Please consult our pages on Physics system backups
Self-managed Windows and Mac OS systems can be backed up over the network by request.
Once we get the request, we will add your computer to the backup server. Your computer has to be present on the network for us to add it, so please try to leave it running until we have a chance to do this. We aim to process any new request within one working day, and will send you email when it has been completed.
If you need help with the client installation, then skip straight to step 4 (filling out the request form), and add a note that you need help in the special instructions. Finally, if you have trouble with the request form, send an email to net@physics.umn.edu and we will help get things started.
By default we will backup your primary (startup) drive. Please let us know the names of any other drives which must be backed up. Backups will only occur while your computer is plugged into the wired network - it will not function over a wireless connection.
The backups for desktop computers and servers run during the night (roughly from 5pm to 8am), while those for laptops run at any time. The system attempts to back up your computer approximately every 1-2 days. For laptops, it will detect when the computer is connected to the network and offer to start the backup.
You can restore files yourself through the backup system's web interface.
Using the computer which Retrospect originally backed up the files from, go to this web page: winserv-1.spa.umn.edu/myrestore and follow the instructions on that page. Note, this feature will only work when you are connected within Tate Lab.
In the event your computer crashes completely (for example, through hard drive failure), it is first necessary to reinstall the operating system and Retrospect client software. After that, your lost documents and data files can be restored.
Not all files are backed up. To conserve space we omit backing up these types of file:
Please send us any feedback if this is a problem. We want to protect your valuable work-related data, without consuming space with unrelated media files.
You need to configure your system so it doesn't go to “sleep” (power saving) - if the system is asleep, Retrospect will not be able to back it up.
If your Windows system has any kind of firewall running, you may have to change some settings before the backup service will work.
If you already have XP Service Pack 2 installed, before installing the Retrospect client software, then the installer will automatically adjust the Windows firewall settings for you. But, if you install SP2 after the Retrospect client, then you need to make these changes yourself.
Other software which may include a firewall (and so prevent backup) includes Norton Client Security and the University's (Cisco) VPN client.
