Does anyone know if how I can sync folders between my laptop and my desktop both running xp pro. Or if I can't do it with windows is there a utility I can use ?

I know about the off line files thing but I think I can only sync with a drive on a server right ?

a drive on a server right

You can sync with any shared folder. It doesn't have to be a "server". On the desktop PC, right-click on the folder that you want to sync, select "Sharing and Security" and make the folder available.

Then connect to it (and configure it for offline access) from the laptop.

Cool thanks that was easy.

Another stupid networking question I have is can I require a password to access a shared folder ? The only option I see under sharing is to share or not share.

Another stupid networking question I have is can I require a password to access a shared folder ? The only option I see under sharing is to share or not share.

Ok I looked on the laptop and it has a permissions tab but my desktop doesn't. I must be missing something. Both are using NTFS.

You've got "simple sharing" turned on on the desktop. Turn it off.

---snip---
To display the Security tab
Open Folder Options in Control Panel.
Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Folder Options

On the View tab, under Advanced settings, clear "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)".

Does this method work with Win2k Pro also? I want to do this with my laptop also.

Does this method work with Win2k Pro also?

Don't know. If you right-click on a network drive and it says "Make available offline" as one of the options, then yes.

I don't know if it works as well.

Thanks again !

I probably works on 2k too at work we have win2k on everything and I have folders that sync with folders on the 2k server.