Virginia Tech® home

COE Dean's Office Backup Policy

Where to store files: 

In order for the helpdesk to best be able to recover work related files, please store all documents on the file server within the share(s) provided for your department.

Files that you would prefer not to share with everyone in your department can be store in your individual share on the server. The share will be called <your_pid>$. If you do not have an individual share, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

More information about accessing your department’s share.

Crashplan is a second line of defense against data loss and is only installed on your primary computer.  If you must store files locally on your system, please store them in your Documents folder or on the desktop to help ensure that all data is backed up properly.

File Server Backup Policy:

All shares are fully backed up every night.

Local Computer Backup Policy:

Included:

Your user profile minus the following exclusions.

Excluded:

  • All files and folders outside of your user profile (aka. not in your Desktop or Documents folder)
  • Folders:
    • My Music
    • My Movies
    • My Pictures
    • Downloads
  • Files:
    • .exe (program/installer files)
    • .msi (installer files)
    • .iso (cd/dvd images)
    • .dmg (Mac installer files)
    • .rpm (Linux installer files)

Local Backups:

If you and your department would like to purchase an external hard drive for local backups, then we will be more than happy to help with this process.  Please note that local backups are great in a pinch, however, they are subject to the same fate as your computer in the event of a major disaster and should not be relied upon as a primary backup.

Restoring Lost Data:

Restoring Server Files:

All files and folders stored on the server can be recovered by anyone within the department for up to one month.  Click here for instructions. Please submit a helpdesk ticket to recover files older than one month.

Restoring Emails:

Deleted emails can be restored by you for up to two weeks after the email has been deleted.  Click here for instructions.  Submit a helpdesk ticket for recovering emails older than two weeks.

Restoring Local Files:

Use the following instructions to recover local files using Crashplan:

  1. Click Start
  2. In the search bar, type "Crashplan"
  3. Click Crashplan at the top (not Crashplan Tray)
  4. Enter your password (this will be the same as your computer login password)
  5. Click the Restore tab on the left
  6. Do a search the file you would like to restore (check "Show deleted files" if you deleted your file)
  7. Place a check next to the file/folder to restore the most current backup. If you would like an older backup, click the dropdown arrow next to the file to display older versions.
  8. Click the Restore button

Questions:

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, please submit a helpdesk ticket.