Frequently Asked Questions

Backing Up Files Questions

  • What files are backed up? Was this helpful? 47

    As the recommended selection ZipCloud will automatically backup all the files stored inside your 'my documents' folder. By default large files are excluded from the recommended selection, however you can easily raise your file size limit by clicking on 'backup settings' on your application and selecting the 'Backup Selection tab'.

    It is important to note that ZipCloud excludes certain file extensions from backup selections. To whitelist file extensions or to exclude further extensions click on the 'File Types' tab located in 'Backup Settings'.

  • How do i backup external hard drives? Was this helpful? 6

    External hard drives need to be connected to your PC throughout the backup process.

    On Windows the external hardrive will not show up on the backup selection, you can still backup the drive by right clicking on the drive in 'my computer' and selecting 'add to backup selection' from the context menu.

    On a Mac simply open the application and click on 'Backup Settings', under the tab 'Backup Selection' Please select 'Manual Backup Selection' and select your files manually - within the folder titled 'VOLUMES' you can view and select files on your USB storage device.

  • Why is my backup slow? Was this helpful? 9

    ZipCloud will backup your data as fast as your internet connection allows. A standard internet connection should allow ZipCloud to back up data at approximately 256kbps/3-4GB per day. Although ZipCloud does not restrict bandwidth for any of it's users it takes more time to process files for customers using large amounts of storage space.

  • Why hasn't ZipCloud backed up my new files? Was this helpful? 16

    ZipCloud will backup your files once per day, if you have added a new file or amended an existing file it will be backed up when your application is scheduled to run. You can however backup a file immediately by dragging a file onto the application or clicking 'backup now'.

    Please ensure that the file is selected in the 'backup selection' tab located in 'backup settings'

  • I think my backup has stalled Was this helpful? 6

    When the application is processing a large file it can appear as if the software has stalled. Depending on the size of the file and your internet connection it could take up to a day to backup one file. If two large files are backed up in succession the progress could only show a couple of files over a 48 hour period. This is normal, please do not be alarmed.

    Please also note users backing up large amounts of data will have their file processing times lengthened rather than any bandwidth being restricted.

  • Will ZipCloud still backup if i reboot my computer? Was this helpful? 5

    Absolutely, ZipCloud will re-queue your files on restart and continue to backup where it left off. It is advisable to leave your computer running during the initial backup and to turn off sleep settings to ensure a faster completion of your backup

  • How do i know if my files are backed up? Was this helpful? 27

    From the main application window click on 'View my Files' this will open up your account control panel in your default browser. You can then browse through all the folders and files you have backed up.

    If you wish to access your backed up files from a different computer the URL is https://account.ZipCloud.com

    You will need to know your login details to access the account in browser, don't forget to logout if your on a public computer.

  • Why don't you backup network drives? Was this helpful? 22

    Although ZipCloud can technically backup networked drives, for cost reasons we simply do not allow it. It opens us up to abuse of storage space for only $4.95/mo.

    ZipCloud will be introducing plans for businesses in early 2012 and this will support networked drives.

    Watch this space!

  • Do you backup my emails? Was this helpful? 8

    We certainly do, all you need to do is ensure that the email folder is selected in the 'backup selection' tab located in your application 'backup settings'.

    Archived email files can be very large so please allow adequate time for ZipCloud to back them all up.

  • How long will it take to backup my files? Was this helpful? 8

    It depends on the amount of data you have stored on your device and what your Internet connection allows. (Remember you are uploading not downloading)

    We use the highest level technology in Amazon s3 servers to offer you the fastest backup service possible.

    A lifetime of photos, files, and music will take some time to be securely stored remotely.

    Once the initial backup has completed future backups will take minutes if not seconds.

    If you are looking to backup music and photos then please allow a few days for your backup based on the average users upload speed.

    We have developed innovative encryption technology which allows us to upload small pieces of data for any changes to existing backed up documents. Giving you ability to restore previous versions and speed up your future backups.

    We advise you to turn off any sleep settings you may have set on this computer, and make sure it is not turned off during this first backup.

  • How do i delete files from my backup? Was this helpful? 7

    Once a file is backed up – it is backed up forever.

    If you change the file on your computer and back it up again the new file is added as a new version. After 7 days all versions except the most recently backed up are removed.

    Essentially the most recently backed up version of a file will always be available.

    Individual files can be deleted from your account online. To do this hover the mouse over the file you wish to delete, the file will be highlighted in blue and on the far right side there will be a green arrow drop down menu - when you click this you will have the option to delete the file.

