O&O AutoBackup

O&O AutoBackup automatically backs up and synchronizes selected files and folders with an external backup device so that in the event of a data loss it can be accessed again immediately. No further application is needed – Windows Explorer alone will suffice.

O&O AutoBackup can backup files and folders quickly and automatically. For example, if a user wants to backup their photos and videos onto an external USB stick then O&O AutoBackup not only copies the original files but also any future changes made to the files and/or directories. The backup process will start automatically whenever a removable device such as a USB Stick is connected to the computer. The files are copied exactly and put on the target disk so that they can also be accessed without O&O AutoBackup using the normal Windows Explorer.

This functionality is especially useful for users who until now have been afraid of using data backup software because it was too complicated or involved high maintenance. The coupling of the backup start with connecting a backup device to the computer allows the user to make a backup exactly when he needs it, for example immediately after importing photos and videos from a digital camera. The user interface is very simple and intuitive and enables users with just a few clicks to set up a backup and thus reliable protection of their data against data loss due to accidental deletion or virus attack.

Automatic file synchronization
Every time an external disk is connected to the computer O&O AutoBackup checks whether there have been changes to the files or folders that are already on the external disk. A manual start is not required. The user can select the files, folders or even entire partitions they wish to backup using a clear and simple dialog window.

Backup options include:
• Full Backup: all data is copied to the external storage medium into a directory. This is always the first step in order to have a complete backup of all selected files.
• Backup of the changes: All changes and new data will be copied. A new file is written each time but the original file on the external media is not changed. Files that have been deleted on the source media are retained in the backup.
• Synchronization: All changes are implemented and deleted data will be removed from the destination media.

New and enhanced functions
Advanced settings: Here the user can specify to which file the backup copy should be written, for example. Scheduling: Various options are available such as whether a backup should be carried out only with new connections, daily or weekly. Event Viewer: Logs the various activities carried out by O&O AutoBackup.

Here’s how O&O AutoBackup works

The copy process always begins automatically after you’ve connected a hotplug capable disk to the computer. Using the status bar icon and status window in the program, you can see when the process is completed and remove the disk. *

All the settings you need can be found under Default settings.

• Click Browse to select a file or folder as source for the copy. Alternatively, you can click the Add button and enter a source path or wildcard (such as .jpg) for certain file types by hand.
• You can now select which action O&O AutoBackup should execute.
• 2.1”Copy all the source data in a directory on the destination drive.”
• All the selected files/folders will be copied. The folder will be named after the date using a “year, month, day” format.
• 2.2 “Copy all modified and new source data, no deletion of data”
• Files currently on the destination drive will not be recopied if they were not changed in the source. Only modified and new files/folders will be copied onto the destination drive. As opposed to point 2.3, no data will be deleted on the destination drive.
• 2.3 “Perform synchronization, i.e., apply all changes and file deletions.”
• All files and folders in the source will be copied onto the external disk. As opposed to point 2.2, files/folders that were deleted on the source will also be deleted on the destination drive. Once the action is completed, the destination drive is essentially a mirror image of the source data/folder(s).
• Now select the destination drive which is simultaneously also the start event. O&O AutoBackup supports all disks labeled as”hotplug capable”, meaning those disks that can be exchanged while the computer’s running. If the storage medium was already connected before O&O AutoBackup was started, you’ll be able to select it from the list of available destination disks. Otherwise, connect it now, click Refresh and select it from the list.
• Save your settings.
• If you want to run the copy on your stick or disk immediately, click Run’. Otherwise, the action selected will be executed whenever you connect your destination disk to your computer.

Under Advanced settings, you can define batch commands that can be run instead of default actions on the destination disk after it’s connected. It’s also possible to modify the structure of the directory for saving data/folders on the destination drive. The option “Use subfolder“” will let you specify a separate folder name. With the option “Attach the computer name in the path“, the name of the computer will be added to the path on the destination drive where the files/folders will be saved.

The Event Viewer lists the most important events such as program start, program end, saving of settings, disk connection as well as processing with processing status.