Use Windows Briefcase to sync to a USB flash drive

By James Kendrick | Friday, July 28, 2006 | 3:03 PM CT | 6 comments |

You do remember the Briefcase utility that has been around practically since the dawn of Windows, don’t you?  While it never seemed to catch on with many folks the Briefcase is perfect for keeping a few crucial files you carry with you on a USB flash drive in sync with your desktop or notebook computer.  The beauty of using the Briefcase for this task is how easy it makes syncing one or all of the files in the Briefcase with a single click.  SympleByte has complete instructions with clear screen shots to show you exactly how it’s done.  Who knew there was actually a good use for the Briefcase? 

(via LifeHacker)

-jk

Comments (6)

  • It’s funny. I use the Briefcase function quite a bit between my notebook and our network. Syncing it with a USB drive makes perfect sense. Never thought of it. Simple makes good.

    Thanks for the tip.

    acjif98 — 1:44 PM on July 28, 2006 Reply

  • Hey James

    Just wanted to stop by and say hello, and thanks for dropping by my site. Hope your readers find it useful.

    DavidC

    DavidC1:59 PM on July 28, 2006 Reply

  • Strange timing, I’ve been doing this for ages yet just yesterday someone at work commented they’d never thought of it.

    I like Briefcase as, although basic, it allows you to sync selected folders or individual files and will work on all Windows machines with no software install.

    Robin Capper5:09 PM on July 28, 2006 Reply

  • DavidC, keep posting good stuff and I’m sure we’ll be back. :)

    jk6:45 AM on July 29, 2006 Reply

  • I ordered a 2GB flash drive a few days ago and this sounds interesting. However, I have no Briefcase option on the New menu, nor is there any mention of it in Add/Remove Windows Components under Add or Remove Programs. I’m running a fully-patched machine, so Windows is completely up to date.

    Is there a download from Microsoft to install the Briefcase app? I have no actual Windows CD as I have a Tecra M4 and therefore just the restore CD.

    Chris Magnusson11:23 AM on July 29, 2006 Reply

  • The problem I have is when I move the briefcase to the flash and try to open later at home th files are either orphaned, or not there at all. If I just copy the files, they are on the flash, but as we all know, I cannot sync between flash and PC. Suggestions?

    DonS — 4:55 PM on July 11, 2008 Reply

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