    We do not recommend deleting files, the reason being is the account is unlimited and you never know if you might need that file in the future.

  • Can I delete my files after they are backed up? Was this helpful? 5

    Once a file is backed up – it is backed up forever.

    If you change the file on your computer and back it up again the new file is added as a new version. After 7 days all versions except the most recently backed up are removed.

    Essentially the most recently backed up version of a file will always be available.

    However if you want to delete it you can do so from the file browser in your online account by hovering over the file and selecting 'Delete' from the drop down menu on the far right side.

    We do not recommend deleting files, the reason being is the account is unlimited and you never know if you might need that file in the future.

  • What is the maximum file size i can backup? Was this helpful? 23

    ZipCloud allows you to backup any file up to 3GB in size for a paid account and restricts users to 2mb max file size for free accounts.

    You can adjust the maximum file size allowance, by selecting the 'backup selection' tab from 'backup settings' located on the desktop application.

  • My backup has stopped/frozen Was this helpful? 22
  • Where can i see my most recently backed up files? Was this helpful? 4

    If you log into your online control panel, www.ZipCloud.com/login and select the event log from the left hand side bar you will be able to view a list of the most recent events on your account as well as the most recently backed up files.

  • Where is my data stored? Was this helpful? 17

    ZipCloud stores all data using Amazon S3 storage servers; the most comprehensive and reliable storage provider available on the internet.

  • Can I backup a USB, Flash or Pen Drive? Was this helpful? 6

    You most certainly can. On Windows simply open 'my computer' and locate the drive, then right click on the drive and select 'add to backup selection' from the context menu. ZipCloud will only be able to backup the drive it is connected to the computer.

    On a Mac simply open the application and click on 'Backup Settings', under the tab 'Backup Selection' Please select 'Manual Backup Selection' and select your files manually - within the folder titled 'VOLUMES' you can view and select files on your USB storage device.

  • I have paid but my account is telling me to upgrade. Was this helpful? 34

    In some cases orders are held for additional verification. If your order is held you will not be granted full access to the program until your order has completed. To expedite the process please email orders@ZipCloud.com

  • What operating systems does ZipCloud run on? Was this helpful? 14

    ZipCloud works on the following operating systems:

    Windows 7
    Windows Vista
    Windows XP
    Mac OS X 10.5+

    We are working on a Mac OS X 10.4, a Linux application is in the pipeline and we are also developing an iOS and Android Application.

  • How do i disable my Firewall Was this helpful? 11
  • ZipCloud hasn't backed up my files in a long time. Why? Was this helpful? 9

    ZipCloud will backup your computer everyday if your computer is turned on and connected to the internet. If your event log is showing that a file has not been backed up for a while it is probably because there are no new or amended files to backup. In most cases the backup is working fine.

    You can check on your backup history by visiting this page: https://account.ZipCloud.com/backup-history

    If you feel that your backup is not running correctly please temporarily disable your firewall and resume the backup.

  • What is the difference between sync and backup? Was this helpful? 12

    File syncing and computer backup are two very different features. it is important to not confuse the two.

    Backup: takes a copy of the file and uploads to it our servers for safe keeping, you can get your files back at any time if you accidentally delete or lose a file by downloading form the online control panel or restoring via the desktop application.

    Sync: Allows you to sync the same files between multiple computers, syncing mirrors a folder on one computer on another.

    The two features are very different. Please not that ZipCloud offers unlimited backup space, not unlimited sync space. Whilst ZipCloud allows you to sync between an unlimited number of computers your paid license only allows you to backup one machine. You are able to purchase an additional license for a second computer with unlimited backup space for only 24.95 a year.

  • How do I stop a backup? Was this helpful? 6

    When a backup is in the progress of running there will be an option to stop the backup immediately, this button is situated above the progress bars on your ZipCloud application.

    You can then choose new files to backup and start the backup again when you wish. If you do not manually start the backup it will automatically run at the scheduled time.

  • Can i pause a backup? Was this helpful? 8

    You can pause a backup at any time by clicking on the pause button located on the desktop application to the right of the progress bars. Once paused you can resume the backup at any time.

  • Does ZipCloud always upload the entire file every time a backup is performed? Was this helpful? 10

    ZipCloud uses de-duplication to ensure that only the changes to your files or new files are uploaded. This saves time, money, bandwith and is a better solution for everyone.

    After your initial backup has completed all further backups will take minutes, if not seconds. Please be patient with the initial backup, once done all your data will be safe forever.

  • Does ZipCloud backup files in any order? Was this helpful? 8

    No, ZipCloud randomly selects and queues files for a faster and more efficient upload.

