Backup Questions
Q1: What type of files can be backed up?
Q2: What files should I backup?
Q3: Can open files be backed up?
Q4: Does the computer need to be on in order for automatic backup to occur?
Q5: Can the computer or server be used whilst TOTALcomputerbackup performs a backup?
Q7: Can I backup files on any drive?
Q8: How long will it take to backup my files?
Q9: How can I check that my data has been backed up?
Q10: Can I cancel a backup once it has started?
Q11: Can I pause a backup once it has started in order to continue at a later date?
Q12: How do I backup my files using TOTALcomputerbackup?
Q13: How often should I backup?
Q14: What happens if my Internet connection is disconnected during a backup or
restore?
Q1: What type of files can be backed up?
A: Any file created in any application can be backed up to TOTALcomputerbackup , for example these
could be text documents, database files, spreadsheets, photographic images, music files etc.
TOTALcomputerbackup does not, under any circumstances, open any file so it does not matter what the data is.
If it is currently stored on your computer or network, then it can be safely transferred to our servers.
Q2: What files should I backup?
A: We would suggest that you backup only your critical data files. These are the files created by
applications that you use, such as text documents or spreadsheets and not the actual applications themselves. As a
general rule it is only necessary to backup data that could not be recreated without significant time and cost resource.
Q3: Can open files be backed up?
A: The TOTALcomputerbackup application cannot backup "locked" open files such as
Microsoft Exchange Servers. Open files within programs such as Word, Excel etc. can be
backed up, however the latest version may not be backed up if it has not
been saved to the file. A new version of the TOTALcomputerbackup service will be
launched soon that will allow you to backup Exchange servers.
Q4: Does the computer need to be on in order for automatic backup to occur?
A: Yes, the system must be switched on for automatic backup to take place. Should the computer be switched off at night then backup will need to be scheduled during the day. If the computer is not on when a scheduled backup is due to occur the backup will take place when the computer is next switched on.
Note: Setting the computer to stand by (power down of either monitor or hard drives) does
not effect the TOTALcomputerbackup service. The computer automatically comes out of stand by at the scheduled time
for the duration of the backup and then goes back on standby when backup is completed.
Q5: Can the computer or server be used whilst TOTALcomputerbackup performs a backup?
A: Yes, the system can be used, as the TOTALcomputerbackup application will operate in the background.
Please note that any open files will not be protected until the next backup.
Q6: Can I arrange for TOTALcomputerbackup to backup some folders daily and others less/more frequently?
A: Yes, simply create a new backup definition for each different requirement. For example, if you wish to back up your customer
accounts folder hourly then set up a backup definition for your accounts and change the frequency to hourly.
Q7: Can I backup files on any drive?
A: Yes, files can be selected from any fixed, networked or temporary drive for backup. In the case of
networked drives the network will need to be accessible and all drives will need to
be mapped for backup to occur. Further information can be found in our support
section by clicking here.
Q8: How long will it take to backup my files?
A:The time taken to backup your files is dependant on your connection type, modem speed, Internet traffic and quantity of data selected for backup. The first time you backup your data will generally take considerably longer than subsequent backup times. This is due to the incremental features in the TOTALcomputerbackup application that will know to only transfer files that have either been newly created or modified since the last backup. This will significantly reduce the time taken for regular backups.
Note: For an indication of transfer times associated with frequently used
files see table.
Q9: How can I check that my data has been backed up?
A: As well as receiving a backup successful email from TOTALcomputerbackup you can also check
by looking at your Client Log by opening up the TOTALcomputerbackup software on your machine and clicking on the 'client log' tab.
You may also wish to periodically restore some random files to confirm your information is being saved
Q10: Can I cancel a backup once it has started?
A: Yes, at the bottom of the Backup Progress Meter window there is a "Cancel" button that will allow you to cancel the current backup in progress.
Note: Any data sent to TOTALcomputerbackup will not be backed up if the backup is cancelled.
For more information see support here.
Q11: Can I pause a backup once it has started in order to continue at a later date?
A: Yes, at the bottom of the Backup Progress Meter window there is a "Pause" button that will allow you to pause the current backup in progress.
Note: All data already transferred to TOTALcomputerbackup prior to pausing the backup will be saved.
For more information see support here.
Q12: How do I backup my files using TOTALcomputerbackup?
A: Backing up your files using TOTALcomputerbackup is very easy and can be carried out in three steps:
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Select New (either from the toolbar or the File menu).
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Enter a name for the New backup definition and click OK.
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Select the files that you wish to backup and click Save.
Q13: How often should I backup?
A: Although there is no definitive answer to this, the more frequently data is backed up the more security and peace of mind can be provided. Given the ease of using the TOTALcomputerbackup automated service we would suggest that new and amended data files are backed up every night.
Note: This does not prohibit the creating of further backup sets. The TOTALcomputerbackup software
will allow unlimited scope in creating as many different backup sets as required.
Q14: What happens if my Internet connection is disconnected during a backup or
restore?
A: The TOTALcomputerbackup application will remember exactly where in the transfer process it was prior to the disconnection
and will automatically attempt to redial and resume the transfer.