Frequently Asked Questions

Fast-Backup can copy files to another local drive, a removable USB drive, another computer or a server.

Keeping a backup on a removable drive also makes it possible to store a current copy away from your computer.  See Off-Site Backups.

No.  The first backup copies all selected files.  Later backups normally copy only new and changed files, which can make them considerably faster.  See Built for Speed.

Fast-Backup updates the current backup to reflect the source.  If Keep Old is enabled, the destination copy is moved into dated history so it can still be recovered.  If Keep Old is disabled, the destination copy is removed.

Yes.  The current backup consists of normal files and folders that you can browse using Windows File Explorer.  Earlier versions are kept in dated _OLD_yyyy_mm_dd folders.

No.  Fast-Backup protects files and folders.  It does not create a bootable Windows system image or preserve Windows and installed applications as a complete operating-system image.

Yes.  Fast-Backup can restore an individual folder, or everything in your backup, to how it was at an earlier Keep Old restore point.  The result is placed in a new folder without overwriting the current backup.  See Restore to an Earlier Time.

Yes.  Fast-Backup can retain earlier versions so you can recover a file from before it was overwritten, damaged or corrupted.  You can choose how long old copies are retained.  See File History and Restore Points.

Yes.  You can browse the current backup and dated _OLD_ folders using File Explorer, then copy the file you need.  The Restore feature can also rebuild a selected folder from an earlier restore point.

Fast-Backup does not create another complete copy of the backup every time it runs.  It retains an earlier copy only when a file is changed or deleted.  The space used depends on how many files change and how long you choose to retain them.

When space is needed, Fast-Backup removes the oldest retained history first so the current backup has room to continue.

Keep the drive disconnected except while a backup is running.  Connect it when you are ready, run Fast-Backup, check that the backup completed, then safely eject and disconnect it straight away.  Fast-Backup can do the safe-eject step automatically when Eject when finished or /EJECT is selected.

This can minimise the risk but cannot guarantee protection.  Do not connect an offline backup drive if you suspect the computer is already infected.  See Protecting Backups from Ransomware.

Yes.  Fast-Backup can run backups automatically on a daily, weekly or custom schedule.  See Automatic Backups.

Yes.  Fast-Backup lets you adjust its operating speed, helping reduce its effect on other people using the network.

When a backup is complete, Fast-Backup can create a desktop shortcut that runs the same backup again.

Fast-Backup also creates a _FAST-BACKUP folder on the destination drive.  You can run the backup again by opening that folder and double-clicking the Fast-Backup icon.

Yes.  Fast-Backup Version 4.01 is free and open source under the MIT License.  There is no trial period, purchase, registration code or paid upgrade.  The source code is available from the Download page.

The 64-bit version is recommended for most Windows computers.  Choose the 32-bit installer only if your computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.

Both installers are available on the Download page.

Yes.  The Fast-Backup installers are digitally signed by Acclaim Software Ltd so Windows can verify their publisher and integrity.

Read the error shown in Fast-Backup and check the error log for more detail.  Then consult the built-in Help System, the online Help page and the questions on this page.

Fast-Backup displays current activity and errors in its main window.  It also records history and error logs in the managed Fast-Backup folders on the destination.

Start with the built-in Help System and the online Help page.  If those resources and this FAQ do not resolve a genuine Fast-Backup problem, see the Support page.

Email support is intended for unresolved Fast-Backup issues rather than general Windows or network questions.