Copyright (c) 2002-2004 Softland. All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
=================
1. Overview
2. Revision history
3. System requirements
4. Installation
5. Features list
6. Frequently asked questions
7. How to contact us
Overview
========
Backup4all is an award-winning backup software for Windows. The application was designed to protect your valuable data from partial or total loss by automating backup tasks, password protecting and compressing it to save storage space. This backup software is feature rich and offers an intuitive interface making all features easily accessible for both beginners and professionals.
The software performs all four backup types: full backup, differential backup, incremental backup and mirror backup. Using the wizard you can easily set up any backup configuration you wish. You can define powerful file filters and schedule your backups any way you want. Once a backup is performed, you can see what files have been changed since the last backup using the explorer-like tree view or you can read the statistics about the next backup execution. You can use the context menu from the tree to run standard actions associated with the file type.
Backup4all creates standard zip files. This means that your data is not at the mercy of the utility itself. You can access it with any zip compatible utility.
This backup software keeps track of file versions. You can easily restore any version of files or a whole folder. You can filter files to be restored.
Backup4all tests the backup files automatically to ensure the backup is safe and correctly executed (uses CRC32).
Backup4all works with any drive letter, including mapped network drives and UNC paths. It comes with its own built-in CD/DVD burning support. Just set the destination on CD/DVD and execute the backup item. However, if you prefer, you can use UDF format (using products such as DirectCD or InCD).
It is compatible with Windows 95/98/Me or Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP and requires approximately 6MB of free disk space.
Get the latest version from http://www.backup4all.com
Revision history
================
What's new in version 2.2.1 (7-Sep-2004)
- Optimized zip testing
- Choose ASPI layer to use (internal or external)
- After backup program/action was executed between backup and test. Now is executed after test.
- Help file adjustments
- WinXP SP2 compatibility
- Fixed writing large zip files to DVD
- Fixed merging backups
- Fixed backup statistics
- Fixed "List index out of bounds" problem that happens when there were only excluded files
- Other minor bug fixes
What's new in version 2.2.0 (11-Jun-2004)
- New Backup4all edition (Classic)
- Added DVD support. Extended CD support
- Test/verify files automatically after backup (uses CRC32)
- Posibility to test/verify backup item integrity with a click of a button at any time
- Preview files before restoring
- Possibility to keep multiple versions for full and differential backup
- Possibility to limit the number versions for full and differential backup
- Switching between full, differential or incremental backup types does not clear the backup data anymore
- Copy files directly into destination folder for mirror backup
- Set backup, test and restore priorities
- New Backup Wizard, Backup Properties and Restore Wizard dialogs are now resizable
- Log system has been improved. Added log for restore and test actions
- Remember columns width, position and state (visible/invisible) for all grids inside application
- Option to make each backup on a new (removable) disk
- Improved statistics
What's new in version 2.1.0 (3-Mar-2004)
- Unlimited zip file size (zip64 support), faster zipping algorithm, compatible with all zip applications
- CD burner updated to support more CD writers
- Separate description for each backup increment
- Multi language support
- Multiple selection in the explore view
- Clear backup action has now parameters
- Backup errors are separated from the backup warnings
- Minor bug fixes
What's new in version 2.0.1 (15-Dec-2003)
- Drag-drop support for adding files and folders as sources
- Option to show a warning message before erasing removable media
- Option to keep the CD ejected after burning
- Daylight saving fix for NT file systems
- "Check all" and "Uncheck all" commands to easily select/deselect all sources
- Override file filters for root sources
- Minor bug fixes
What's new in version 2.0.0 (3-Nov-2003)
- Differential backup type: faster than full backup, backs up only new and modified files
- Incremental backup type: added the possibility to limit the number of backup increments that are created
- Disk spanning
- Disk labeling
- Customize and preview zip names
- Mirror backup type. Options: customize destination folder name, recreate sources folders structure in destination folder, fast mirroring
- Handle data volumes larger than 2 Gbytes
- Built in CD burning support. No need for third party drivers
- Show file sizes and modification dates in Explore View. Sort files in tree by clicking on column header
- Easy restore of a whole folder by right-click menu in Explore View
- Command line support
- Create shortcut to execute one backup item
- File finder in Explore View (by name)
- Show available space in destination on Statistics View
- Added possibility to run program/action only once
What's new in version 1.5.0 (23-May-2003)
- Execute all backup items in a group.
