Quick Start Guide

When you download the 30-day trial version of Backup for Workgroups, a copy of the executable program BFWSETUP.EXE is saved on your computer.  This program includes both the Backup Client software as well as the Data Repository software.  Remember, all the Add-On software is also included in this single setup program, so you do not need to download anything else.

Backup for Workgroups can be installed on any Windows computer:  server or workstation.  You may want to view a few Sample Installations before you get started.

To get Backup for Workgroups up and running, you need to complete the following tasks in the order presented below:

1. Install the Data Repository Manager and choose the location of your Data Repository Primary Storage).
   
   You must install and configure the Data Repository Manager before you install the Client software.  Install the Data Repository software on a computer with access to enough disk space to hold your Clients' backup data.  You can store your data on any hard drive - internal, external, SCSI, SATA, USB, etc OR any network attached storage such as a NAS, SAN, file server, etc.
   
   
2. Complete the initial Data Repository Manager configuration wizard, which includes:
   
        a.  Creating Client accounts.
        b.  Establishing communication with your e-mail server.
        c.  Type in your Backup for Workgroups administrator
             e-mail address(es). - Optional
   
   
3. Install the Backup Client software on each Windows computer you wish to backup.  Please note that the evaluation software allows you to backup up to ten (10) Windows servers and workstations.  All Add-On products are available to use with every Client computer.
   
   Did you know that Backup for Workgroups is ALL SET to backup each Client computer right after installation?  Yes, it is!   You do not need to create a backup set.  Backup for Workgroups will automatically backup all the information on the computer's local drives!  All you need to do is complete the installation and at the end, just say "Yes" to "Backup My Computer Now!"
   
   
4. Create customized backup sets for each Backup Client - Optional
   
   Backup for Workgroups comes with a default backup set called "All Local Drives", which covers every file and folder found on hard drives local to that computer.  We recommend leaving this backup set intact for the most comprehensive coverage.
   
   However, after installation you can customize Backup for Workgroups to better fit your individual needs and schedule.  Create additional backup sets to schedule more frequent backups for critical data.
   
   When you create a backup set, you are telling Backup for Workgroups to backup a group of specific files, as you select, at times you find most convenient.  
   

HELPFUL HINTS....

• Keep in mind that the first backup takes the most time, because it is the first, or "baseline" backup.  Subsequent backups are sometimes called "incremental backups," because only the changes are captured.  Incremental backups keep your backup window, or time to backup, to a minimum.   
  
• While you are installing the Backup Client software on your computers, it might be a good time to make a Disaster Recovery Kit for each one.  There are several important items that need to be included in a computer's Disaster Recovery Kit.  We can walk you through how to do it now, so you are not left high and dry later.  Click here to read about Making a Disaster Recovery Kit.