Local Office file automatically synchronized with network copy

H

Hall

I own several Excel files located in the organization's network.

I want to keep a master copy in my laptop for offline updates. Then when I
connect to the network, it automatically updates or synchronizes the network
version for others to use.

Is this possible without SharePoint?

We're on Office 2003 and XP Pro.
 
D

Dian D. Chapman, MVP

You might want to check out using the Windows Briefcase. You can read
more details on its use in the Windows > Help files. Choose the folder
in Windows Explorer, then click File > New > Briefcase and the files
will be setup to sync as designated.

Dian D. Chapman, Technical Consultant
Microsoft MVP, MOS Certified
Editor/TechTrax Ezine

Free MS Tutorials: http://www.mousetrax.com/techtrax
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D

Dian D. Chapman, MVP

Did you READ the help files as suggested?

You'll have to decide which is best for your situation...

"Briefcase is specifically intended for transferring and synchronizing
files between separate PCs."

"Offline Files is geared more toward transferring and synchronizing
network files in instances where a PC is sometimes connected to a
network and sometimes not. "

Here's some further info you can read...

http://informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=159905095&tid=5984

http://emea.windowsitpro.com/Windows/Article/ArticleID/8747/8747.html

There also a section on it if you have the book "Windows XP Networking
Inside/Out"...which comes down to two sentences...

" Choosing Between Briefcase and Offline Files"

* If you are using Window XP Home Edition, you must use briefcase
because Offline Files is not available in WinXP Home.

* If you are using a LAN or a dial-up network connection that supports
File And Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks via SMB, use Offline
Files to take advantage of its greater power, speed, and flexibility.

* If you need to use a Direct Cable Connection or removable media to
transfer the files, you must use Briefcase.

Good luck...

Dian D. Chapman, Technical Consultant
Microsoft MVP, MOS Certified
Editor/TechTrax Ezine

Free MS Tutorials: http://www.mousetrax.com/techtrax
Free Word eBook: http://www.mousetrax.com/books.html
Optimize your business docs: http://www.mousetrax.com/consulting
Learn VBA the easy way: http://www.mousetrax.com/techcourses.html
 
H

Hall

Thanks Dian.

Evaluating what you're describing, the articles, and my initial question, it
is clearly offline folders that answer my needs not briefcase.

Now to get familiar with their use...
 
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