue', in my acronis log.
I find that very annoying and i would appreciate, if you could change this behaviour.

Regards
André Fakler

I just need to ditto all of the above. Went through the same hassles and problems and finally decided that I don't need it. If someone wants a good local synch between two computers, checkout TeamViewer. It's free for personal use and does a terrific job. I frankly have no desire to set up an account or do cloud storage or have a third party even know that I'm synching.

After my frustrating efforts at trying to do a local synch I learned that I needed two copies of 2012, one for each computer. Does that mean that I needed two licenses, or can Acronis TI Home 2012 be installed on two computers? I've reread the license but it speaks mostly about about cloud storage and disclaimers -- nothing about how many installs are legal, that I can see.

Incidentally, after I gave up on synching I received an email from Acronis reminding me that my "subscription" for storage would have to be renewed. I expect they were talking about the free storage trial. This is a fine example of a company with aspirations greater than their expertise.

Well

after a few days of testing (only local syncs) i start to think that this new feature is only implemented to bring acronis more money via online storage.

The feature basically was the reason for me to go from ATI2011 to ATI2012. I should better have tested this release before i bring in my credit card :-(.

What can i do so far:
i can setup a local sync partnership (only if i log into my acronis account!!!)
i can pause the sync and i can resume it.
Thats all for local sync.

may be the online features are more powerfull and would make it worth to by but online sync was not my intention for this upgrade.

What about some basic features like sheduling a sync, excluding some files/folders (like you can find in nearly every sync freeware?) I dont like a "magic sync" I would like an controlable sync process.

Dont missunderstand... its not all blaming Acronis its more...blaming me for not testing this product befor bying. I have Acronis true image since version 8 and i bought 2012 in trust to get another great product with new features and improved functionality...

... i was never as dissapointed as now.

S22

Honestly there are better tools to sync data across one or more PCs!

As usual I'm disappointed about the "new" features in ATHI2012 as I was with every new release before. ATI2011 is mainly a bug fixed version, nothing more. However, new bugs found there way into version 2012 again, e.g. backing up the my NAS, Synology DS211j is impossible, because it is not visible in the explorer like list for target selection.

I will stay with ATI2011. OK the GUI is very slow, but at least I don't have to spent another €29,00 for upgrading. I don't need this syncing feature at all, neither local nor in the cloud.

For many users a reliable way to sync files to backup locations is a great way to backup, as in "mirror", non-changing or rarely changing files like pictures, videos, movies, etc. Using a proprietary archive format to store these files doesn't make much sense to me. It was such a gap for me that I ended up using other software to sync/mirror/backup (I am using Syncback)

I too find it weird that synching to local folders/shares requires an Acronis account though. According to Acronis employees, this was done to simplify the user workflow/UI.

Basic synching with other computers can be done for free with other tools (I am using Windows Live Mesh to do that).

Pat L wrote:

I am using Syncback

Same here ;-)

In all honesty the Sync function is completely useless.
Good job Acronis! Worst $30 i ever spent.

Micky wrote:

Pat L wrote:

I am using Syncback

Same here ;-)

And same here, I have used SyncBackPro (I need SFTP support) for years to backup my documents and so on. I just love it.

Another synch program I use is Allway Synch. Can set for automatic synching upon events or do it manually. Quite rapid.

I purchased ATI 2012 for the Sync feature and it just doesn't work properly - hangs my Win7 32bit machine at different screens and I have to cold boot each time to get working again! Acronis used to make good products (a number of years ago) but that's history now. I told myself last time after purchasing ATI 2011 and trying to make the boot media work properly that I would never buy another Acronis product ever again. And here I am getting sucked into thinking this version will have all the fixes and be all good. Wrong!

Another good product for syncing is BeyondCompare from scooter software but is is a paid for option but has all the things that I think a good sync program should have AND it enabled me to fix all the ZIP/VHD date issues I had when I used off-line restore and asked it to refresh the backup list.

