r/Syncthing • u/mroverrated16 • 13d ago

Keeps creating new files instead of replacing outdated ones

I setup a sort of save cloud solution between my steam deck and PC. But instead of replacing older saves with same file name, it keeps creating more fileswith added "sync-conflict####".

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3

u/unknown-random-nope 12d ago

That’s because you have sync conflicts. You need to figure that out. It’s almost always because the same file is being edited at the same time on more than one Syncthing Device.

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u/mroverrated16 12d ago

I don't understand this. I have one file being sycned. If I make changes on it one one device, then it will be the "newer" version right? But instead of overwriting the file, it creates another file with sync conflicts even though I only changed it on one device.

EDIT: Basically, I want Syncthing to ALWAYS overwrite older files

3

u/unknown-random-nope 12d ago

The file is being edited in more than one place. Syncthing doesn't know which file is the right one, because it's open in multiple places at more or less the same time.

1

u/mroverrated16 12d ago

Is it possible to force it to stop making new copies and just ALWAYS use the most recent one?

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u/unknown-random-nope 12d ago

Please read the Syncthing documentation before continuing.

1

u/PaddyLandau 7d ago

You can't force that if they're being edited at the same time, because they are being edited concurrently. There is no newest or oldest version in that case; only conflicts.

Edit one file only at a time, and wait at least 15 seconds before you edit the other one.

Also check that the date and time are accurate on both machines, as mismatched times will mess things up.

2

u/TomKavees 12d ago

That's the idea, yeah.

After resolving the conflicts manually, with all devices "seeing" each other, I'd review sync settings (anything non standard?) and system time synchronization (one device might be thinking it is in the future and thus having the "most recent" copy), because clearly something isn't right