Want to run FreeFileSync when an usb drive is connected

[siamparvez44]

Hi,
I want to run FreeFileSync when my portable hard drive is connected to my desktop. I usually connect this drive for backing up my files.
Please let me know how can I do this.
Thank you

[xCSxXenon]

Documentation is usually a good start:
https://freefilesync.org/manual.php
https://freefilesync.org/faq.php

[th.rauner]

Sorry, but this answer is not enlightening at all. The documentation on this subject is very scarce, too scarce, in my opinion:

Example: Automatic synchronization when a USB stick is inserted
Save an ffs_batch configuration in the USB stick's root directory, e.g. H:\ and let FreeFileSync run it when the stick is mounted. But, instead of hard coding the USB drive letter H:\ (which may change occasionally), refer to the USB stick via its volume name instead.

The question remains: "let FreeFileSync run it when the stick is mounted" was exactly what I was looking for; you cannot answer a question by repeating the problem. How is that "let FreeFileSync run it when the stick is mounted" set up??

What I am making up on the subject is this:
(1) One creates a batch file (*.ffs_batch) with FreeFileSync.exe, and saves it with the options "Run mimized" and "Auto-close" (File > Save as batch job).
(2) This file then is imported e.g. by drag and drop into RealTimeSync.exe. With this program you can save a *.ffs_real file (File > Save as > "RealTime.ffs_real" as example). Instead of the letter of the USB drive the volume name is given in square brackets: "E:\Target\Folder" becomes "[Backup]\Target\Folder", for example. This prevents the batch job from failing if the USB drive letter changes.
(3) This RealTime.ffs_real must then be started at some point; via double click, or in the autostart folder, or via task scheduling. RealTimeSync.exe thus runs constantly in the background and then becomes active when there are changes in the source folders, or the backup path becomes available (e.g. by plugging in a USB stick).

Have I shown this correctly, or should the "Automatic synchronization when a USB stick is inserted" be done differently?

Thanks in advance, Thomas

[xCSxXenon]

The documentation must be up to snuff cause you nailed it exactly

[th.rauner]

Did I? Thank you. It would have been nice, if kind of straightforward description would have been part in the chapter "Automatic synchronization when a USB stick is inserted". Just my humble opinion.

Nevertheless, I am still curious whether it is necessary to start the "*.ffs_real"-Script with every system startup (e.g. Autostart-folder), or whether there is a means to start it only on arrival of the USB-device in question.

I am talking about Windows 10; I am not sure whether there is some kind of "system event" where you could hook onto? Like

IF <event> THEN START RealTime.ffs_real


[xCSxXenon]

RTS does need to be running at all times, that is what detects the USB insertion

[th.rauner]

OK, got it. Thank you.