How to Sync a Windows Library to an Android

by James T. Wood, Demand Media

Have your files with you wherever you go.

Keeping your files up-to-date and synced across devices can be an interesting challenge, with all the mobile technology available. When you sync files and folders, you want to see the same information in both places all the time so that no matter where you work, you won't get stuck in multi-version madness. You can sync your Android-powered mobile phone to a Windows library to keep everything lined up in your technological world. You may need to download or purchase separate applications to use the files from your desktop on your Android phone.

Paid Solution

Step 1

Purchase an application to sync the files and download it onto your PC. Several commercial applications enable you to sync files, contacts, music and photos from your Windows computer to your Android phone.

Step 2

Set up the files and folders you want to sync. Select the Windows library you want to access on your Android phone. Choose the directionality of the sync so that the phone overwrites the files on the PC, the PC overwrites the files on the phone, or the files are reconciled between devices, depending on your needs.

Step 3

Download and install the app on your Android phone. The sync won't work unless you have the software on both the phone and the computer. Log into the app and follow the instructions on the screen to pair your phone with your computer for syncing. Tap the icon for your computer in the sync list. Provide the username and password when prompted. Tap "Accept" to begin the first sync.

Free Solution

Step 1

Download the Dropbox application to your computer (see Resources) and double-click the downloaded file to begin installation. Follow the instructions on-screen to complete the install process and click "Next" in the window to accept the settings for the installation location. Uncheck the box for installing the web browser tool bar, then click "Next" to complete the installation. Set up a free Dropbox account through the software, if you don't already have one. Click the "Sign Up" link, then provide the contact information requested, along with a username and password. Click "Submit" to complete the installation. You will receive a confirmation e-mail from Dropbox.

Step 2

Click "Start", then "Documents." Then click on the "Libraries" link on the left. Right-click in the main area and point to "New" then "Library." Type in the name for your new library; for example "Dropbox", then press "Enter." Right-click on the new library and select "Properties", then click "Include a folder..." Select the "Dropbox" folder, not the library, you just created. To differentiate between a folder and a library, note that a folder has a yellow manila file-folder icon. Click "OK" to apply the settings.

Step 3

Save any files you wish to sync to the Dropbox folder on your computer, and they will also show up in your Dropbox library.

Step 4

Open the "Market" application on your Android phone. Tap the "Search" button that looks like a magnifying glass. Type: "dropbox", then tap the "Search" button again. Select the "Dropbox" app made by Dropbox Inc. Tap "Install" and "Agree" to the requirements. When the app is installed, open the application launcher and tap the "Dropbox" icon to open it. Enter your username and password to sync with the files on your computer.

About the Author

James Wood is a professional writer whose work has appeared in "The Bridge" at Harding University and in the book "People of Purpose." His work experience has spanned the gamut of the computer world, from sales and support to training and repair. He is also an accomplished public speaker, PowerPoint presenter and has traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe.

Photo Credits

• Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Source: http://techtips.salon.com/sync-windows-library-android-228.html

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