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    Have defined a folder pair to copy music videos to windows home server.  My music videos are in the folders with the artist/album structure along with my MP3 files.  Sync pair set to only move files with video extension (e.g. *.m4v, *.wmv).  SyncToy 2.1 working fine, but when it comes across an artist/album folder that has not matching files, it copies the full directory structure anyway, leaving my windows homes server peppered with empty directories!  Any way to stop this from happening?  I just want folders that contain videos replicated.  Don't want to have two directory structures at the source either, so please don't suggest I create a music and video folder.... thanks...
    Friday, December 25, 2009 11:08 PM

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    Hi ToxicManChowder,

    I’m afraid that there is no way to prevent SyncToy 2.1 from creating these empty folders (although they may content some files on the source side). SyncToy 2.1 does not support this option for now.

    We have noticed your issue. But please understand that it would be complex to decide which empty folder should not be created in destination side in different scenarios. We could not add related feature if such complex logic slows down SyncToy. (Another problem of ignoring the empty folders is that the ignored empty folders may confuse SyncToy, because SyncToy uses a special mechanism to reduce duplicate copying and transfer work. But we would have a try any way. )

    Sorry for the inconvenience.

    Thanks

    This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
    Monday, December 28, 2009 10:43 AM
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    I too find the empty folder creating frustrating.  Even more frustrating is that SyncToy 2.1 (and prior versions) are too stubborn and will not let me uncheck the boxes on folders.  I feel that SyncToy should prioritize folder creation first; if I make a mistake and uncheck a folder from the "New" list but still have a file that should go into the folder, then SyncToy should make a default decision.  Document Microsoft's call - either create the folder and copy the file *OR* ignore the file copy error and essentially don't copy the file.  Since SyncToy is not a robust copying solution (as it allows human intervention), then it is my responsibility, over multiple syncs, to figure out what I have and what I need. 

    On the other hand, most backup programs I am aware of are smart enough to figure it out - they grey the folder action box if a file in the folder is selected.  I'm sure that the programmer(s) who drafted SyncToy could do that too, even if it is an unsupported PowerToy.  If you can, see Iron Mountain's online backup; Connected's online backup, and I think Acronis local backup have the behavior I seek.

    Tuesday, May 25, 2010 1:13 PM