How do I sync data between two Load balanced Windows 2003 servers?

Posted by Vivek Gite [Last updated: October 25, 2006]

For UNIX/Linux server you can use rsync command to keep data sync'd between two servers. rsync also works under Windows NT/2003 server but it will take lots of time to setup.

For Microsoft Windows 2003 server use robocopy tool, to sync files between two windows server. You can download robocopy.exe and other files from Windows 2003 Resource Kit Tools set.

Once tool is downloaded, install the Resource Kit. By default robocopy located at c:\Program Files\Windows Resource Kits\Tools\robocopy.exe. Now let us assume that you want to sync d:\Inetpub\wwwroot\ directory between two Windows server. First create hidden share on www2 (secondary server)

Login to www2
Select d:\Inetpub\wwwroot\
Right click > Properties > Sharing tab > Share this folder > Add $ at the end of share name and save the changes.

How do I use robocopy command?

=> Login to primary server (www1)
=> Click on stat > run > type cmd
=> At command prompt type command:
c:>"c:\program files\windows resource kits\tools\robocopy.exe d:\inetpub\wwwroot www2\\inetpub\wwwroot\"ALTERNATIVELY, use IP address of www2 server :
c:>"c:\program files\windows resource kits\tools\robocopy.exe d:\inetpub\wwwroot 202.54.10.200\\inetpub\wwwroot\"robocopy has many more options and lots of other information available in Robocopy.DOC file.

Want to stay up to date with the latest Linux tips, news and announcements? Subscribe to our free e-mail newsletter or RSS feed to get all updates. You can Email this page to a friend.

Discussion on This Article:

Bala Says: November 28th, 2006 at 10:09 am
hi

how to post data from one server to another, using asymmetric data transfer.

Thanks in advance….
nixcraft Says: November 28th, 2006 at 6:52 pm
Hello,

I am sorry but i am not getting your question…
Can you explain it in details?
MrCiF Says: December 7th, 2006 at 3:42 am
Thanks for your posts, nut I have a question:

I have a RHEL server (running IBM Lotus Domino for email server) and WindowsServer 2003 Std (backup storage server).

Can you give a help about :

- step-by-step tutorial about how to backup/restore from Linux svr to Windows svr?

- step-by-step tutorial about how to keep data sync�d between Linux svr to Windows svr?

Pls send me a copy to my email if you can!

Thanks again!
Jeffrey Says: January 30th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Hi,

is the sync two way ?meaning i have server a and server b in a load balanced environment so i wanna to sync file btw this 2 server..from A to B and also from B to A..Thanks.
nixcraft Says: January 30th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Hi Jeffrey,

Yes you can do both ways. You need to write appropriate batch file.

HTH
Toyin Ogunmefun Says: August 16th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
I have the same scenario illustrated by jeffrey, do you have a sample of the batch file you mention.Will robocpy connect to a unix/linux server and copy data across to a windows 2003 and keep the data sync.
I will appreciate if you help with the batch file or point what should be included in it.
mmas Says: March 28th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Any word on getting that batch file?