And I agree there should ONLY be a need for an Acronis account if and when you need it and that does not include local synchronisation! As for simplifying the interface sorry that is just not true all it requires is reversing two screens and the issue is fixed. Not complicated nor confusing - in fact not having to have an Acronis account IMHO makes the interface simpler as there is no hassle regarding creating and maintaining the account and working out what you may inadvertently be letting escape from your home network.

Roman Alyoshkin wrote:

Sas123, here is what you need to do:

1. On the screen choice1 choose Other computer and OB storage
2. On the screen choice2 do not check Store version on Online Storage and just push the Create sync button.

Also about how it works:

1. If you do sync between 2 computers without including OB, then they establish per-to-per connection(encrypted) and trasfer data this way.
2. we need Acronis account because we need a way to identify that both computer belongs to the same person.
3. if you use online backup in your sync, than it is like another place to sync. Versions are stored and tracked there. Also, it is a good way to sync between 2 computers in case these 2 computers can not be online at the same time and establish a per-to-per connection.

No you don't. This is a choice your company has made in an apparent attempt to protect yourself from what pirates?

Why would you think you, Acronis, need to verify the computers belong to the same person? If I buy two copies of Acronis True Image Home 2012, each with it's own key or a multi-use key, what does computer ownership have to do with anything? It's really none of Acronis's business to verify PC ownership... that's really, I'm sorry to say, absurd.

No person should be required to sign into your servers in order to use a feature that you advertize as an additional Sync feature to justify upgrading to True Image Home 2012. You need to remove the requirement for logon and Internet connectivity and give your customers the 1) privacy they require and 2) the value they've paid for with the original product.

These are my sentiments exactly. I updated from TI2010 to 2012 only because of what seemed like a good feature (synch). If it were as Keith describes above, I'd be very happy. Instead, I feel like I've been suckered into a new, unwanted, unneeded money-making scheme by Acronis. Their next step would be to "allow" synch users to network with other synch users. Hey, isn't that Facebook, LinkedIn, and others of the same ilk? Whaddoyouknow!

6rtury wrote:

These are my sentiments exactly. I updated from TI2010 to 2012 only because of what seemed like a good feature (synch). If it were as Keith describes above, I'd be very happy. Instead, I feel like I've been suckered into a new, unwanted, unneeded money-making scheme by Acronis. Their next step would be to "allow" synch users to network with other synch users. Hey, isn't that Facebook, LinkedIn, and others of the same ilk? Whaddoyouknow!

Same for me - I have wasted my money and am now rolling back to 2011.
The Sync is a load of rubbish - that heavens that I kept SyncBack on while I was testing Acronis.
Also, the network imaging does not work (whereas it was fine with 2011) - an Update 1 has been promised, but it is sure slow in arriving given the flaw is so fundamental.
'Note to Self - don't upgrade next time!'

The requirement to connect to Acronis servers "so we can verify the computers belong to the same person" is rediculous. You don't need our private information to sync files.

Please give us the feature the way it is advertised, a sync capability between computers. No where in your marketing material or website do you state that we must inform, send private data or have authorization from Acronis in order to use the feature.

What's next, will you be asking for us to share our computer data before we can back it up? :) This might sound a bit overstated but is it really?

I think you get my point ;)

Sync questions- after reading all the posts here, does the sync use an index to monitor the changes? If it does it sure takes a long time to 'roll' through it, prior to changing files new or removed to target side. Also, is it a one-way sync, for instance any changes to target side aren't updated on production side, right? A choice should be given as to they sync...fastsync, one way, bi-directional.

Thanks-
Mark

Hi Mark,

I Think its both way snc. At least for local sync. The time i had it installed ATI2012 and used it for an sync with a NAS folder it updated changes from each side to the other.

"A choice should be given as to they sync...fastsync, one way, bi-directional. " Thats what i mentioned with i want an controlable sync process no magic.

Each freeware gives you more control (even Microsoft synctoy).

So far i can understand the requirement to log in if you have a sync to an cloud or other "public" reachable places. But this should eb handled like done in the backup browser by "login if required".

The sync feature was my onnly reason to by ATI2012 and its implementation was my reason to refund (not facing the broken backup to nas features )

S22

And I thought is was just me.

