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Frequently Asked Questions about PCBackup
- Which operating systems will PCBackup work with?
- How much data can I back up?
- Which files are backed up?
- Who can use this service?
- How can I recover files from the backup copy?
- What happens if I change my computer?
- What happens to unused backup accounts?
- Why is my computer not backing up properly?
- I’ve got another question not listed here
1. Which operating systems will PCBackup work with?
The PCBackup service can be used on PCs running Windows XP or Windows 2000 Professional. In both cases you need to be logged in as an Administrator of the PC to be able to install the software. After installation, the software can be used by a Limited user account.
PCBackup is not currently available for a Apple Mac or Linux systems, but the manufacturers of Connected DataProtector have promised that the next version of the software will include versions for these operating systems.
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2. How much data can I back up?
Up to 15GB (gigabytes) of data can be backed up free of charge. This limit does not include the operating or program files of your PC, only your own personal data files. This should be adequate for most general IT users.
If you have more than this amount of data, it may be possible to increase the data limit by special arrangement – contact the Information Services IT Helpdesk in the first instance. But it would be good practice to keep control of the amount of data stored on your PC, for example by deleting files you no longer need, removing duplicate data and so on.
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3. Which files are backed up?
The PCBackup service makes a copy of your PC’s hard disk (C: drive), including the system and program files. However a few types of file are not usually backed up, including:
- Music files and some other multimedia files (because of file size and for copyright reasons);
- Temporary files, including temporary Internet (‘web cache’) files;
- Deleted files in the Recycle bin.
If you want to add these files to your backup you can adjust the settings of the backup software – but bear in mind the capacity limit described in How much data am I allowed to back up? above. Contact the IT Helpdesk for advice.
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4. Who can use this service?
The PCBackup service is only available for members of University staff, and can only be used on University-owned PCs connected to the University network. This is partly due to licensing conditions specified by the software suppliers, and partly because our financial resources are limited.
Data stored on a PC that is your own property is your own responsibility – you are strongly advised to make regular backup copies of any important files on your own PC, since Information Services will not be able to help you retrieve them in the event of data loss.
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5. How can I recover files from the backup copy?
If you just need to recover an earlier version of a particular file or files, you can do this yourself by following the instructions for restoring individual files from backup:
- Connected DataProtector (for staff based in Academic Schools)
- NetBackup Professional (for staff based in Professional Services)
If your computer has suffered a major failure and you need to recover all your programs and data files, this is best done by technical support staff. Please contact the IT Helpdesk and ask to arrange for restoration of your hard disk. The actual recovery operation may be done by Information Services staff or the IT support staff of your own School or Service, depending on your support arrangements.
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6. What happens if I change my computer?
If you have PCBackup running on your existing computer and move to a new computer, you don’t need to transfer the PCBackup licence from one computer to the other. Install PCBackup on your new computer to create a new backup account (the process will include a full backup of the new hard disk as the first operation) and all files on the new computer will be protected as before.
The PCBackup account associated with the existing computer will remain available as described in What happens to unused backup accounts? below. If someone else takes over your existing computer, the AssetWorks software will adjust the PCBackup settings to create a new PCBackup account in their name.
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7. What happens to unused backup accounts?
The PCBackup system automatically removes backup accounts that are not used for a period of time. This is necessary to release licence ‘slots’ so that they are available for use by other people.
- If a PCBackup account has not been used for one month, it will be cancelled. The backup copy of the data will be kept on the central server for a further two months, and the account can be reactivated if needed.
- If a PCBackup account has not been used for three months (i.e. there has been no further use in the two months after cancellation), the backup copy of the data will be deleted from the central server and cannot be retrieved.
If you know you will not be using your computer for more than one month (extended leave, maternity leave, etc.) but want to retain the backup copy of your files, please contact the IT Helpdesk for advice.
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8. Why is my computer not backing up properly?
There are a few common problems that you can check yourself:
- Check whether other networked programs (for example your web browser and e-mail package) are also giving problems. If they are, it is likely that there is a problem with the University network or your connection to it – once this has been resolved, your PCBackup software should begin working again.
- If the other networked software is working normally, try running a ‘manual’ backup. The exact method will depend on which backup software you have:
- For Connected DataProtector (for staff based in Academic Schools)
- Double-click the Connected DataProtector icon in the ‘System Tray’ at the bottom right corner of your screen.
- When the program window opens, click the Backup Now button and wait for the process to complete.
- For NetBackup Professional (for staff based in Professional Services)
- Double-click the NetBackup Professional icon in the ‘System Tray’ at the bottom right corner of your screen.
- When the program window opens, click the Backup Now button and wait for the process to complete.
- For Connected DataProtector (for staff based in Academic Schools)
- If the manual backup gives an error message, fails to run, or takes many hours to complete the backup, there may be a more serious problem with the backup software. Contact the Helpdesk for advice.
