Frequently Asked Questions

Q/ What is the minimum PC specification required to run The Elephant backup service

A/ We recommend that The Elephant runs on a Pentium 166MHz or higher with a least 20Mb free hard disk space, 16Mb Ram and a 28.8KB Modem

 

Q/ What operating Systems will The Elephant work with

A/ The Elephant will work with Windows 95, 98 or 2000 as well as Windows NT Workstation

 

Q/ Why does The Elephant backup automatically

A/ Everyone should have an automatic backup routine. With any manual backup process it is possible to forget to undertake the backups regularly, putting your data at risk û The Elephant Never forgets!

 

Q/ What will the Elephant backup

A/ The Elephant will backup any files or folders you select for backup. All files in a folder selected for backup will be backed up.

Q/ How do I select a file or folder to backup.

A/ Simply go into the 'add and remove files' section of the Elephant program and click on the files and folders you wish to add. Then click on 'add'. The files will now be added to the backup. (Remember that any new files saved to a folder selected for backup will be added to the backup profile). Files and folders can also be added to the backup by right clicking in Windows explorer and adding them or by dragging them to the elephant icon (as you would drag a file to the Recycle Bin)

Q/ Will The Elephant backup all my selected files every night.

A/ No. The Elephant does an Incremental backup. Therefore only those files selected for backup that have CHANGED since your last backup, or new files added since your last backup will be processed.

Q/ How much Data can I backup

A/ You can store up to 50Mb data on The Elephant server. However, since this is compressed by approximately 250% this means the ACTUAL amount of data could be 125Mb

Q/ What is compression?

A/ Compression means that your data files are reduced in size by approximately 250% prior to transmission down your telephone line. This saves you money on your telephone call costs.

 

Q/ Why does The Elephant backup at night.

A/ In order to save you money. Telephone calls are cheapest at night.

 

 

Q/ Will it cost me money to leave my PC on at night?

A/ No. We suggest you check your Power Management settings in control panel. Here you can turn off your hard disk, monitor and put your system onto standby when the system is not in use. We suggest all the settings are set to 30mins. After this time your system will power down but will wake up at the appropriate time to backup your data.

 

Q/ What if I have no files to backup.

A/ The System will check your profile to see if a backup is required. If no files have been added to the backup or no existing files have been modified, no backup will take place.

 

Q/ Is my Data Secure

A/ Yes, all the files you send to The elephant are encrypted prior to transmission and are only un-encrypted once they are restored onto your computer

 

Q/ How long do you retain the files that I backup.

A/ The files are retained for as long as you subscribe to the service. In the event you cancel your subscription the files will not be removed until the cancellation period has expired. You will be informed when this is happening in order for you to make other backup arrangements.

Q/ Can my friends use The Elephant Backup Software.

A/ The Elephant software is free to download from www.elephant365.com. Anyone can download it and subscribe to the service.

 

Q/ Can I backup my entire PC using The Elephant.

A/ No. The Elephant is designed to protect your data only. Your operating system and all of your software programs should be replaced from the CDs that are provided with computer at the time of purchase.

 

Q/ What if I lose my Data

A/ Simply go to the restore function in The Elephant Software.

Q/ What if my computer system fails.

A/ Your computer system can be repaired or replaced. Once this is up and running again simply download The Elephant software from www.elephant365.com and then enter your name, password and membership number.

 

Q/ Can I restore only some of my files.

A/ You can select only those files you wish to restore.

 

Q/ Can I restore a file without over writing the current version

A/ Yes. The elephant lets you restore your files to a different directory if you wish.

 

Q/ Can I still use My Computer if it is backing up my files

A/ Yes, provided you do not open any of the files selected for backup.

 

Q/ I backed up something I did not intend to. How can I delete it?

A/ Simply remove the file from your backup profile. Next time your system connects to The Elephant the file will be removed!

 

Q/ I have a virus on my PC and am unsure how long I have had it. How do I know if my backup is clean?

A/ Your files are compressed and encrypted and so it is not possible for us to virus check them. However, if you restore the files and then run an up to date virus checker before opening any of the restored files, this should removed the virus from your system.

 

Q/ Can I transfer my Elephant Backup to a new computer.

A/ Yes, simply download and install the Elephant on the new computer and then enter your name, password and membership number to register.

 

Q/ My backup was interrupted. What do I do?

A/ Simply start again. The Elephant will pick up where it left off.

 

Q/ How do I cancel my Elephant Backup Subscription

A/ Simply send an email to cancel@the-elephant.co.uk giving your name, password and membership number.