Using Dropbox to Synchronize your Windower Installation across multiple computers

[nitsuj]

Just thought I'd share this helpful hint, as I'm sure if you're still playing the game after all these years, you're probably playing on multiple machines and this is a free way to keep them all in sync.

Myself, I play on my home computer, my laptop (for crafting/fishing) and my work computer (when I'm at the office late and don't have time to make it home for salvage. Before I started using dropbox, I never had the most current spellcast XML or plugins available across all machines (same for you guys who use Wizbot, I'm not gonna judge).

Dropbox is a free cloud storage app that keeps 1 folder in sync across every computer you install it on.

Step 1: Install Dropbox (it's free):
http://i34.tinypic.com/2r6jofs.jpg

>> Download Dropbox.
This will give you a folder on your computer (I recommend putting in "My Documents" or "Desktop" but that's up to you. Put it somewhere you know you can find it again). You can probably erase the pre-made folders, as we won't be using them here.



Step 2: Create a folder inside here called "FFXI" and move your Windower folder.
http://i35.tinypic.com/4iocom.jpg

Assuming you're on your main machine with everything up to date, copy your "Windower" folder (NOT your FFXI install) into this folder.

Should be the folder with this inside it:
http://i33.tinypic.com/1491qoh.jpg

Step 3: Make a Shortcut to this Folder's Launcher
http://i37.tinypic.com/fz55ad.jpg

Right click "launcher_gui.exe" in your newly moved Windower folder. Go to properties. Make sure (on Vista and 7) that you have "Run as Administrator" checked. Press OK and then right click again and choose "Create Shortcut". Move this shortcut to your desktop so you can easily access it. This is the file you'll want to launch every time you play FFXI..

Step 4: Repeat Steps 1 & 3 on every computer you play FFXI on.
http://i35.tinypic.com/xqmx.jpg

When you download new plugins, edit your spellcast XML etc, you edit it inside the "My Dropbox\FFXI\Windower" folder. Within a few seconds of making the change, it will update your changes to every other machine you've installed dropbox on.

This is a great use for a free service, and I had never put 2 and 2 together before so I thought I'd recommend it to some of you who may not be familiar with Dropbox. If I made any errors, or can clarify anything just let me know.

Enjoy

EDIT: 1/18 - Free 1 GB for doing an online scavenger hunt - if you want a walkthrough there are plenty on google:

http://lifehacker.com/5735676/dropqu...-dropbox-space

[zeal5050]

Fantastic idea. I was already using dropbox for work, but never thought to use it in this application.

Thanks!

[Zosi]

I don't play any more, but this certainly beats my method of using a Mercurial repository and TortoiseHG. Dropbox really is amazing, I use it every day for quick/easy synchronization between my various PCs, VMs and my phone.

[nitsuj]

Fantastic idea. I was already using dropbox for work, but never thought to use it in this application.

Thanks!

Yeah I had it for a few months before I realized how perfect it was for Windower >.>. It's so obvious that no one even thinks of it, I guess.

[LordTrey2]

I use Microsoft live mesh for the exact same thing. (and to keep all the papers I write backedup and synced)
It is also free and works with no problems ever. I don't know how dropbox runs, but if it has any problems try live mesh.

[Imoq]

URL="http://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTg4NDk5NTk5"]Download DropboxURL].

What's the "referrals" for in the download link?

Just curious.

[Zosi]

If you refer someone when they sign up, you *both* get 250mb extra space, up to a cap of 8gb (from 2gb base). In other words, it's a nice way to thank the person who introduced you to Dropbox, while also getting something yourself.

[nitsuj]

If you refer someone when they sign up, you *both* get 250mb extra space, up to a cap of 8gb (from 2gb base). In other words, it's a nice way to thank the person who introduced you to Dropbox, while also getting something yourself.

this ^

[Blasta]

If I made any errors, or can clarify anything just let me know.

Yeah, you are not supposed to play at work... i mean, can i has ur job too

[Shalafi]

I've been wanting something like this forever since I play on both PC & laptop. Thanks!

[nitsuj]

Yeah, you are not supposed to play at work... i mean, can i has ur job too

heh I've been working 80+ hours a week, I'm not sure you want my job

[theo]

Any way to exclude the windower screenshots directory from dropbox? I feel like this is a really clever idea except for the fact that my screenshots would max out my drop box almost immediately.

[hezzel]

Any way to exclude the windower screenshots directory from dropbox? I feel like this is a really clever idea except for the fact that my screenshots would max out my drop box almost immediately.

Using http://www.windower.net/plugins/ssorganizer like everyone else you can just set it to save SS in another directory that dont get synced.

[Radec]

console_screendir C:/NotWindower/Screenshots

Don't need SSOrganizer, add that with w/e path you want to init.txt

[AlexRuzhyo]

My Desktop runs at a higher resolution with maximized graphics while the laptop is kind of dumbed down. Is there a method I can use just to keep the scripts folder/macros.txt synched without adjusting the windower_gui settings? Copying and pasting them everytime I make an adjustment kind of sucks.

[nitsuj]

My Desktop runs at a higher resolution with maximized graphics while the laptop is kind of dumbed down. Is there a method I can use just to keep the scripts folder/macros.txt synched without adjusting the windower_gui settings? Copying and pasting them everytime I make an adjustment kind of sucks.

What's wrong with windower_gui? If you launch launcher_gui, make a "desktop" "medium" and "laptop" profile in the launcher and just swap it based on what computer you're logging in on

(that's what I do)

[Bendak]

What's wrong with windower_gui? If you launch launcher_gui, make a "desktop" "medium" and "laptop" profile in the launcher and just swap it based on what computer you're logging in on

(that's what I do)

Also on each computer you play on you can make a shortcut to launcher.exe then right click on the shortcut and choose properties. Then in the Target: box add on -c laptop.ini of course replace laptop with whatever the name of the profile you want to use on that computer.

[AlexRuzhyo]

Thanks. As obvious as it is I completely forgot you could make profiles for settings.

My only issue is draw distance; Any way to set a line in the .init to react to a certain profile being loaded?

[theo]

Using http://www.windower.net/plugins/ssorganizer like everyone else you can just set it to save SS in another directory that dont get synced.

Ah, ok. I do use ssorganizer but I didn't know you could specify an absolute path like that. Thanks.

[nitsuj]

Also on each computer you play on you can make a shortcut to launcher.exe then right click on the shortcut and choose properties. Then in the Target: box add on -c laptop.ini of course replace laptop with whatever the name of the profile you want to use on that computer.

Thanks! Ill add this to my tutorial. I didn't think about this