Updating Files with Briefcase

When you update files by using Briefcase, Windows 95 automatically replaces unmodified files with modified files. If both files have changed, Windows 95 calls the appropriate application (if available) to merge the disparate files. Before you leave the office, you can copy files from your desktop to Briefcase, and then load Briefcase onto your portable computer. When you return, Briefcase will automatically update files when you dock your portable computer if you are using a Plug and Play BIOS docking station.

For information about updating files using Briefcase and a floppy disk, see Windows 95 online Help.

Tip

For faster editing, you can move Briefcase files to a hard disk on a second computer; to do this, drag the files from the floppy disk to the second computer's hard disk. When you have finished editing the files on the desktop computer, choose Update All from Briefcase on the floppy disk. When you return to the original computer, choose Update again to replace the unmodified files on this first computer.

Instead of using a floppy disk with Briefcase, you can use Direct Cable Connection to connect two computers running Windows 95, and then use Briefcase to synchronize their files. For example, you can connect your portable computer to your home or office computer with Direct Cable Connection, and then update the desktop computer files to match the portable files.

For more information about Direct Cable Connection, see "Direct Cable Connection" earlier in this chapter.

To update files using Briefcase and two connected computers

1. Copy to Briefcase any files or folders you want to work on.
2. Make changes to the files either in their original location or in Briefcase.
3. Connect the computers by using Direct Cable Connection, and then double-click My Briefcase.
4. Click the files you want to update.
5. On the Briefcase menu, click Update All or Update Selection.

Note You can also use Briefcase to synchronize files between a portable computer and a network if the portable computer has a network connection.

When you open the Briefcase folder, you can check the status of any file in Briefcase to find out if it has been synchronized with its original. You can also split files from their originals if you decide to maintain them separately. For more information on these topics, see online Help.

Tip To find the copy of a file that is outside Briefcase, click Find Original in the Update Status dialog box.