"Synchronisation" of folders

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

A problem I can't quite put my finger on, but I'll describe it as best I can.

I have a laptop computer and a desktop computer. I have a wireless network at home, with a wireless access point and a hub and a router to allow me access to t'internet anywhere on the network.

Very nice it all is too.

I have a number of drives on my desktop computer (running XP), which are shared across the network. I have these drives mapped on the laptop (also running XP), and set so that they 'synchronize' (ugh! Should be with an 'S') whenever the laptop is turned on or off within range of the network.

However, this synchronisation is not always the same.

For instance, I have use it all day today at a client site (not at home), and put a load of new documents on it, in a folder which synchronises. I brought the laptop home, turned it on, and it asked me whether I wanted it to synchronize. I said "Yes."

It did a very quick synchronization, and told me it was done.

I knew it hadn't - it was far too quick. So I told it to re-do it.

It re-did it, but took much longer and did it fully (i.t. it is now fully synchronized.)

Why does it not always do this 'full' job?

Also, I am allowed to create folders on the laptop when it is off the network, but cannot delete them. Why is this?

These may be very basic questions I am asking; if so, and there is a good website which answers them all, please do just point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.


Oli.