FAQ - ONLINE BACKUP
xmanonline Online Backup is a service which automatically backs up your computer's data over the internet to an offsite server. Documents, files, folders, databases, emails, or the even the entire contents of a hard drive are backed up, at the frequency that you choose. This data can then be accessed online, or restored to a computer with a click of your mouse.
After the initial backup, Online Backup only transfers the modified portions of your files, ensuring a quick backup with compression/ decompression on the fly. You will also receive email notification for your scheduled backups.
Why is Online Backup necessary?
The reason for using our online backup service is simple. By backing up your data continuously, on a regular and automatic basis to a remote server, the risk of data loss as a result of file corruption, fire, theft, or other natural disasters is eliminated. You can safely access or restore any lost files by using any PC with an Internet connection and a web browser . Privacy and security are assured with encryption and password protection.
Important information about the myths of PC backup can be found here.
Can I trial Online Backup free of charge?
Absolutely. We offer a 30 day free trial. You can test how our system works, without any financial obligation. You are free to cancel your account within the 30 days, and you will not be charge a cent. To try out our free trial, please click here.
What Operating Systems does Online Backup work on?
Our Online Backup solution runs on all common operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac, NetWare, UNIX and all other platforms that support Java.
Whatever operating system your computer runs on, our software is designed for it.
What steps does Online Backup take to protect my data?
Your computer's data is firstly encrypted by our software before it is transferred to our online backup server. This encryption is 256 bit, and can only be decrypted by you, with your encrypting key that you will receive upon sign up.
The data stored on the backup server is then replicated on to another remote server (the replication server) on the extremely unlikely chance that anything happens to the primary online backup server.
So in summary, your data is in safe hands!
The data that you decide to backup is firstly compressed, and encrypted, before it is uploaded to our backup server. After the initial backup, the software then automatically backs up only the files that have changed, at a frequency that you have chosen, in the future. This backup process can occur while you are working on your computer, or at a time when you are not.
Then in the event that something happens to the data on your computer (stolen computer, fire, file corruption etc.), you are only a mouse click away from restoring your data, to a computer of your choice. It's that easy!
For more information on this, please click here.
Where are our Online Backup servers?
Our online backup servers are situated in Perth, Western Australia. Our primary online backup server and our secondary replication server are located remotely to each other to provide an absolute redundant solution.
What happens if something catastrophic occurs to the primary Online Backup server?
All data from the primary online backup server is continually replicated to our replication server, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Therefore, in the unlikely case that something would happen to the primary online backup server, your scheduled backups will still occur, redirecting to the replication server, until the primary server comes back online.
What data can I backup from my computer?
The Online Backup service is equipped and ready to backup all file types and applications. Whether its files, spreadsheets, databases, pictures, MP3s, emails, computer programs, databases etc.
Can I schedule Online Backup to backup my data when I'm not using the computer?
Absolutely. This is the beauty of our Online Backup solution. Your schedule can be set to run daily in the middle of the night, even while your computer is logged out.
Can I backup files while I am using them?
Yes, you can safely backup up open files while they are running.
I back up to DVD / HD, which works. Why do I need some other service?
Many people choose to backup their data onto a DVD. Others will use tape, flash drives or even an external hard drive. Users however fail to realize that unless these are stored safely offsite, they face the same risk as your computer files being destroyed or damaged by fire, floods or other disasters. Our online backup service removes this effort and worry because your data can be automatically backed up at an affordable price.
What are the differences between the different ways to backup my data?
A comparison of the different methods of computer data backup can be found here.
Where can I log into my web based control panel?
You can log into your web based Online Backup control panel by going to our home page - xmanonline.com.au, and under the menu 'Online Backup Login' entering your username and password.
Does Online Backup work behind a proxy?
Yes. When you log into Online Backup, after you have entered in your 'Login Name' and 'Password', click on 'Options', and enter your proxy details. If you do not know your proxy details, you can download and install the small program here, which will tell you what your computer proxy address and port number is.
If you are operating under a proxy, and the program above does not find it, you can look up your proxy settings in Internet Explorer. Click on 'Tools' --> 'Internet Options' --> 'Connections' --> 'LAN Settings' --> 'address' and 'port' under 'Proxy Settings'.
