File History and Restore Points
The newest backup is not always the version you need. A file may have been changed, corrupted or deleted before the problem was noticed.
Keep Earlier Versions
Fast-Backup can keep files that would otherwise be replaced or deleted during a backup. These older copies are stored in dated _OLD_yyyy_mm_dd folders on the backup drive.
You can keep no old copies, the last backup only, 30 days, 2 months, 6 months, 1 year or all old copies. The default is 2 months.
When File History Helps
- A file was deleted several days before anyone noticed.
- A document was changed and an earlier version is now required.
- A rarely used file became corrupted some time ago.
- A group of files needs to be examined as it appeared on an earlier date.
Ransomware and Earlier Versions
Earlier versions may help if files encrypted by ransomware are backed up before the problem is noticed. For stronger protection, keep removable backup drives disconnected when they are not being used. See Protecting Backups from Ransomware.
Restore a Folder to an Earlier Point in Time
Version 4 adds a Restore feature that can rebuild a folder as it appeared at a selected Keep Old restore point. Fast-Backup combines the appropriate older files with files from the current backup that had not yet changed.
The restored result is placed in a new folder called RESTORED_FOLDER at the location you choose. The current backup is not overwritten.
See Restore to an Earlier Time for complete instructions.
Restore Only What You Need
You can select an individual folder within a restore point instead of rebuilding the entire backup. Restoring a smaller folder is normally quicker and makes the recovered files easier to inspect.
If you need only one older file, you can also browse the dated _OLD_ folders and copy that file directly.
Managing the Available Space
The amount of history you can retain depends on the size of the backup drive and how many files change. When space becomes low, Fast-Backup removes the oldest retained history first so the current backup can continue.
Command-Line Compatibility
The current command-line option is