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Cloud Online Backup Frequently Asked Questions
General Backup Questions
What is cloud online backup?
Online backup is a software service that enables you to protect your files by sending them securely offsite over the Internet. Files can be easily restored using the click of a mouse. Our online backup service uses the highly respected Attix5 online backup platform.
How does it work?
Our backup software runs in the background on your computer. Each day the software checks the folders you have selected to protect for any changes. If there is a new file or folder created the data is scrambled and sent over the Internet to our secure servers. If a file is modified then only the modified part of the file is sent - saving time.
How many versions of a file can I restore?
We store up to 30 days of backups for you (more if required). If you ever need to restore a file, simply select the file from the backup software and it will be retrieved from our servers and put back on your computer.
Can this solution replace my tape backup drive?
Of course! Our cloud online backup solution is far easier to use than cumbersome tape backup systems. There is also no hardware or media to buy. As our online backup solution is offsite you are protected from fire, theft and data corruption.
What files can be backed up?
Any files that can be read by the operating system can be backed up. The most common file types are word documents, excel files, photos, and databases.
How do I know that the backup has taken place?
As soon as the backup has completed successfully the software displays a discreet message showing a successful backup. Log files are also kept showing detailed information about the backup.
What are the main advantages of online backup?
- Automatic - the backup will run at a time you choose
- Secure - all data is protected using SSL and AES encryption
- Offsite - protecting your data from fire, floods and hardware malfunctions
- Easy to use - files backed up and restored in as little as three mouse clicks
- No hardware to buy - simply pay a fixed low monthly fee to protect your data
Can you advise me what I really need to backup?
Yes. Our support staff can advise you on exactly what you should and should not backup on your computer. We can even log in remotely for more detailed analysis of your system.
How can I backup my Outlook files?
Go into the "control panel" and select "mail". Click on "data files" to show the location of your outlook folders. Then open the backup software and ensure that this folder is selected for backup. Our software will backup Outlook files even if Outlook is in use.
How long will the backup take to complete?
This depends on the amount of data and your Internet connection. For a typical office in the UK storing around 20Gb of data the initial backup will take many hours. Once the data has been uploaded to our servers then each subsequent backup takes a few minutes per day.
Can I backup multiple computers and servers in my office?
Yes - you will need to have the backup software running on each computer you wish to backup.
Can you backup accounting software?
Yes - we are able to backup all the popular accounting software such as Sage, Iris and Quickbooks.
Online Backup Security:
Is your online backup solution secure?
Yes - our software encrypts data using SSL - the same security used when sending credit card details over the Internet. Once the data arrives at the storage servers it is encrypted using AES encryption with a key that only you know.
Who has access to my data?
The encryption key is known only to you. We do not have access to your data. Of course, if you forget your encryption key your data will be lost on our servers as it will be in an unreadable format.
Where is all my data going?
Data is sent over the Internet to our UK datacenter in Bournemouth. It is also mirrored every 30 minutes to a separate UK datacenter near Southampton for redundancy.
What do I do if I forget my encryption key?
The encryption key is known only to you - we do not keep copies anywhere on our network. If you forget your encryption key you will not be able to retrieve your data as it will remain completely unreadable.
Backup Software & Support:
Do I need to leave my computer on all the time?
If you would like to take advantage of the automatic backup each night then you will need to leave your computer on. You can of course run the backup manually and then turn off your computer once finished.
What if I need to contact support?
Telephone and email support is available during business hours on 020 3102 0040. Should you require support outside these hours, please contact us via email and we will call you straight back. We are available 24 hours per day.
How do I restore files?
Simply click on the "restore" icon and select the date you wish to restore from. Locate the file/folder you wish to restore and then click "restore". Its that simple!
System Requirements:
What operating systems does this online backup solution support?
We support Windows XP, Vista, 7, Server 2003/2008/2012 and SBS 2011. We also Max OS X and most versions of Linux running a graphical interface.
I have a slow Internet connection, does it make sense using BackupVault?
Our online backup software only transfers new or altered data and all of this data is compressed. This means that even the most basic broadband connection is suitable for online backup. Our backup software will also run over dialup connections, but it is limited.
How fast is my Internet connection?
This will depend on your Internet provider and your current Internet package. For an accurate Internet connection speed, try SpeedTest (opens in a new window). It is important to ensure that no one else is using your Internet connection when you run the test.
I have a large amount of data to backup initially - what can I do?
If your Internet connection is slow or you have a large amount of data to backup, it is possible to back the data up to a external hard drive. This drive can be shipped to our datacenter and uploaded to our servers. When you next run a backup only the changes and new files will be sent to our servers.