Tutorial - Computer Backup (Windows)

Follow these best practices to create a backup of your ECU-managed Windows computer in preparation for a new system, a hard drive re-image of the same system, a software update or insurance against a hard drive crash.

Follow these best practices to create a backup of your ECU-managed Windows computer. This may be in preparation for a new system, a hard drive re-image of the same system, a software update or insurance against a hard drive crash.

Your needs may vary, but the standard backup usually contains:

IMPORTANT

Work files. It is required that you save work files to an ECU storage option like ECU OneDrive or Piratedrive. Do not save work files to a personal device or other cloud service.

Personal files. Personal files should always be saved to a personal device such as a personal computer, personal cloud storage or personal external device.

CrashPlan is a backup software available for purchase by departments.

Step 1. Export browser favorites/bookmarks to Documents

First export your browser favorites or bookmarks to an html file (web file) saved to your Documents folder to ensure inclusion in your backup.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer browser.
2. Click File, then the Import and export… option.
3. Click the Export to a file radio button. Click Next.
4. Choose the Favorites option. Click Next.
5. Make sure the top-most folder (Favorites) is highlighted. Click Next.
6. Check that the files will export to C:\Users\your-PirateID\Documents\bookmark.htm. This is the default location.
7. Click Export. You will see the “You have successfully exported these settings.” Click Finish.
8. Check the Documents folder for the file you just saved.

For more details see this Microsoft Support article on moving favorites. This also works if you are moving your IE favorites to the Edge browser (the new default browser on Windows).

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and click the Library icon on the toolbar.
2. Choose the Bookmarks option. The bookmark list opens. Click the Show all Bookmarks link at the bottom of the list. The Library dialog box opens.
3. Click All Bookmarks in the folder list on the left. This ensures all your bookmarks export.
4. Click the Import and Backup option drop-down menu.
5. Choose the Export to HTML… option. Your computer’s file explorer dialog box opens.
6. Make sure the Documents folder is highlighted. Type a recognizable file name for your backup. Like “Firefox bookmarks July 2020.”
7. Click the Save button.
8. Check the Documents folder for the file you just saved.

For more detailed information, see this Mozilla Support article on exporting Firefox bookmarks.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click the vertical ellipsis icon (three dots on top of one another) on the right.
2. Click Bookmarks, then choose Bookmark Manager.
3. Click the vertical ellipsis icon on the Bookmarks toolbar. Choose the Export bookmarks option. Your computer’s file explorer dialog box opens.
4. Make sure the Documents folder is highlighted. Type a recognizable file name for your backup. Like “Chrome bookmarks July 2020.”
5. Click the Save button.
6. Check the Documents folder for the file you just saved.

For more detailed information, see this Google Chrome Help article, Import bookmarks & settings.

Step 2. Copy your data to Piratedrive or OneDrive

Now that your bookmarks are saved in your documents folder, it’s time to create your backup by saving a copy of your files to OneDrive or Piratedrive.

Microsoft OneDrive Cloud Storage (Recommended)

All ECU users have a 5TB OneDrive cloud storage folder through their Microsoft 365 subscription. Many users also have a personal OneDrive account. Be sure you are moving your work files to your ECU OneDrive. The folder is labeled, OneDrive – East Carolina University.

Method 1. Upload directly to your OneDrive cloud folder

1. Log in to your Microsoft 365 account at pirate365.ecu.edu. Authentication through MFA is required.
2. Click the OneDrive icon to open your folder. You now have the option to upload files or drag and drop. There is a 100GB upload limit per session.
3. To learn more about copying your files over, see these OneDrive training videos from Microsoft. 

Method 2. Drag and drop through the Teams desktop app

1. Open the Teams desktop app.
2. Click Files in the left nav menu. You now have access to recent files, Teams files and your OneDrive cloud folder.
3. Click OneDrive. You can click the New drop-down menu to create a new folder for your backup files and folders.
4. Open File Explorer.
5. Drag and drop your Desktop, Documents, Pictures and any other folders to OneDrive. A notification lets you know when the upload is finished.
6. IMPORTANT! Open a browser and log in to pirate365.ecu.edu to check that your upload is complete and correct.

Storage Option: Piratedrive

Every ECU user has a 125GB Piratedrive storage folder specifically for storage of sensitive data. There are several ways to access your Piratedrive folder:

1. On campus and logged in to the INTRA domain, you can drag and drop files to the “U” drive.
2. Off campus users can access the “U” drive through a VPN connection to drag and drop files to Piratedrive.
3. Log in to PiratePort to access your Piratedrive folder. Click the upload button to copy files from your computer
4. To learn more about Piratedrive options, see these TeamDynamix IT knowledge base articles.

Need help? Call Pirate Techs support at 252-328-9866 | 800-340-7081.