I have a desktop with XP and a laptop with Vista, both on an Ethernet LAN in my house. I previously set up identical folder structures and copies in a bunch of files.

I install Acronis True Image 2012 on both machines and tried to set up sync. It created a sync job and the mysterious SyncMe job. If I add files to the corresponding sub folder on either machine I would expect Sync to copy the new file from one machine to the other as appropriate.

It just sits there. Even though it gives an Updated time-stamp there is no sign of the added file in either folder.

Question to y'all: Does it handle multiple levels of sub folder? E.g.
01 public or shared documents level
02 sub level folder A
03 sub sub level folder B
bunch of files

If I change one of the files will Sync copy it to the other computer?

Sorry to see that many others have my same problem.

Have Acronis 2012 - bought 3 licenses family pack. Installed on 2 PCs. Created the Synch (via web login - absurd!).
Nevertheless I created the synch on PC1, then found/saw it on PC2 and added PC2 to the synch.
Nothing happens. I wait, nothing. I select immediate synch up on both sides, nothing. I leave the PCs on the full night...nothing!

Please note that it worked once when I tested it in december when I bought 2012, only difference is that now my online subscription has expired, but I don't need online storage. I hope this is not the issue - why would I need online storage subscription for local network PC synchronization?

This was one of the main features I liked in 2012, it simply doesn't work... Help!

I have to echo the sentiments already expressed regarding the syncing feature.

In short - extremely disappointed, and a complete waste of $ for (imo) poorly thought out and implemented sync feature (incidentally the only reason I chose to upgrade from 2010). As already stated, the lack of control coupled together with mandatory online authentication for LOCAL sync is a deal breaker.

I have several other machines I was hoping to buy licenses for, specifically for syncing, but won't even consider until these issues are addressed. I have been a loyal user and advocate of True Image for years but this latest iteration has been a disappointment.

Hello everyone,

Thank you very much for sharing your feedback with us.

I have forwarded it to our Product Management team via the Customer Listening System.

Please contact our Support team directly if you need immediate help with synchronization.

Thank you.

Shambler wrote:

I have to echo the sentiments already expressed regarding the syncing feature.

In short - extremely disappointed, and a complete waste of $ for (imo) poorly thought out and implemented sync feature (incidentally the only reason I chose to upgrade from 2010). As already stated, the lack of control coupled together with mandatory online authentication for LOCAL sync is a deal breaker.

I have several other machines I was hoping to buy licenses for, specifically for syncing, but won't even consider until these issues are addressed. I have been a loyal user and advocate of True Image for years but this latest iteration has been a disappointment.

I agree with everyone's comments on here and that is what brought me to this thread! I used to be a strong believer in the Acronis but have been feeling in the past few years it's only about making money instead of actually fixing issues or adding features that users would really like to have. Don't bloat the software with crap that is not needed or doesn't work right. Make patches that actually fix the program instead of having customers pay for your screw-ups by adding so called fixes to another version that must be purchased.
Business ethics 101...

Hello Pennybags,

Thank you very much for your feedback, we really appreciate it.

I have forwarded your comments to our Management team and if you need help with resolving issues with our software, please let us know.

Thank you.

i have syncme paused, yet it spends time 'analyzing' itself, monopolizing acronis away from my valid syncs.
(actually, i want to delete syncme--i have no intention of using it, never did.)

MY syncs tie one pc's folders to the mapped folders of the other pc; these do work, even though that second pc is not listed online. (if 'not listed' becomes a problem, how do i get my second pc re-listed?)

i continue to get the subscription expired notice (i did not sign up for it but suppose i got a trial run but still ... i do not want the message--it's an irritation.)
if i logoff (upper right), i stop the message and acronis comes right up (otherwise, it takes a while) BUT i loose my pc-to-pc syncs.

so, four questions:
how do i get rid of the message?
how do i stop the paused syncme from analyzing itself? (it monopolizes valid syncs.)
better, how do i get rid of syncme--'nobody [has] joined yet' nor do i intend to 'join' it with either pc.
if necessary, how do i re-list my second pc?