  • I need to backup multiple computers Was this helpful? 6

    ZipCloud allows you to backup one computer per paid account. If you wish to purchase additional licenses we can offer these for only 24.95 a year per extra computer for unlimited storage.

    You can however sync between as many computers as you wish for free.

  • Can i backup more than one computer? Was this helpful? 10

    ZipCloud allows you to backup one computer per paid account. If you wish to purchase additional licenses we can offer these for only 24.95 a year per extra computer for unlimited storage.

    You can however sync between as many computers as you wish for free.

  • Do you offer file versioning? Was this helpful? 7

    We certainly do! As part of a paid account ZipCloud gives you access to unlimited file versions for 7 days. Upgrades are available for 30 or unlimited days.

  • Where can i find previous versions of my files? Was this helpful? 5

    ZipCloud gives you multiple options to view previous file versions. To view these versions simply login to your online control panel at https://account.mypcbackup.com and click on 'View My Backed Up Files' from the left hand side bar.

    Once you have found the file you want to view previous versions of, hover over the file name and this will make a green drop down arrow appear to the right. Following this hover over the green arrow and select 'Previous Versions'. Once selected you will be able to view and download any available versions.

  • How can I instantly backup a file? Was this helpful? 13

    ZipCloud is the first company to offer drag and drop to an application for instant backup. Simply open your application by double clicking on the desktop icon and drag any file or folder you wish onto the application, a window will then appear showing that the file is immediately backup.

    ZipCloud has also given users a second option for instant file backup by right clicking on the file and using the ZipCloud context menu to send to 'Instant Backup'.

    Very Cool

  • I cannot see my files that have been backed up on my online account. Why? Was this helpful? 14

    The online file browser can be confusing, it is important to note that you need to click on a folder to see the files it contains.

    We often receive queries regarding this where our customers expected the files to be listed under the folder and are reading a message stating 'This folder contains no files'

    That message relates to the folder you are currently in as oppose to folders the folder you are in contains.

  • What do I need to change my Firewall setting to in order to allow ZipCloud ? Was this helpful? 8

    If your Firewall is blocking the ZipCloud application you will need to allow the following hosts / ports:

    backupgrid.net | Port 80/443
    s3.amazonaws.com Port 80/443

    You many also need to enter a destination IP:

    backupgrid.net - 184.154.150.140
    s3.amazonaws.com - 207.171.163.225

  • Why should I use ZipCloud instead of an external hard drive? Was this helpful? 7

    There are some dangers in using an external hard drive for backup which do not exist when using a cloud service:

    - Just like a primary hard drive, external drives can and will one day fail

    - Experts recommend backed up data should be kept a minimum of 250 metres away from the original data in case of fire or water damage

    - External hard drives can be stolen, not only meaning your back up will be gone but your sensitive data will be available to the thief!

    - External hard drives that don’t require an extra plug all drain laptop batteries, those that do need a plug socket are cumbersome to use on the move

    - Backing up to an external drive requires input from you, our software is automated and means your data is kept up to date in the cloud

    We maintain secure Amazon s3 data servers which cannot lose your data, your data is not only safe but also secure – it is encrypted and no one but you can access it.

  • How do I backup my music from iTunes? Was this helpful? 8

    First of all you need to check your Backup Settings and remove your music File types from the exclusion list. It is likely your Music Library will be made up of .MP3 files and .AAC files.

    Then you will need to locate and select the files in Manual Section, below are the default file paths of where iTunes stores music files on your hard drive:

    Mac OS X: /Users/username/Music/iTunes/
    Windows XP: C:Documents and SettingsusernameMy DocumentsMy MusiciTunes
    Windows Vista: C:UsersusernameMusiciTunes
    Windows 7: C:UsersusernameMy MusiciTunes

    If you find some of your music has not been backed up it would be worth going to the Album in iTunes and right clicking on a track and selecting 'Get Info' it will bring up a new window and under 'Summary' you will see the file path.

  • How do I backup emails from Outlook? Was this helpful? 7

    The process varies depending on the version of Outlook you are using, however basically you need to locate the file path of where the files are stored.

    This can be done by right clicking on your Mailbox in outlook, this is normally the top level folder on the left hand side the the 'Mail Folders' file tree.

    There may be an option on the right click menu called 'Open File location' this will open the containing folder of your emails and mailbox folders.

    If this option is not on the menu you will need to click 'Properties' and then 'Advanced' it should display the Filename or File path of where the files are located.

    If you cannot locate the files please email support@ZipCloud.com confirming the version of Outlook, or any other email client, and we will find out where the files are located for you.