FAQ: Backup
Can I back up to multiple destinations?
Absolutely! In fact, we strongly encourage users to back up to multiple destinations and we don't limit the number of destinations your users can back up to.
Can I control what files are backed up?
Yes. You can control the file selection. Use regular expressions or variables to include or exclude files.
Can I back up open files?
Yes. On Windows, DFW DataVault uses Microsoft's Volume Shadow Copy Service to back up open files. However if you are backing up larger database file(s) you will want to read the following FAQ on the topic.
Does DFW DataVault do bare metal or full system backup or restore?
The software is focused on backing up files.
However, you can tell the software to backup your entire hard drive, which should capture everything that is not excluded by the exclusion patterns and there is
no guarantee this will produce a usable bootable system upon restore.
Will backup automatically resume after a client computer goes to sleep or loses network connectivity?
Yes. DFW DataVault is designed to resume backup upon waking up / reconnecting after a computer goes to sleep or loses network connectivity.
Can DFW DataVault back up my database?
Yes. There are two ways you could do this:
- Dump your database regularly and back up the location where the dump files are stored (recommended, especially for production systems). You can give the dump files different names and we'll only transmit and store the blocks that are different in the new file. Of course, you can also overwrite the old dump file with the new dump and it'll just create a new version in our archive using the same block-level de-duplication.
- Back up the database's data store location in place
You can back up the data store in place on Mac and Linux however you will never be assured of a completely accurate backup without shutting down the application writing to the data store during the backup. On Windows, your database application must support VSS in order to back up open database files. When backing up large, active database files make sure you increase the backup interval to a few hours or more.
How do I make backup faster?
Increase the CPU percentages restriction or network bandwidth values.
Backup
Use the options on the Backup tab to view and modify backup settings, including backup destinations, files to back up, backup sources and status.
| Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| a | Backup Destinations | The computers and people who have agreed to let you back up to their computers. They may or may not be active. The green icon next to a destination means that you are connected to this destination. A gray icon means your are not connected to this destination. Click a backup destination to display its settings. |
| b | DFW DataVault | Displays details about backing up to DFW DataVault. |
| e | Resume / Start backup / Pause backup | Click to pause a backup in progress. Click to resume a backup you have paused or to start a backup earlier than is scheduled. |
| f | Backup Destination Status | Progress bar shows current backup activity for each of the destination you are currently backing up to. Info (i) icon displays details about number of files to be backed up and number which have been backed up.  |
| g | Files to Back Up | Specifies the file/folders to be included in your backup. You can select as many files or folders as you want. |
| h | Folder / Files | Folder being backed up. |
| i | Files / Backup Size | Number of files you are backing up. |
| j | Change... | Display file tree where you can change (add or delete) files for backup. |
| k | Scan | Scan your selected files/folders and flags changed data for next backup. Clicking Scan overrides the Settings > General > Back up changed files after setting. |
| l | Backup Sources | Computers that are backing up to you. |
| m | Sources shortcut menu | Display other sources options, including: |
| Attach an archive... | Select backup archive folder to which you can backup. | |
| Disable inbound backup | Prevent your DFW DataVault associated users from backing up to you. Disabling inbound backup removes the Backup Sources section of the page. To accept inbound backups you need to enable inbound backups. | |
| x | x | Hide this message. |
Specific Backup Destinations - DFW DataVault
This Backup Destination is always available.
Click a destination (in the Backup Destinations area of the Backup tab) to display details about this backup destination.
| Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| a | Online Services | List of online providers you're backing up to. |
| b | Last backup | Time since last backup to this destination. |
| c | Space quota | Amount of space allocated for your backup archive on this friend's computer. Automatic means that there are no space restrictions. |
| d | Space used | Amount of space your archive has used on this friend's computer. |
| e | Compact | Reclaims space in the back up archive by immediately applying file selection or retention policy changes (such as how many versions to keep and how long to keep deleted files). Click the Compact button when you want to reclaim space sooner than specified with the "Maintain archives..." setting. |
| f | Internet address | Internal and external address of the destination computer. |
| g | Connection status | How long this computer has been connected. If the attempt failed, the Retry button appears. |
| h | Remove Backup Destination | Discontinue using this friend's computer as a backup destination. WARNING: After you click this button and click Save, the backup archives on this destination will be removed. |
| i | Undo Changes | Click to set the features back to previous settings (same effect as cancel). |
| j | Save | Click to apply changes. |
Specific Backup Destinations - Same Account Backup Destination
| Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| a | Computers list | List of computers running DFW DataVault under this account. You can back up to these computers. |
| b | Selected computer | Click a computer to view destination details. |
| c | Name | Name of the backup destination. You can change the name of the destination to something that is easier for you to recognize. |
| d | Deactivate Computer | Completely removes this computer from your account. Backup data is deleted. |
| e | Last backup | Time since last backup to this destination. |
| f | Space quota | Amount of space allocated for your backup archive on this computer. Automatic means that there are no space restrictions. |
| g | Space used | Amount of space your archive has used on this computer. |
| h | Compact | Reclaims space in the back up archive by immediately applying file selection or retention policy changes (such as how many versions to keep and how long to keep deleted files). Click the Compact button when you want to reclaim space sooner than specified with the "Maintain archives..." setting. |
| i | Connection status | How long this computer has been connected. If the attempt failed, the Retry button appears. |
| j | Remove Backup Destination | Discontinue using this friend's computer as a backup destination. WARNING: After you click this button and click Save, the backup archives on this destination will be removed. |
| k | Undo Changes | Click to set the features back to previous settings (same effect as cancel). |
| l | Save | Click to apply changes. |