A file and folder backup is a useful way to backup your working files, personal files and precious data. Unlike other backup solutions Macrium Reflect can backup open/locked files by using Microsoft Volume Shadow copy Service (VSS). You can backup your Documents folder and save the backup as an XML file for easy re-running and scheduling.
Caution: If you wish to backup your Operating System, Do Not use a File and Folder Backup, use an Image Backup. A File and Folder backup is not suitable for restoring your Windows OperatingSystem.
- Select Backup Tasks
- Select Create a File and Folder backup to start the backup wizard.
- Select Add folder as shown:
- Select the folder you want to backup, or the folder containing the files you want to backup.
In this case, the Documents folder has been selected. This opens File and folder backup.
- If desired, click OK to use the default settings.
- Otherwise, several different masks and wildcards can be specified to include specific files within the given directory or exclude other files. For example, by default, all .temp, .tmp, .bak and .~* files are excluded from the backup.
- Repeat to add further individual directories if necessary.
- Specify, in the Destination section, where you want the backup to be made.
Caution: if you plan to automatically delete your excess backups using Disk Space Management (DSM), for example, after scheduling your backups, take care choosing the destination folder.
DSM deletes the oldest backup sets in the destination folder to make space for new backups. DSM for one (XML) Backup Definition can delete backups sets created by another Backup Definition if they are in the same destination folder. Use different folders as part of a retention policy for backups so this does not happen, if you do not want it to.
DSM works at folder level, but only on the designated destination folder of the backup.For information: A backup set consists of a full backup and any incrementals or differentials with the same Image ID.
- click Next.
- The summary screen gives the details of what is being backed up. Click Finish.
- If required, save the backup details in an XML definitions file. Enter a meaningful name for the backup. Click OK.
The backup should be performed automatically.
Video Tutorial
You can view a Youtube tutorial on backing up files and folders below: