Are IDrive for Windows and IDrive for Mac applications inter-operable?

Yes. IDrive accounts created after 11-23-2011 are inter-operable. This enables you to access and manage your Windows and Mac data with a single IDrive account.

However, IDrive for Windows accounts created prior to 11-23-2011 are not inter-operable with IDrive for Mac as they work on different technologies.

How do I install IDrive for Mac?

Follow the steps listed below to install the application:

1. Download the application. Double-click IDriveforMac.dmg and then IDriveforMac.pkg. The 'Welcome to the IDrive for Mac Installer' screen is displayed.

2. Click 'Continue' to proceed with the installation. The 'Software License Agreement' screen appears. Click 'Agree' to proceed.

3. Select the location where you want to install the application, using 'Change Installation Location' and click 'Install'.

4. A screen is displayed for verification. Enter the valid system password (administrator password) and click 'OK'.

On successful installation, the 'Installation Succeeded' message is displayed.

When I login to my IDrive for Mac account for the first time on a machine, I notice that some data has already been scheduled for backup. Why?

IDrive for Mac is an automated online backup application. To safeguard your critical data, the Desktop, Downloads, Documents, Library, Music, Movies and Pictures folders are selected for backup by default, with the scheduled time set to 'off-peak hours'. If these settings are not altered, the application commences the backup of the default Backup set once the scheduled backup time is reached. However, you can change the settings.

On a first login to your account, a screen is displayed as below from where you can edit the Backup set and schedule parameters.

If I perform frequent backups, would I end up using my quota quickly?

IDrive for Mac deploys an intelligent incremental backup system where changes to contents of the Backup set are sent to the IDrive for Mac servers. If data is removed / deleted / reduced, the space used in the account reduces. The latest file copy is used to compute your quota. The previous 30 versions of files are stored free.

I have deleted some unwanted files / folders from my IDrive for Mac account, yet the 'Used Quota' remains unchanged. Why?

The 'Used Quota' information is not displayed in real-time but computed on a periodical basis. For updated information click the 'Recalculate' button. For accounts with large number of files the process may take a while.

I have received a quota overuse message. What should I do?

Login to your IDrive for Mac account from the website and click the 'Upgrade Account' link to upgrade your account.

How does IDrive for Mac secure my data?

IDrive for Mac uses 256 - bit AES encryption for data transfer and storage with a user defined key that is not listed anywhere on our servers. This ensures data is safe and secure.

What is meant by Incremental backup?

By default, the IDrive for Mac application transfers only the modified portions of your backed up files after full initial backup. This optimizes your bandwidth usage and ensures that backups are quick.

How can I regulate my Internet bandwidth usage for IDrive for Mac?

The Bandwidth Throttle feature lets you optimize the bandwidth to be used by IDrive for Mac. You can set separate bandwidths for the backups when the system is in use and when it is not.

Bandwidth Throttle (when system is not in use): This option lets you set the bandwidth to be used by your system for backups when it is not in use. By default, it is set to 100%.

Note: The percentage set for Bandwidth Throttle is applicable for both scheduled and interactive backups.

Bandwidth Throttle (when system is in use): Select the 'Auto-Pause' check box to use this option.

Auto-Pause option makes intelligent guesses on pausing and resuming backup to enable optimum desktop appearances during user activity.

This option lets you set the bandwidth to be used by your system for backups when it is in use. This allows other applications to run without hindrance. By default, it is set to 25%.

How do I locate files / folders in my IDrive for Mac account?

To locate files / folders backed up to your IDrive for Mac account, enter the search term (like the full or partial file / folder name) and press the 'Enter' key. Entries matching the search criteria are displayed and can be restored.

What is the Sync feature and how does it work?

The Sync feature lets you match the contents in your IDrive for Mac online account with your Mac. This is a useful option if you have removed data from your computer and wish to do the same automatically from your account.

To use this feature, select the folder(s) / drive(s) in your account that you want to sync and click the 'Sync' icon. A list of files not present on your Mac but still available in your online account are listed. On clicking 'Sync' they are removed from your account.

I have backed up data from multiple computers to my IDrive for Mac account. Can I bring them in Sync?

Yes. In order to Sync files / folders inside the Multiple Mac folder, follow the below steps:

1. Locate the folder in your IDrive account with the same name as the Mac machine.

What is the Automatic Sync feature?

