Tutorial: Synchronize GearSwap Lua With Dropbox

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Should go ahead and symbolic link FFXI's macro folder also. I've been using this to share FFXI files across my machines for a while now, saves tons of time.

I just keep my entire Windower folder in my Dropbox folder.

Have never had an issue using this method. Works 100% without issue keeping my laptop and desktop up to date.

Do this work for google drive too? Changing paths obviously.

Bump in case anyone doesn't realize they can do this.

Tips for things I ran into:

• Be sure you are running the command prompt as an administrator or you will receive a permission error. To do this, search command prompt in the start menu, right click, and click run as administrator.

• You do not need to follow the same file structure in the OP in your dropbox. Just make sure its under a folder you want.

• To quickly get the file path structure into the command prompt, you can navigate to the correct folders and click the path in the white box then copy it. You can then use Ctrl+V in the command prompt box.

I wrote something similar a few years ago and I didn't know this thread even existed until just now. It's written better than my attempt too:

https://www.ffxiah.com/forum/topic/53815/offsite-backups-for-your-ffxi-customizations/

All in all, I support and and all backup strategies as a matter of principle.

I could parameterize the script too if anyone finds this to be too technical.

Edit: I'm now reminded why I wrote this in the first place. I couldn't get Dropbox in 2019 to follow symbolic links to my Windower/Ashita folders. Does this work today in 2022? (If anyone is curious, mklink /D will create a "Windows Junction" or hardlink). This means the Dropbox folder and Gearswap/Data folder point to the same physical blocks on the hard drive. Your updates automatically sync via Dropbox as you make edits and press Save.

I'm genuinely curious if anyone runs into trouble using symlinks as described in the OP.

It works for me with Windows 11 on both machines. Be sure to use the file explorer structure, not dropbox's shitty gui.

I use google drive for mine. ez pz.