Sync Files Between Computers & SkyDrive with Windows Live Sync Beta

Would you like to keep your files and program controls synced between your computers?

One of the newest and most exciting features the new Windows Live Essentials beta is Windows Live Sync.

Note: The new Windows Live Essentials beta only works on Windows 7 and Vista.

Click Continue to proceed with your installation.

When you plant the Live Essentials Beta, see to it to select to install Sync.

Click Install when you’ve selected the components you want to install.

The installer will now download and install or patch your applications depending on your options.

If you had Mesh installed previously, you will notice a notification as it uninstalls during the setup.

verify to install Essentials on all computers you better sync!

Once your system is rebooted, you’ve got the option to give a shot to run Sync.

Start Syncing with Live Sync

Now you’re ready to start syncing folders between your computers and SkyDrive.

Start Live Sync from your Start Menu, and login with your Windows Live ID.

Welcome to Live Sync Beta!

smack the Sync a folder link under your rig’s name to get started.

Note: You’ll need to sign in on each of your computers.

Browse and select a folder you want to sync.

If there are any conflicts with the sync, you’ll see a caution logo on the folder.

Click View details to see what the problem is.

It can also keep your programs configs synced between your computers.

Select Turn on syncing under the programs listed at the bottom to sync their controls.

These will be removed when you computer is able to sync again.

Also note that Live Sync will now automatically run whenever you start the computer.

First, though, you’ll need to enable remote connections.

Now hit the Allow remote connections to this computer.

Once you’ve done this, the computer will be ready for remote access.

Now you could access that computer anytime from your other connected computers on Sync.

Confirm that you want to connect to that computer.

Live Sync will now attempt to connect to the computer.

On the remote computer, click Allow to let the remote connection go through.

Once the connection is finalized, you’ll see your remote computer’s desktop in a window.

Login with the standard password.

Notice that the background and Aero theme are set to basic to provide the best performance over the internet.

Once you’re finished with your remote connection, simply exit the window.

Click Disconnect at the prompt to confirm it.

Geeky Facts

We noticed a few interesting things while testing Windows Live Sync.

There’s even a new Mesh folder under Windows Live that includes the required .dll and .exe files…

While the only folder for Sync itself contains mainly the UI components for the new Live Sync.

Here it is running in Process Explorer.

Note that WLSync is the UI, and MOE is the backend, confirming our suspicions.

Live Sync for Macs

Live Sync is also available for computers running Mac OS X. Hat tip to martin_schmidler on Flickr for thescreenshot.

Of course it’s still in beta stage and hopefully some of the issues will get ironed out.

If you’d like more information about the new Windows Live Essentials suitecheck out our Screenshot Tour.