Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
- What
do I do when I lose information?
- Which
files are backed up?
- Which files are not backed up?
- Can
anyone read my backups?
- How
safe is AES encryption?
- What information is not encrypted?
- What if I lose my encryption key?
- I
connect to the Internet With AOL - will Enveloc
work for me?
- Will your software affect the operation of my
computer?
- Is
there a way for me to find out what files have been lost?
- How long do you keep each file?
- Can my backups be saved as a permanent
Archive?
- How
many drives can I back up?
- Can I
back up UNC named drives?
- Can I run another backup system alongside
Enveloc?
- May
I change my backup time?
- What
about computer hackers?
- What
about viruses?
- Do
the files change when they are compressed and then decompressed?
- Can
you back up open files?
- I
need to also have pcAnywhere running on my computer. Could this
interfere with the backup?
- Can
I lock my computer?
- What
if I upgrade my Windows® operating system?
- Can
I back up files with long names?
- Can
I keep a copy of my backups in my office?
- I
already back up my computers with Enveloc. How do I add a new computer
or replace an old one?
- Does
Enveloc offer quantity discounts?
- Does Enveloc allow me to retrieve my backed up
files from a different computer?
- What
files/folders should I back up?
- Can
Enveloc help me decide which files/folders to back up?
What do I do when I lose information?
[top]
Use Enveloc's restore function or call Enveloc. You can request and download
the files, or we will send them to you on media (fee may apply.)
Which files are
backed up? [top]
Unless you select Standard Mode during installation, all selected data and
software files will be backed up. Your initial backup will save every one of
them, either directly or by reference, and subsequent backups will save new
files or the changes to existing files. Use the “Configure, Selections” menu
to make changes.
Which files are not backed up?
[top]
There are certain temporary or operating system files which will not be
saved. These are either not necessary for operation, or are standard on the
operating system CD which must be installed prior to restoration. More
specifically, these are files ending in .bak, .tmp, cab, files in folders named \cache or \temporary internet
file, \temp, etc. A complete list is found under “Configure, Exclusions.” You
may add to or delete from the list, but \cache and other temporary file
folders will not be saved. Also, no files in the \Enveloc folder are saved,
excepting the lists described under "What Information
Is Not Encrypted".
Can anyone read my backups? [top]
No. All of your information is securely encrypted with a key that only you
know - the encryption key you entered when the software was installed.
Several control files are provided by the Enveloc software - a list of
file names in the backup, those excluded, a list of all file names on your
computer, and the remote backup master file which gives your name, address,
backup times, and so forth. The whole backup set is then encrypted a final
time prior to transmission to Enveloc servers.
With these multiple layers of encryption, it is impossible for anyone to
ever view your data. See the next topic for more on AES Encryption.
How safe is AES encryption? [top]
The U.S. Government has recently replaced the Triple DES standard with the
similar but more advanced AES standard, even for TOP SECRET documents. Our
system uses a 256bit key - a key so large it is difficult to imagine (approximately
11 followed by 76 zeros.) To mount a brute force attack on a key this large
would require trying 7.34 x 1059 keys every second for the remaining
estimated life of the solar system - 5 Billion years. AES encryption is very
safe.
What information is not encrypted?
[top]
After your files are on our server, the outer layer of encryption is removed
and your information remains securely 256bit AES-encrypted so even Enveloc
Corporation can't read it. We can read the path and name of the files and
their sizes and dates. That is the only information we can see - information
we must have in order to restore your data.
What if I lose my encryption key?
[top]
You must have your key in order to restore your files. If you created a hint
when you first entered your password, and if your computer is still
functioning, you can recover it through the Inspect menu (Get Key.) However,
do not rely on your hint - your hard drive might crash or your computer might
be destroyed or stolen. Print the two copies after installing and
registering. Keep them in two separate safe places. If you lose your key (unless
you opted to store a copy on our servers) we do not have a copy of it and cannot
help you!
I connect to the Internet With AOL - will Enveloc
work for me? [top]
Yes. Users of AOL and Prodigy simply need to connect to the internet prior to
backup time, or connect and start the backup manually.
Will your software affect the
operation of my computer? [top]
No. The remote backup software only runs during backup time. At all other
times, it is dormant. Only the Timer or Service runs constantly, and it uses
virtually no memory - it simply reads the system clock and starts the backup process
at the appropriate time.
Is there a way for me to find out what
files have been lost? [top]
Yes. Because we have a list of files on your computer each time you backup,
we can compare that to what is on your computer now to find out what has been
lost.
How long do you keep each file?
[top]
We keep the last 5 full copies of every file, no matter when they were made.
In other words, if you change a file in March, August and 3 times in October,
we have each copy. If you then change it in November, we remove the March
copy. If you need for us to keep more than 5 copies, please call Enveloc.
Can my backups be saved as a
permanent Archive? [top]
Yes. Please call us for this service. It is important to call in advance of
the need so that frequently changed files do not exceed the version limit.
