FAQ's
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General Info
Does Global datavault’s online backup software work on PCs, and laptops?
Yes.
Is Global datavault’s online backup software compatible with my operating system?
Global datavault’s online backup software is compatible with the following operating system environments: Windows 95 through Vista, and Mac OS X or later.
What data databases and file types are supported?
All regular data files including word processor documents, spreadsheets, flat file databases like Microsoft Access, email PST files, small business accounting system data, etc.
How do you handle upgrades to Global datavault’s online backup software?
Upgrades are included in the cost of the service and are released to users as they become available. Upgrades are automatically applied to users' accounts and do not require user intervention.
Can multiple users/computers backup using the same account?
Each computer should backup in a separate account. Our datavault Online backup for Servers solution allows multiple computers to backup into the same account.
What type of internet connection do I need?
We recommend a broadband connection, however Global datavault’s online backup software will also work with dialup.
Can Global datavault’s online backup software be run as either a service or an application?
Yes.
How easy is it to create an account?
Assuming a low-level broadband connection (or better), it takes about 5 minutes to create an account. Go to our Sign up page and complete the form. This process creates your private storage folder on Global datavault's secure storage server. This private storage folder is protected by encryption and your User Name and Password.
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Backing Up Data
How do I select data for online backup?
In the Backup Tab, use the Windows-Explorer type interface to select the data you would like to backup by clicking your mouse next to the folders you want to protect.
How do I know how much data I am backing up?
After your first backup you will receive a confirmation email. This email will contain the total amount of storage space taken as well as the space available. This will allow you to monitor the capacity of your backup account.
Should I backup every file on my computer?
It's not necessary. Many of your files are from software that you installed via CD or floppy disk. In the event of a computer crash, the best course of action is to re-install your software from its original source (CDs, etc).
Can I automatically filter out music files, photographs, etc from the backup?
Yes! You may use filters to automatically include or exclude all files with particular file extensions (.mp3, .jpg, etc). For instance, a filter may be used to automatically include all MS Word documents in the backup, or to exclude all .mp3 files from the backup.
Do I have to schedule my backups or can I just click a button to start the backup?
Backups can be scheduled to occur automatically or can be performed immediately by selecting the backup set and clicking the "Start Backup" button.
How often can I backup?
You may backup as often as you like by clicking the "Backup Now" button. You may set a schedule to backup your data as often as every 4 hours.
When should I schedule my online backup?
We recommend scheduling backups to run Monday through Friday, after office hours.
How do I schedule my backups?
- Open Global datavault’s online backup software and open your Backup-Set Settings.
- Click on “Backup Schedule” and click on the “Add” button. Here you will be able to Rename the set, Change the frequency of the backups and select the time you would like the backups to begin.
- Once your selections have been made press “OK”
- In order for your settings to take effect you need to click on the “Save Setting” button on the top left corner of the program.
How can I be sure my online backups are actually working?
There are four different ways to put your mind at rest.
- You will receive an email every day indicating the status of your backup.
- Global datavault proactively monitors customer backups twice a week. If you have not backed up successfully in over one week, we will contact you
- Click on the Logs Tab and you will see verification that your backup completed successfully.
- Click on the Restore Tab and restore some files.
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Restoring Data
How can I restore a file?
Click on the Restore Tab. Select the files you want to restore and click the "Restore Files" button. Using Global datavault’s online backup software ensures that your data can be replaced any time, onto any computer, as often as necessary, with no additional costs.
Can I restore a file when I'm away from the office?
Yes! Our Web-based Restore allows you to access your data from any computer with an Internet connection.
Does Global datavault’s online backup software protect older versions of my data?
Yes. datavault not only protects the most recent version of your data, it also protects older versions of each file. By default, Global datavault’s online backup software is set to keep the previous 7 days of changes made to a file. Thus, if you have a file that you change every day, it gives you the ability to restore any one of the previous 7 versions of that file.
What happens to files I delete from my computer or de-select from my backup set?
Files you delete from your computer or de-select from your backup set remain on our server for 7 days after the last backup. The 7 day period may be lengthened changing the retention policy in our Backup Manager.
How do I restore an older version of a file, as opposed to the most recent version?
In the Restore tab, a list of folders will be displayed. Select the file(s) you want to restore and click Restore Files.
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Deleting Data
How do I delete data from Global datavault's online backup server?
When you de-select files, they will be automatically deleted at the end of your retention period.
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Security
Is Global datavault’s online backup software safe?
Yes. Before the data leaves your computer Global datavault’s online backup software encrypts the data! Your data is transmitted to the data center via a secure connection. With Global datavault’s online backup software your data is NOT transmitted over a public port. Your data is stored redundantly in a state-of-the-art, class 1 data center located in Dallas. Security features include:
- Gigabit Internet connection
- 24/7 technical support
- 24/7 monitoring
- 24/7 remote hands
- N+1 redundancy on power, HVAC
- Fire, smoke and heat detection
- UPS and onsite diesel generators
- Controlled physical access
Is Global datavault’s online backup software HIPAA compliant?
Yes. For specific information, please click here.
Do you have any additional levels of security?
Yes. Users of Global datavault’s online backup software also have the option of choosing a "Secret Encryption Key" to be applied to their encrypted data. This is an additional level of security that gives password protection to the actual encryption process. This functionality operates in addition to the normal Username and Password assigned to your account. Users choosing to apply this functionality need to be aware that they must have their Secret Key in order to restore their data. You will no longer be able to restore data with merely a Username and Password. In addition, Global Data Vault keeps no records of Secret Encryption Keys. Loss of a Secret Encryption Key will result in an inability to recover data.
What about viruses?
Viruses only function when the application that the virus was designed for invokes the infected file. Therefore, when an infected file is backed up to the Global datavault server, it remains dormant because the virus-infected file has been compressed and encrypted and has no program to invoke it. When it is restored at the client site, however, the virus will live again. It is important to run an updated anti-virus program on all computers.
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Billing
How is my bill calculated?
You are billed at the end of each month for maximum data storage used during the month.
Do you have a "no-obligation" trial period?
Yes! Trying Global datavault’s online backup software is risk free. If you cancel during your first 30 days of service, you will not have to pay for anything.
What method of payment do you accept?
Credit card or check.
How much does it cost to restore data?
Nothing.
Are there ANY additional charges?
Yes. We charge $50 per CD if you request that we periodically copy your data set to CD (for example, some customers request an annual copy of their data set on CD).