- Added support for .bmp files when adding a backup item image.
- Restore latest file version directly from the tree, Explore view.
- Corrections made in displaying backup progress status.
- Options to view backup item and application log in View menu.
- Optimized Expand All process in the Explore view.
- Always use absolute path for destination and temporary folders.
What's new in version 1.4.0 (30-Apr-2003)
- Password protection
- Improved statistics
- Open .bkc files from main menu
- Option added to sort backup items in backup groups
- Improved .bkc file structure. Existing .bkc files will be converted to the new format
- Delete non-empty backup groups
- Corrections made in scheduler
- Add "Expand all" and "Collapse all" for the Explore View
- Corrections made in showing the tray icon
What's new in version 1.3.0 (19-Mar-2003)
- Help file has been added with support for context menu
- Corrections made in file filter configuration
- Enhanced support for browsing Explore View during the backup process
- Improved statistics
- Corrections made in handling .bkc files
- Improved backup logging; error log added
- Corrections made in scheduler
- More precise progress status when backing up
- Warning dialog if the backup size exceeds 2 GBytes
- Optimized access to removable media
What's new in version 1.2.0 (7-Feb-2003)
- Backup speed was drastically improved
- An option to minimize on tray was added
- Backup summary was improved in both layout and content
- A new option is available for hiding background image on the left side of application's main form
- You can add individual files to the backup source, not only folders
- Corrections made for incremental backup
- Shut down problem for Win2000 was corrected
- A visual sign is shown for backups that are currently executed. Active backups window was added.
- Add an option to hide scheduler warning
- Cosmetic changes to the user interface, new shortcuts
System requirements
===================
To install Backup4all you need Windows 95/98/Me or Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP and approximately 5MB of free disk space.
Because the application uses ZIP compression, additional disk space is needed for the temporary directory. The amount of free space depends on the size of files to backup.
Installation
============
Run b4asetup.exe and follow the installation wizard.
Features list
=============
Intuitive Interface
With the help of the file tree, you can see all files that are in the backup and the new files that will be stored at next backup execution. You can sort and search this file tree. You can start the application at windows startup or minimize it to the system tray.
Flexibility
Backup4all is very flexible, allowing you to run almost any backup operation or style you might require.
Manage multiple backup items
The application allows defining multiple backups and saving them for future use. On the main form, you have an overview of all defined backups organized in groups. You can create shortcuts to any backup item and execute them with a double click from your desktop. The application comes with several predefined backup items: "My Documents", "My Pictures" and "Internet Favorites".
Statistics
You can actually see the number of files that will be processed at next backup (very useful when you have a large number of files). Other information refers to the size and date of the executed backups and the available free space on storage destination.
Summary
Text description of the full setup for each backup job allows easy review.
New Backup Wizard
Provides step-by-step definition of a new backup item.
Easy File and Folder Selection
You can browse a folder tree to select individual files and folders as source of the backup or you can include or exclude them individually.
Backup Destination
You can store the backup in a local folder, LAN paths, CDs or other removable media.
Built-in CD Support
The application comes with its own built-in CD burning support. Just set the destination on CD and execute the backup item. However, if you prefer, you can use UDF format (using products such as DirectCD or InCD).
Backup Types
Plenty of backup types to choose from: full backup, differential backup, incremental backup and mirror backup.
File Filters
Powerful filtering engine with lots of options (filter by attribute, size, date, name and type). You can build filters using a combination of restrictions and you can define separate filters for inclusion and exclusion.
Built-in Scheduler
You can easily setup a powerful scheduler using the available scheduler configurations to make unattended backups.
Extra Actions
Perform extra actions before and/or after backup execution.
Standard Zip Compression
Backup4all creates standard zip files. This means that your data is not at the mercy of the utility itself; you can access it with any zip compatible utility.
Customized Zip Names
You can customize name prefixes for the zip archives, which store your backup versions.