Does Online Backup backup from a networked or USB drive?
Yes. Online Backup can back up networked or USB hard drives plugged into a computer from where the software is installed.
Can I backup all computers on the same network under one Online Backup account?
Yes. As long as all the computers are on the same local network. Therefore you can remotely backup your entire office under the one online backup account!
Does Online Backup use encryption?
Yes. Online Backup uses 256-bit SSL encryption for your data. Your data is encrypted (using your encrypting key) before it is uploaded to our backup servers, and stays encrypted until you restore the data to your computer.
Does Online Backup compress my data?
Yes. All backup files are compressed and encrypted before uploading to the backup server. The average compression ratio for text-based files is around 4:1. However, no further compression can be made on files that are already in compressed format (e.g. JPG, ZIP). In general, you can assume a 2:1 compression ratio when you are backing up a file set with variety types.
Does Online Backup use In-File Delta technology?
Yes. With this feature, the original file is required to be backed up once only, i.e. in the first backup job. Subsequently, only changes are necessary to be backed up.
What is my encrypting key, and can I change it?
The encrypting key is the unique 'password' that is used to encrypt and decrypt your data. Only you have access to this key.
The encrypting key cannot be changed once you setup your backup set. This is necessary for the integrity of the backup set, making sure that backup data is only encrypted by one key. This is needed when you want to restore your files in the future. You need to recreate your backup set if you really want to change your encrypting key.
What do the options 'off-line backup', 'logout backup reminder' and 'local backup' do?
- 'Off-line backup': is basically designed for notebook users who are off-line most of the time, and cannot rely on backup schedule to backup regularly. The backup interval allows notebook users to specify the interval that they would like their data to backup. If this interval has elapsed, the backup will run automatically once this machine is online.
- 'Logout backup reminder': asks the user if they would like to backup when they logout or shutdown their computer.
- 'Local backup': allows an extra copy of the backup file to be kept on your local hard disk when backup is running.
How do I disable 'logout backup reminder'?
To disable the 'logout backup reminder', please do the followings:
- Open Online Backup on yur computer.
- Select the backup set that you want to disable the 'logout reminder' from the left panel
- Select the [Extra Backup] node under the backup set node on the left panel
- Uncheck the [Enable System Logout Backup Reminder] checkbox under the 'System Logout Backup Reminder (Windows)' section
- If you want to do this to all backup sets, please repeat the previous step for each backup set
- Press the [Save Setting] button from the toolbar
How do I backup my computer's data?
You will firstly need to create your backup set. To do this, please follow the easy to follow tutorial here. Once this is done, all you need to do is make sure your computer is on, and plugged into the internet. The schedule that you set in the tutorial above will determine when subsequent backups occur (usually daily). It's that easy.
How long will my initial backup set take to upload?
The time that your initial backup set will take to upload will depend on the size of the backup set (GB), the speed of your upload speed, and to a lesser extent, the amount of files being uploaded. Once this has been completed, only the changes will be uploaded in subsequent backups.
Note for huge data sets, we offer an alternative to uploading your data via the internet. Please contact us at here for more information.
What does Online Backup do if the Internet connection is interrupted during a backup session?
Online Backup will resume the backup from the file at which interruption occurred once the internet connection is restored. If partial transfers had taken place prior to interruption, it will continue from that partial transfer point.
When will my scheduled backup occur if one is missed?
Your data will be backed up at the next scheduled time. You can also have the software configured to back up each time you shut down your computer.
Will my scheduled backup still occur while I am logged out?
Yes. If your computer is logged off (and still connected to the internet), the scheduled backup will occur as per normal.
Your scheduled backup will not occur however if your computer goes into sleep mode, or is turned off. To make sure this doesn't happen, check your power setting on your computer (in Windows, go to Start --> Control Panel --> Power Options) and make sure your settings are set up so that your computer won't be in sleep mode or turned off when the scheduled backup should be occurring.
Note: Some laptops go into sleep mode when you close the screen (ie. fold the screen down so that it is shut)
Does Online Backup backup my email by default?
Yes - the Online Backup software will detect what email client you are using (Outlook, or Outlook Express), and will automatically include all of this data in the backup set. For other email clients, you will simply need to include their relevant folder in the backup set.