'Automatic Sync' syncs files between your Mac and IDrive for Mac account with a lag of 30-days (applicable only for scheduled backups). In other words, if data is removed from your Mac that was previously backed up, the corresponding data in your online account is deleted after 30-days. This is useful in keeping your account size at optimal. As a precautionary measure, in case the files to be deleted are greater than 5% of the total account content, you would have to run a manual sync.*

To access this option, go to Preferences > General > Automatic Sync.

Note: This may result in automatic deletion of data from your IDrive for Mac account. Set this option carefully.

* The percentage mention refers to files considered for deletion in your account as a percentage of total number of files. The purpose of this percentage based control is to avoid large deletion of files in your account due to some unforeseen event on your Mac.

How do I share file(s) / folder(s) directly from my IDrive account?

To share data with associates, select desired files / folders and click the 'Share' icon on the tool bar. The 'Share Files and Folders' window is displayed from where you can set the share parameters and enter the email address of the recipient(s).

Click here for details.

Note: Sharing option is available only for IDrive accounts with default encryption.

What are log reports?

To view logs, from the system menu, go to Log > Session Log. On clicking it, a screen is displayed that lists your backup and restore sessions. Click on an entry to view the details of the job. Alternately, click the 'Session Log' icon on the tool bar.

To see logs of your entire interactive backup and restore operations, from the menu bar, go to Log > Interactive Log.

How do I delete data from my IDrive for Mac account?

Select the files / folders that you wish to delete from your IDrive for Mac account under 'My IDrive' and click the 'Delete' icon on the toolbar.

Does IDrive work on Intel Mac?

Yes. IDrive for Mac is a universal binary and works on Power PC (PPC) and Intel Mac.

How do I uninstall the IDrive for Mac application?

Follow the steps given below to uninstall the application:

1. Go to File > New Finder Window > Applications > IDrive for Mac and double-click the IDriveUninstaller.app. The 'Welcome to IDrive for Mac Uninstaller' screen is displayed.

2. Click 'Continue' to proceed and 'Yes' in the subsequent window.

3. A screen is displayed for verification. Enter the valid system password (administrator password) and click OK. On successful uninstallation, the 'Successfully uninstalled IDrive for Mac' message appears.

Is it possible to restore the files that are accidentally deleted from my IDrive account?

All the files that are deleted from your account will be moved to Trash. You can either move your files to the original location in your IDrive account or restore them to your local computer. The files present in Trash will automatically get deleted after a 30 day period.

To restore/move your files from Trash, follow these steps:

1. Click 'Trash' icon on the toolbar. The files available in Trash are listed with the latest version.

Can I restore the previous version of a file from Trash?

Yes, you can restore the previous version of a file from trash. Right-click on the desired file and select the 'View Version' option. Select the required version and click on 'Restore'.

How do I schedule backups?

To schedule backups using IDrive for Mac, follow the steps listed below:

1. Select the files / folders from the left-hand pane of the application.
2. Click the 'Schedule Backup' button.
3. Set the day, time and frequency for backup.
4. You can opt to receive email / desktop notifications on completion of the backup operation.

Can I schedule full and incremental backup on specific days?

IDrive for Mac does not have the conventional concept of full and incremental backups (where modified data is stored separately from full backup). Every backup is basically a full backup with an incremental effect.

IDrive for Mac overwrites the full backup with the modifications made to it during backup. In other words, you have 'full backup' results each time. This helps in fast restores when needed.

IDrive for Mac uses advanced patching technology to determine the changed data at source and apply only the modified blocks on to the data at IDrive for Mac. No efficiency is lost due to IDrive for Mac's methodology of updating full backups directly every time.

Is it possible to receive email notifications on the status of my backup jobs?

Yes. If you select the email notification option, you would receive emails on the status of your scheduled backup job.

On choosing the 'Notify always' option, you are notified on your backup status irrespective of its failure or success. In case you wish to receive this notification only on backup failure, choose the 'Notify on failure' option.

I am not receiving an email notification for my scheduled backup(s). Why?

Ensure that you have enabled the notification option from the scheduler, provided a valid email address and selected the 'Notify always' option.

It is possible that email notifications from IDrive for Mac might mistakenly be getting filtered out as Spam and reaching your Spam or Bulk mail folder.

