laptop data backups

[Techman]

Hello

We have salesman who are forgetful when it comes to backing up the data on their laptops. I’m looking for a way to have the backup be performed automatically when they first log into the server in the morning (or whenever they get around to logging on). Does anybody have any suggestions on software that will initiate a backup once a day when the laptop makes first contact with the server.

Thank you

[Spawn]

Hello Techman!

Are these salesmen logging in to an Active Directory?
What OS are they working with?

[Techman]

Yes it is an active directory and the laptops run XP. The server is 2003

[Spawn]

All righty!

All you need to do is set up the User account to Synchronize at log in/out.

That should back up all documents that have been modified...

Hope It Helps!!!

[Techman]

Thank you for your help.

We've never used that option before and I can't find the location within active directory to set that up. I would assume, as well, that the inititation of the backup is tied to the user and not the computer. So, for example, we set up Frank the Salesman's laptop to iniatiate a backup every morning when he logs in. But on one particualar day Jerry the Salesman is using Franks laptop to log into the server (using his own login). The backup would not be performed then.

Any suggestions

[Spawn]

Hey Techman

When a User (any user) logs into their Active Directory account, each user has their own Documents, Desktop, etc. It should not matter which computer they use. They should always have access to their specific documents and files they have in the Active Directory.

As far as the Synchronization, my apologies about my earlier statement. Each computer must be configured for synchronization, because it happens on the client side. Sorry about that!!! Use the Local Administrator account and the Synchronization Manager to set that up.

If you're unsure how to accomplish this, simply open Help and Support, type in Synchronize and the search results will list a How To article. :)

Hope It Helps!!!

[Gromit]

You might want to look at EMC Retrospect for Windows (7.5) to see if it fits your needs.

The product fact sheet has this to say about backing up notebooks:

"Protect desktops and notebooks, which contain up to 80% of a business’s critical data. Clients are backed up when they become available on the network, rather than on a fixed schedule. This is especially useful for notebooks, which are not always connected to the network. Backup verifications can be done outside the backup windows, allowing more networked computers to be protected each day."

Here's a link about the software from smallbusinesscomputing.com, and a link to the EMC Website.

http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/article.php/3466371

http://www.emcinsignia.com/products/smb/retroforwin/

[Techman]

Thank you Spawn...I think I'm starting to understand how this is all supposed to work. However, I do have a couple questions. First, the default item is "My Current Home Page". I assume that there is a way to have Explorer available so that I can choose any folder or sub folder to sychronize. I haven't had much success in solving that problem. Second, if I choose "My Documents' (for example) to sychronize, I would think that I would also need to choose a location on the server to store the information. Sort of like a "from" location and a "to" location. Do these questions make any sense to you or am I missing the point of Synchronization.

Thank You

[Spawn]

Hey Techman

You are on the right track with your questions. To - From etc...

I screwed up again, but at least I have an excuse... I'm not an Active Directory Administrator or anything... I believe you must use a Directory account to setup Sych.

All the times that I've done Act. Dir. Migrations, I believe we used some type of directory administrator account.

As far as their documents and files, most users had already completed the data transfer, but on occasion, we had to migrate all their data (My Docs/Email/Files) to the directory. Each account should have their own space on the server to store their data. When they log in, basically this is all a typical User should have access to.

We usually setup the Syc. during the Migration, which made it much simpler, so I believe you may need to use the MS Migration Tool for that. I am uncertain because I did not setup the Act. Dir., I simply performed the migration in a step-by-step process... Its very difficult to remember all the steps we took.

I am trying to help, but let me check my references, and I'll get back to you!!!

[Spawn]

Hey

Here is a URL to a How-To article for setting up Home Folders for AD Users... :)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816313/en-us