Where can I find the Online Backup software log files?
The Online Backup software log files can be found in the following locations:
- Windows 2000/XP
C:\Program Files\xmanonline\log\
C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\.obm\log\
- Windows 2008/Vista
C:\Program Files\xmanonline\log\
C:\Users\[username]\.obm\log\
- Mac OSX
/Applications/xmanonline/log/
/Users/[username]/.obm/log/
How do I view the log files of previous backups?
Log into your web based control panel and click "Reports". Here you can select the backup job, and print to screen a detailed report of the job.
Where do I find my email data on my computer (ie. Outlook or Outlook Express files) to backup?
By default Online Backup will backup all of your email information, which can then be easily restored in the case of a catastrophe. However, if you want to separately locate your email data on your computer, the relevant folders are below:
For Outlook files:
- C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook folder.
For Outlook Express files:
- C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data\Identities\(random string like {3B0FA092-2222-1111-A1B2-111A1AA1AAA11}\Microsoft Outlook Express
Please Note: To view these folders above, you will need to make sure that you have enabled 'hidden folders'. To do so, make the following selection on your computer:
Start -- Control Panel --> Tools --> Folder Options --> Views--> Show Hidden Files and Folders
If I keep on performing backups, will I use up my storage quota?
No. Online Backup uses an intelligent patching system where only the changes are sent to the online servers, only overwriting the changed files.
How can I back up a huge data set?
If you have a large amount of data that you would like to backup, and do not want your internet used for this entire time, we offer a service whereby you can upload your data to one of our external hard drives, from where we would then upload the data to our backup servers. This technology is known as 'seed loading'. You data is encrypted before being saved onto the external hard drive, and only you, with your encrypting key, will be able to decrypt it when you need to access these files, or restore them to your computer. Please contact us for more information.
Will I receive a report each time a backup occurs?
Absolutely. You will receive a report via email each time a backup occurs, resulting from either a manual or scheduled backup.
My backup did not occur when it was scheduled. How can I diagnose?
Please follow the tutorial here to diagnose why your backup did not run at the scheduled time.
How do I know if Online Backup is working?
After each backup, the contact email address will be emailed a comprehensive backup report.
Does Online Backup perform scheduled backups in standby mode on Windows XP?
No. Online Backup will not perform scheduled backups in standby mode on Windows XP.
When you place a Windows XP based computer on standby, any currently connected remote access connections are silently disconnected. You are not prompted to disconnect manually before the computer goes to standby mode. This applies to any remote access connections, including connections to Internet service providers (ISPs) and private networks. This behavior is by design of Windows XP.
Your data can be restored via your Online Backup program on your computer, or via your web based control panel. To do so please follow the tutorial here (via Online Backup software) or here (via the web based control panel).
Can I restore my data to a different computer?
Yes. You can restore data to any computer through your web based control panel.
Can I restore my data to it's original location?
Yes. You can restore your data to it's original location either through the software on your computer, or through your web based control panel.
Can I change my encrypting key?
The encrypting key cannot be changed once you setup your Backup Set. This is necessary for the integrity of the Backup Set, making sure that backup data is only encrypted by one key. This is needed when you want to restore your files in the future. You need to recreate your backup set if you really want to change your encrypting key.
How long does it take to restore files?
The time that it takes to restore your data is based on:
- Your internet download speed.
- The type of files to be restored
- The size (in MB/GB) of the data to be restored.
As there is great variability in the options above, it is hard to give an approximate time.
How can I restore a huge data set quickly?
If you have a lot of data to be restored, and need it today, we offer a solution whereby we can download your data to an external hard drive, and then come out to your office and restore your data from the external hard drive to your computer. This therefore bypasses a bottle neck like your internet connection. If you require this, please contact us here
Why can't I restore the backup with my most current login password?
By selecting the 'User Login Password as Encrypting Key' option when creating a backup set, the system will set your login password as the encrypting key for the backup set. Once set, even if you change your login password afterward, the encrypting key will remain as your original password. In other words, if you have changed your login password, you still need to use the original password to decrypt and restore the backup set.
Currently, if the encrypting key is forgotten or lost, the backup set can never be restored. It is not possible to restore without the key.