For a confirmation on the backup jobs, you can also view the logs.

How can I perform an immediate backup without signing into the application?

Click the 'IDrive Monitor' status item on the system menu bar and click 'Backup Now'. This will immediately execute backups for the Backup set provided you have created one and logged into the application at least once before.

How do I perform an Interactive backup?

You can perform interactive data backup by selecting the files / folders (from 'My Files' view) and clicking the 'Backup Now' button.

Can I drag-n-drop my files to back them up?

Yes. You can drag-n-drop your files / folders to back them up.

Drag the desired data from the left pane of the application (My Files) or the Finder to your IDrive for Mac account (My IDrive). It is also possible to drag-n-drop files (including pictures, music and video) to your online account even while they are in use.

Can I drag-n-drop data to restore it?

Yes. You can drag-n-drop your files / folders to restore them.

Drag the desired data from your IDrive for Mac account (My IDrive) to the left pane (My Files) or the Finder.

Does IDrive for Mac support backup of files / folders from mapped / network / external drives?

Yes. The contents to be backed up must be a part of the Backup set and available at the time of backup.

I am backing up an external network drive to my IDrive for Mac account. If I use a new Mac machine with the same external network drive attached to it, will it impact the backups?

No. Your files will be backed up to the same destination in your IDrive for Mac account provided the external network drive name is not changed.

Will my backups take place even when my Mac is in the sleep mode?

Yes. Your scheduled backups will take place even in the sleep mode if you select the ‘Wake up computer from sleep mode during scheduled job' check box under Preferences > General.

Do I need to enter my password to wake up the computer from the sleep mode to run the scheduled backup?

No. The scheduled backup will take place whether or not you provide your Username / Password on being prompted when your system wakes up.

What does IDrive for Mac do if the Internet connection is interrupted during a backup session?

IDrive for Mac resumes the backup from the point that it was interrupted.

When will IDrive for Mac resume the session if it has missed one (e.g. The computer has been abruptly turned off) or interrupted?

IDrive for Mac performs scheduled backup job at the next transfer time.

Will a missed scheduled backup take place when the computer is restarted after the scheduled time?

Yes. The scheduled backup will commence as soon as you restart the computer even if it is after the scheduled time. However, this is applicable only if you have selected the 'Start the missed scheduled backup when the computer is turned on' option from the 'Preferences' screen.

In case you have not selected the option, then the scheduled backup will commence only if you restart the computer within 30 minutes of the scheduled time.

If you restart the computer after 30 minutes of the scheduled time, the scheduled backup will commence at the next frequency (as per the date and time that was set earlier).

How do I view the status of my scheduled backups?

The status of your scheduled backups can be viewed using the IDrive for Mac Monitor status item on the system menu bar.

Click 'View Log' to see the log files of the recent sessions.

Can I halt my backups at a particular time?

Yes. Using the 'Cut off time for scheduled job' option, you can stop the scheduled backup at the specific time. The backup is resumed at the next scheduled time from the point it was stopped. To enable it, go to Preferences > General tab and select the 'Cut off time for scheduled job' check box.

Can I exclude data from backup?

You can exclude data from backup using the 'Exclude' Tab in the 'Preferences' window. For this, click the 'plus' icon and use the navigation window to select the files / folders that you wish to exclude.

By default, some files and folders, including all hidden files and folders, are excluded from backup by the IDrive for Mac application. To backup the excluded items, clear the check boxes.

Files and folders excluded from backup are highlighted in orange on the main IDrive for Mac application screen.

Can I backup data from multiple computers to a single IDrive for Mac account?

By default, IDrive for Mac creates an unique folder with the name of the computer to backup data from multiple computers into a single IDrive for Mac account. This prevents data overlap during multiple computer backup.

Does IDrive for Mac backup the files that contain extended attribute i.e. resource fork data?

No. IDrive for Mac does not backup the resource fork data of certain files like Quicken, Quark, OmniGraffle etc.

How do I restore files / folders from my IDrive for Mac account to the local machine?

Select the files / folders that you need to restore from your IDrive for Mac account to your local machine. Click the 'Restore' button. The 'Where to Restore' screen is displayed using which you can specify the path.

Note: Files / folders restored to their original location are overwritten (if they already exist).

