B-Folders Sync FAQ and troubleshooting
Generic
Q: How many computers and devices can I sync?
A: While there is no technical limitation, the EULA allows B-Folders
to be used on up to five (5) computers and devices combined.
Q: What exactly does "peer" mean?
A: It refers to an additional B-Folders application running in a different
location - an additional computer or mobile device.
Q: In what order should I sync my mobile device, desktop and
laptop?
A: It does not matter. Just keep in mind that each sync session will update to the latest version of each item in the database, making the data on the two peers equal.
Q: Can I sync different versions of B-Folders?
A: Yes, as long as the major and minor version numbers are the same. For
example, you
can sync 2.20.2 with 2.20.3.
Q: Can I sync the database on the SD card over 3G and Wi-Fi?
A: Yes. In addition to using a USB cable, the database on the SD
card can also be synced over 3G and Wi-Fi.
Syncing over a USB cable
Q: I plugged in both sides of the USB cable, but the computer
cannot discover the phone. What could be wrong?
A: Possible reasons:
- The SD card is not mounted to the computer as a USB drive (mass
storage) from the phone. Look for a "USB connected" notification in the
Android notification panel, select it, and follow the instructions.
- Not all USB ports of your computer are enabled - try it with a different USB
port
- http://support.microsoft.com/kb/817900
- Your computer operating system needs a driver for USB mass
storage
devices. Check the notification area of the desktop for a prompt about
installing a device driver.
- Samsung Galaxy S II, by default, connects in Kies mode. You must disconnect the USB cable, select Settings > Wireless and network > USB utilities > Connect storage to PC and connect the USB cable.
Syncing over a network
Q: What hardware do I need to sync two peers?
A: Basically, all devices need to share a network connection. The most common scenario is a Wi-Fi router in the office or home, a computer connected by an Ethernet cable to the port of a router, and any mobile devices like laptops, smartphones and tablets that are connected over Wi-Fi to that router.
Q: Why doesn't the automatic discovery of peers work as expected?
A: Possible reasons:
- The peer to be discovered is either not running or its Sync screen (panel) is not opened.
- The peers are not on the same subnet. When the peers
are on the same subnet, IP addresses displayed on the Sync panels
differ only by the last number - e.g.
192.168.0.100 and 192.168.0.105. If a computer has more than one
network interface (i.e. Wi-Fi and Ethernet), you can choose which
one to use by clicking the Sync Options link.
- The Wi-Fi router needs to be configured for multicasts. Some D-Link routers
need "Enable Multicast Streams" in Advanced Network options to be disabled (unchecked). Also some Linksys routers need the "Filter Multicast" option to be enabled (checked).
- The Android device is in sleep mode. Wake it up by pressing the Power key and unlock the device's screen.
Q: I get "Sync failed: Network unreachable". What could be wrong?
A: Your computer or mobile device is not connected to the network or the connection is not reliable (intermittent).
You may need to re-enable your Wi-Fi, 3G or Ethernet connection. Q: I get "I/O error". What could be wrong?
A: Possible reasons are:
- the Android device is in sleep mode - wake it up by pressing the Power key and unlock the screen
Q: I get "Sync failed: Cannot reach the peer". What could be wrong?
A: Possible reasons are:
- The peer is not running - i.e. the B-Folders application is not
started (opened).
- The peer does not accept sync requests - the Sync screen on the Android device or the Sync panel on the computer is not opened.
- If the peer info has been manually entered, the IP address or the
port number could be wrong
- The peer may be behind a firewall blocking remote access to it. Read questions about firewalls on this page.
- The Wi-Fi connection on a phone is unstable. It needs to be
turned off and then on again.
- A VPN client might be blocking incoming connections even when it is not
running (e.g. Cisco VPN client)
- An internet filtering software (e.g. Net Nanny) might be blocking
incoming or outgoing connections.
- The Android device is in sleep mode. Wake it up by pressing the Power key and unlocking the screen
Q: What settings do I need to change in my firewall in order to
allow access to B-Folders?
A: When you open the Sync panel for the first time, the
firewall on Windows will normally show a pop-up window asking you whether to
allow B-Folders to access the network. You must allow B-Folders to access both private and public networks. If you have blocked B-Folders
somehow or you are not sure, check your firewall settings. Make
sure B-Folders is added to the program exception list and that the exception
is enabled (the corresponding checkbox is checked).
Q: I tried everything, but it does not work. What else can I do?
A: Sometimes routers and modems become unstable and need to be
rebooted (restarted) in order to start working properly again. Try
rebooting each device involved - modem, router, Ethernet switch, even the computer and mobile device. And last but not least, you can always contact Support
to discuss the issue.
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