File Sync for Windows Desktop | Communifire Documentation

The File Sync for Windows Desktop app keeps all your files in sync, giving you the freedom to work on your files anywhere, even on multiple computers, with the confidence that you will have access to the most up-to-date files you need. With the File Sync app, you can map folders on your computer to as many folders from as many of your Communifire spaces as you like. Files are instantly available on all connected devices that run the File Sync app and on your Communifire web application.

The File Sync app:

• Uploads files you add to your local folders into your Communifire folders
• Downloads new files added to your Communifire folders into your local folders
• Syncs any additions, modifications, or deletions made to files on your computer or in your Communifire web app
• Syncs files every 5 minutes

When you update a file using the File Sync app, a new version of the file will be listed in File Version History .

NOTES:

Filenames that contain special characters such as |, ", ?, <, >, /, *, or : are not synced.

v5.2 to v6.0 users will need to re-download the application after upgrading to Communifire 6.

Download and Install the App

In Communifire, go to User Level Preferences > Sync Folders > Download on the right hand side.

Getting Started

This section walks you through running the File Sync for Windows Desktop app for the first time.

After you have installed File Sync for Windows Desktop, navigate to Start > Programs > Communifire File Sync and run the program.

The program will open showing you a login screen. Sign in to Communifire by entering the URL, email or username, and password you use to login to your Communifire account. Then click Login.

When your login is successful, you will be presented with a welcome screen.

Click Choose Your Local Folder to choose a folder on your computer to store your synced files.

Choose a folder in the window that opens.

Navigate the file tree and choose a local folder. If you have not yet created a local folder on your computer, you can do so by clicking Make New Folder. Once you have chosen a folder, click OK.

You will be presented with a screen indicating that you have successfully chosen your local sync folder. Note that the local folder must be empty before running the first sync. Any folders or files in the local folder will be deleted in the first sync.

On this window you have two options:

Choose Online Folders
This will open your Communifire web application in your web browser for you to choose the folders you want to sync. If you are not logged in, please login. Once you are logged in to your Communifire web application, then you will be directed to the Sync Folders tab on your Edit Profile page. Here you will be able to choose the folders you would like to sync. For more information, see Choosing Folders to Sync below.

Start Sync
This will begin the file sync process. If you have already chosen the folders you'd like to sync in the Communifire web application, then click the Start Sync button. You will be presented with a screen that shows you the progress of the sync. If you have not chosen the folders to sync, see Choosing Folders to Sync below.

NOTE: The amount of time it takes to sync depends on the amount of folders you have chosen to sync, the amount of files in these folders, and the size of the files. If you have lots of large files, the sync process may take a while.

The File Sync app runs in the background and the window can be closed. To reopen the window, double click the icon in the notification area.

Choosing Folders to Sync

Visit your Communifire platform and navigate to User Level Preferences > Sync Folders.

This section shows a list of spaces that you have access to. To choose folders to sync to your local computer, click on a space. This will expand to show you a list of folders in that space. Tick the checkbox for the folders that you want to sync. Repeat for additional spaces and folders. Changes are saved automatically.

Renaming / Moving / Deleting / Restoring Folders and Files

Renaming Files and Folders
When a file or folder on a local computer or on Communifire is renamed, File Sync will delete the file in both locations, and re-upload this file with its new name. The same process is used for folders. The file's version history will be reset when the file is renamed.

When a file is renamed on a local computer and in Communifire at the same time, File Sync will update both at once, resulting in two copies of the same file, each with its own updated name.

Moving Files and Folders
When a file or folder is moved, File Sync will delete the file or folder, then re-upload the file or folder in the new location.

Deleting Files and Folders
When a file is deleted on a local computer or in Communifire, the corresponding file or folder will also be deleted when File Sync runs.

Restoring Folders
When a folder is restored, the folder is restored on the web. The folder is not checked in User Level Preferences > Sync Folders. You must re-check the folder to sync it.

Steps for Capturing File Sync Logs

If something is not working as expected with your files syncing to Communifire, it's often helpful to capture file sync logs to investigate. You can do so by following these steps:

1. Open File explorer at "C:\Program Files (x86)\Axero Solutions\Communifire File Sync v8.0" or the installation directory.
2. Right-click on "Communifire.Windows.Client.exe", then "Create shortcut" or "Send To => Desktop (shortcut)"
3. Right-click on the new created shortcut. Choose "Properties"
4. At the Target textbox, add '-log=Debug' to turn on the Debug mode at Debug level (). Then click OK.
   
5. Double click on the shortcut to start FileSync. The application will display "Debug mode Log type is Debug" as below
   
6. Let the FileSync run at background
7. The log is "logs-{DateTime format}.txt" at "%AppData%\CommunifireSyncClient".