Backup

Introduction

Argentum Backup maintains a list of tasks to control which files and folders to back up and when to back up. Backup copies are stored as Zip files for faster access and better disk space utilization. A separate Zip file is created for each task.

To use Argentum Backup, simply create a number of tasks with files in your computer you want to copy to the backup store. Each task has its own name and icon, and defines source location for files and folders, and how often these files should be copied.

Once tasks are created, you can use Argentum Backup either manually or automatically. If you want to back up files manually, simply click on "Backup Now!" button. Practise this to prepare an instant Zip file for future transmitting to laptop, uploading to Internet, or sending through e-mail.

If you want automated backups, then you should enable scheduling under the Options page. Once the scheduling is enabled, Argentum Backup then monitors the source files and keeps the backup store updated with the source files. It runs in the background with no user interaction. So, once the scheduling is enabled, you always have a backup copy of your data.

To add a new task click now on "New".

Templates

Argentum Backup has found the most important data in your computer and offers you a list of templates to choose from. Choose what you want to back up, and click on "Next >".

Or choose "Other..." if you want to back up specific files and folders in your computer. In that case you will have to name your task.

Files and folders

This page only appears if you're creating a custom task, and it shows you a list of files and folders to back up.

Use buttons to quickly add folders and files to the list, as well as, remove previously added items. You can also type in the field at the center to correct a specific file or folder.

To proceed to the next step click on "Next >".

Schedule

Here you can choose whether your files are updated daily, weekly, hourly or whatever. If you have chosen a daily or day-granular schedule, you can then specify an exact time of the day when it runs.

You can also make updates run every time you start/log in your computer.

Choose "Manually" if you don't want scheduling for this task.

Finally, mark up active week days for the task, and click on "Next >".

Icon

You're almost done. Finalize task creation by choosing an icon. With unique descriptive icon, it will be easy for you to identify your task in the future.

You may pick icons from a variety of files. Actually many Windows files on your computer contain icons within.

Click now on "Finish!" to see some final notes.

Final note

Congratulations! You have completed a single task creation. Now you may add as many tasks as you wish. You can also make changes to already created tasks and remove unnecessary tasks.

From now and in the future, even if a power failure, virus infection, accidental delete or overwrite happen, you always have a backup copy and are able to restore either your valuable data or software to its original state.

Backup copies, created with Argentum Backup, are familiar Zip files, compatible across many operating systems and networks. Such files can be viewed and extracted with many freeware and shareware programs. Check for example WinZip (http://www.winzip.com/) or WinRar (http://www.rarlab.com/). Microsoft Windows ME and XP have a built-in support for Zip files.

These Zip files can be published to the Internet, transmitted over network, copied to laptop. As they hold many files and folders within a single storage in compressed form, they are a preferred way to handle, to store, and to transmit your digital data. In this way, you can use Argentum Backup as an easy Zip program to make periodical copies of your data in Zip format.

In conclusion...

While there are many advanced features within Argentum Backup, this tutorial just goes through the basics. Actually, the way how backup operation runs can be customized in a great number of ways, as Argentum Backup is designed to suit both beginners and advanced users. To learn about those features you may read additional topics, written primarily for experienced users.

In case you still have a question after reading the tutorial, please don't hesitate to ask us, as we have a very responsive support team. Remember that you're using a trial copy with a limited functionality, hence don't forget to buy licensed, fully-functional copy of Argentum Backup.

Best of luck.

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