Password Protection
You can protect your ZIP files by setting a password to each backup.
Snapshots
Mirror backup type makes an exact copy of selected files and folders.
Disk Spanning
Automated support for splitting your backup between many removable disks or even on the same media. You can specify the maximum size of the zip archives.
Multi-Thread
The application allows you to start more backups at the same time, to execute a whole group of backups at once, show the progress of each backup.
Logs
The operations performed by the application are logged.
Command Line
There is a command line version of the application available. Use Windows scheduler (or third party) to schedule backups.
Restore Wizard
Restore backed up data step-by-step. Allows you to choose the version of files which will be restored and filter them to restore only files needed.
Restore
You can quickly restore any file version, the latest version of the files or a whole folder from the backup item.
Compatibility
Restores can also be done via any standard zip software, giving you more flexibility if you need to restore on a different computer.
Frequently asked questions
==========================
Q: I am using incremental backup. How can I clear all backed up files and start with a fresh full every 7 days?
A: Open "Backup Properties" dialog for the backup item. Go to "Advanced" tab, check "Run program/action before backup", choose "< Clear backup >" from the combo box and edit it to "< Clear backup d=7>". This will clear the backed up files only if 7 days have passed since the first backup increment. If you check "Run only once" option, "<Clear backup d=7>" action will be executed only once (when 7 days have passed) and after that it will be disabled.
Q: I use incremental backup to removable disk (CD). How can I make sure only the new and modified files are backed up?
A: For removable disks, you must insert the CD with the latest .bkc file and then perform the backup. The system will read the .bkc and build the list of new and modified files.
Q: Does Backup4all support zip64 format (unlimited zip file size)?
A: Yes.
Q: How can I make a backup if I am not logged in to Windows?
A: First you will have to create from Backup4all a shortcut to the backup item you want to execute. For more information on creating a shortcut see Main Window - Backup List. Open Windows Scheduler and add a new scheduled task. Schedule the shortcut to be run at the time you want and using the user you want.
Q: Backup4all does not recognize my CD burner. How can I burn CDs?
A: Backup4all internal burning engine might not recognize your cd writer device. If so, you will see the message that the device "Does not appear to be a writer or it is busy". In this case you can still use burn your CDs using the UDF file system (DirectCD/InCD). You can select this burning option in the "Destination on CD - Advanced options" dialog. See CD Advanced Settings for more details.
Q: I want to run Backup4all command line application. What parameter should I use?
A: Command line works with a backup item configuration file (.ini) or backup catalog file (.bkc). You can create a valid ini file from the Backup4all interface and use the full path to this ini file as parameter of the command line application. Typically the ini files are located in "C:\Documents and Settings\<USER NAME>\Application Data\Softland\Backup4all\IniFiles". After the first backup run, a .bkc file is created in the destination. You can use this .bkc file also (again with the full path) as parameter to command line application.Q: How can I create a new backup item?
A: Backup items are created by the New Backup Wizard. The wizard can be started from menu or from application toolbar. Just follow the steps of the wizard and click "Finish" when ready.
Q: How can I create a new backup configuration similar with another?
A: Select the similar backup in the outlook bar and then click on "Create like" toolbar button. Then you can edit the new backup configuration.
Q: How can I filter files to see only new and modified files?
A: Click on the toolbar button that reads "Explore". Then push "Show new files" and "Show modified files" buttons on top and release the other three buttons.
Q: How can I see only the files inside the backup?
A: First select the backup item. Switch to Explore View and press all buttons on top except the one that reads "Show New Files (CTRL + 1)". Now you see only the files that are in the backup.
Q: How can I hide empty folders in the tree (Explore View) when expanding all folders?
A: Open options dialog and check "Hide empty folders on expand all" option. After this option is set, when clicking on "Expand All" button, empty folders will not be shown any more.
ATTENTION: Expanding all folders can be time consuming, especially if you added the whole drive as a source of the backup. You can stop it by pressing ESC key.
Q: How can I see the number of files that will be processed at next backup?
A: Click on the toolbar button that reads "Statistics" and then press CTRL + F5. It will show the file counts.
Q: How can I exclude a folder?