One of the two IDrive for Mac accounts I hold has expired. I had scheduled backup job from both the accounts. I want to delete the same from the account that has expired while retaining the jobs for the other account. Is this possible?

Yes, you can delete the scheduled backup / restore jobs using the 'Manage all the Scheduled Jobs' feature in IDrive for Mac.

Click the IDrive Monitor status item on the system menu bar and select 'Manage all the Scheduled Jobs'. Select the scheduled backup jobs from the list shown in the Manage all the Scheduled jobs main screen and click Delete.

The IDrive for Mac application has not backed up some files inside the bundle / file package. Why?

This could be because the files are Mac OS X files or hidden or the file names contain special characters. We recommend that you compress (zip) the entire bundle / file package and try backup.

Can I access my backed up data from my account by logging in from the web?

Yes. Login to your IDrive for Mac account from www.idrive.com to access and manage your data.

How can I view / select the hidden files / folders for backup?

Use the 'Show hidden files / folders' option provided in the preferences screen to view / select the hidden files for backup.

What is Versioning?

IDrive retains previous versions of all files backed up to your account. Currently, you can restore 30 previous file versions to any location on your local computer.

Does versioning (previous versions of files) impact the available quota (storage space in my account)?

Your available quota depends on the storage requirements of the most recent view of your data. Backup of older versions do require additional space, however, this is not charged to your usage. In other words versioning does not increase your storage requirement.

How do I restore any particular version of a file?

To restore any particular version of a file, follow the below steps:

1. On the 'My IDrive' pane of the IDrive for Mac application, right-click the required file and select the 'Show Version History' option from the list.

How do I access files in my IDrive account from any location?

You can use the Web-Manager interface to access your files from any location. Login to http://www.idrive.com/ with your IDrive account username and password. The files / folders that are backed up to your account are listed.

• Upload – Upload files to your account.
• Share – Share files / folders with your associates.
• Unshare – Cancel the access to shared files / folders.
• Create Folder – Create a new folder to upload your files.
• Rename – Rename your files / folders.
• Delete – Delete the files / folders that are backed up to your account.
• Copy – Select files / folders that you want to copy to another location.
• Move – Move the copied files to any other location.
  

Can I share files / folders via the web?

Yes, you can share files / folders with your associates via the Web-Manager interface. Login to your IDrive account and select the desired files / folders. Click the 'Share' icon to set the share permissions.

You can create 'SSL Security Enabled' links, password protect your files / folders to ensure that they are viewed only by the intended recipients, write-enable your files / folders so that others can modify them and upload them back to your online backup account etc.

Note: Sharing option is available for IDrive accounts with default encryption.

Is it possible to manage my Default Backup set and schedule backup jobs via the web interface?

Yes. You can manage your Default Backup set, schedule backup jobs and view detailed logs via the IDrive web interface using any web browser.

For this, login to your account via any browser and click the 'Remote Manage' icon, from where you can edit the contents of your Default Backup set.

What is the Backup Status Report?

Web-Manager's 'Backup Status Report' summarizes the status of the scheduled backups for your IDrive account. A report for the last seven days is displayed.

How do I generate the Activity Log Report?

The Activity Log feature provides the history of the activities performed in your IDrive account in a browser session. You can track login/logout activities, file and folder operations like upload, download, share, etc. The date and time of the activity and the IP address from where the activity originated is also listed.

To generate an activity report, click on the 'Activity Log Report' icon. Select the start and end date for which you want to generate the report and click 'Generate Report'.

What are Events?

IDrive maintains a list of all activities like Upload, Download, Rename, Delete etc., performed in your account using the IDrive application or Web browser.

1. Login to your IDrive account via any browser.
2. Click the 'Backup Status Report' tab on the menu.
3. Click the 'Events' button. By default, all activities performed in the current month are displayed.
4. You can choose the month for which you want to view the activities.
5. View and Download details of an activity performed, to your local computer.

How do I restore a previous version of my backed up file via the web?

To restore previous version of a file via the web:

1. Login to your IDrive account.

2. On the Web-Manager main page click the 'Version' icon alongside the file that you wish to restore.

3. The 'Versions' screen is displayed. Select the desired version and click on the 'Download’ icon.

4. Choose the destination in your local computer to restore.