How many drives can I backup? [top]
You may backup as many drives as you like, excepting Drive A and Drive B.
Anything from Drive C and higher may be specified. We recommend, however, no
more than 3. It is also generally better to install the backup software on each
machine containing the data to be backed up, rather than using mapped drives.
Can I backup up UNC named drives? [top]
No - only mapped drives. If you are storing Wireback archives locally on your
network, your backup destination may be to a UNC path, but your backup source
must be a local or mapped drive.
Can I run another backup system
alongside Enveloc? [top]
Yes. However, you should not let that system do anything to change the
archive bit status of any files that Enveloc backs up unless you have first
changed the Enveloc configuration options to use the modified date instead of
the archive bit. If you must use another system as well, change that system’s
backup type to “Copy.” Please call Enveloc for assistance in making sure your
other backup system is properly configured and not conflicting.
May I change my backup time? [top]
Yes. Change it whenever you like. Be sure to allow time for the backup to run
before you need to use the computer.
What about computer hackers? [top]
Your computer does not listen for a call from us - it calls us. No one can
hack into your computer if it is using the Direct Connection method. If your entire
network is connected to the Internet, we strongly recommend that you acquire
firewall software or hardware to prevent the possibility of hacking.
What about viruses? [top]
All of the information we receive is compressed. During compression, any
virus in your backup loses its identity and is inoperable. Of course, if you
restore it to your computer, the decompressed virus regains its identity and
can run. We strongly recommend good Anti-Virus software regularly updated
with current signature lists.
Do the files change when they are
compressed and then decompressed? [top]
No. They are absolutely identical, byte for byte, to their pre-compression
state. Even the file date and times remain the same.
Can I back up open files? [top]
Sometimes. If the file is open and available for sharing, it may be backed
up. If it is open but locked, it will be skipped. If it is updated during
compression, an error will be generated and it will be rejected from the
backup set. We recommend that all of your other programs be closed before the
backup starts. If you are backing up a Server and/or need to backup open
files, we can provide you with our Open File Access driver. With Open File
Access, Enveloc Remote Backup will allow your open files to be backed up at
any time.
I need to also have pcAnywhere (remote
access software) running on my computer.
Could this interfere with the backup? [top]
Only if you are backing up through your modem and pcAnywhere is always waiting
for a call. In that case we must stop pcAnywhere before the backup process.
This can be done automatically with the Stop Programs menu, and can be
automatically restarted after the backup with the Start Programs menu.
Can I lock my computer? [top]
Yes. If you are just using a password-protected screensaver, no special
configuration is necessary. If you wish to log off your user account, Enveloc
must be set to run as a service. See help documentation for instructions.
What if I upgrade my Windows® operating system? [top]
Please contact us if you change operating systems or reinstall Windows®. We recommend a new installation in the case
of a major upgrade (such as upgrading from XP to Vista or Server 2003 to
Server 2008.)
Can I back up files
with long names? [top]
Yes, so long as the fully qualified filename does not exceed 240
characters. The fully qualified filename is the name of the file preceded by
the full path to that file.
(For example: c:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\Files\mydocument.doc.)
Can I keep a copy
of my backups in my office? [top]
Absolutely! With the new Enveloc LocalRemote installation you back up your
files to a local (external) drive as well as to Enveloc’s secure servers.
With all your data at hand, restorations are fast and easy. Additionally,
Wireback archives may be saved to local and network locations (see Help
file.)
I already back up
computers with Enveloc. How do I add a new computer or replace an old one?
[top]
For a new PC, simply run the Remote Backup installation on the computer
in question and be sure to use the same company name, billing information,
etc. If you are replacing an old PC with a new one, do a new “from scratch”
installation on the new machine. Then uninstall Enveloc from the old one.
Please notify us via email with the details.
Does Enveloc offer
quantity discounts? [top]
If you have multiple PCs backing up and all bills go to the same place,
they can be combined for billing purposes. If you have more than 100GB of
data to back up, please contact us.
Does
Enveloc allow me to retrieve my backed up files from a different computer?
[top]
Yes. Currently, you will need to contact Enveloc for assistance with this
process.
What
files/folders should I back up? [top]
You should back up any critical irreplaceable files that you value.
Generally, you do not need to back up the Windows or Program Files folders,
unless you know the program stores its data or needed configuration files in
that folder. Additionally, media files (movies, music, photos) are not as
compressible as documents and spreadsheets and other data and therefore may
increase your storage substantially.
Can Enveloc help
me decide which files/folders to back up? [top]
When you install the program, certain key folders are automatically
selected to be backed up. These include: the “My Documents” folder (most
documents and spreadsheets will be here) and the “Local Settings” folder
where MS email files reside. Enveloc personnel cannot tell you specifically
where your critical data resides and your computer may have been set up
differently than others, so you may be well-served by getting your computer
tech to help with the setup process.
Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
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