A: Open backup properties, go to the "Sources" tab and uncheck the folder you want to exclude.
Q: How can I change the backup type to full backup?
A: Open backup properties and go to the "Type" tab. Select "Full Backup" option.
Q: How can I set the compression level to be used?
A: Open backup properties, go to "Type" tab and press "Advanced" button. Here you can choose from four compression levels: none, low, medium, high.
Q: How can I split the backup on more disks?
A: Open backup properties, go to "Type" tab and press "Advanced" button. Here you can choose a predefined split type or define a custom one.
Q: How can I restore one version of a file?
A: Look in the tree of the main form. Locate and select the file in tree. You will see its versions in the list below. R-click on the version and restore it.
Q: How can I filter the files to restore?
A: Click on "Restore" toolbar button. Press "Next" button on the first restore wizard page and then set the filter you want.
Q: How can I backup on DVD and tape drives?
A: The current version does not support DVD and tape drives.
Q: Somehow I lost by backup item configuration. I only have the .bkc file. Can I restore the backup item?
A: Yes. Just dbl-click on the .bkc file and a new backup item configuration will be created based on .bkc file.
Q: I used Backup4all for some time now. I have a large number of zip files in the destination. How can I clear them and start over again?
A: Open "Backup Properties" dialog for the backup item. Go to "Advanced" tab, check "Run program/action before backup", choose "<Clear backup>" from the combo box. This will first delete the backup files in the destination and afterwards execute the backup item. If you check "Run only once" option, "<Clear backup>" action will be executed only once (at next backup execution) and after that it will be disabled.
Q: I want to use InCD. Where I can set this option?
A: First make sure the InCD driver have been properly installed on your computer. Then open backup properties, go to "Destination" tab, press "Advanced" button and check "Use UDF file system (DirectCD/InCD)".
Q: I had a full backup in version 1.5.0. Why was it changed to Incremental in version 2?
A: There is a simple rule: full backup type does not change if "<Clear backup>" was set as before action, otherwise it will change to incremental. This rule prevents accidental deletion of the existing file versions.
Q: How can I make a shortcut to an existing backup item?
A: R-click on the backup item image, select "Create Shortcut...." menu.
Q: Why should I use differential backup?
A: By definition differential backup type copies only new and modified files to backup storage. This makes it faster than full backup. Please read "Differential Backup Type" section of our help file for more details about this backup type.
Q: What's the difference between Mirror and Professional editions?
A: Basically, Mirror edition can perform only mirror backups. See Feature Matrix section of this website for details.
Q: How can I give customized names to the zip files?
A: Open backup properties, go to "Type" tab and press "Advanced" button. Here you can customize zip file name prefix. See "Zip Advanced Settings" section of our help file.
Q: How can I create versions for my mirror backup?
A: Backup4all can create different folders each time the mirror backup is performed. This is done by customizing the destination folder name. To do this open backup properties and go to "Type" tab. The application does not keep track of all destination folder names and can restore only from the last destination folder. For more information read "Backup Item Properties - Type" section of our help file.
Q: What happens if the total size of all files to be backed up is larger than 2 Gbytes?
A: If the backup type is set to full, incremental or differential, the zip file is automatically split into more zip archives, each less than 2 Gbytes. If the backup type is Mirror, then the files are simply copied into the destination folder.
Q: Is Backup4all compatible with standard zip format?
A: Yes. All zip files created by Backup4all can be accessed by any zip compatible utility like WinZip, PKZip, etc.
Q: I want to keep versions of my files so that I can compare them and see the changes made in time. How can I do this?
A: Our recomandation is to use Incremental backup type. This way, all file versions are shown in the Explore View.
There is however another possibility: customize the zip name prefix or the destination subfolder name prefix to include one or more of the following tags: <DATE>, <TIME>, <BACKUP NUMBER>. In this case you must manually check the file versions in the destination folder.
Q: I am using Incremental backup type. How can I limit the number of backup increments?
A: During time, the number of incrementals can grow to a large number. To avoid that, you can use "Limit number of incrementals" option from the Backup Item Properties dialog, Type section. The minimum number of incrementals that you can set is 3.
