Carbonite Support Knowledge Base

Important Things to Know About Carbonite Safe as You Get Started

This article contains information about Carbonite Safe that you may not be aware of when first installing the software.

How to Tell What Is Backed Up

You can check the status and the contents of your backup through the Carbonite software or through your Carbonite account online.

Requesting a Courier Recovery Drive for Carbonite Safe

You can request Courier Recovery to receive a copy of your backed up files on an external hard drive.

Restoring Previous File Versions

Carbonite keeps up to 12 versions of your changed files, so that you have multiple points in time to restore from in the event of a disaster. Review this article for more details on how Carbonite handles previous versions of your files, and how you can restore them with the Carbonite software.

Checking Your Backup Progress

When Carbonite finishes backing up a file, the status indicator in the Carbonite application will update. If Carbonite does not appear to be moving, it is most likely backing up a large file.

Importing Your Sticky Notes

You can easily restore your backed up Sticky Notes data file through the Carbonite Backup Drive. The only way to import your restored Sticky Notes data file is to move it to the correct location on your computer.

Getting Started with Carbonite Safe

You can use the Carbonite application to back up your files to Carbonite’s secure servers. When you need to get your files back, you can use Carbonite to restore your files at any time.

Storage of Data After Expiration

Carbonite keeps your backed up data on our servers for a limited time after expiration in case you decide to continue with your coverage Depending on your expired account status, Carbonite will permanently remove your backed up data after 30 or 60 days.

Carbonite Cancellations and Refunds

To cancel your Carbonite subscription, deactivate automatic renewal to prevent future renewals. After your plan is expired for 30 or 60 days, your backed up data will be permanently removed from Carbonite and Carbonite will no longer function on your computer.

File Types Carbonite Backs Up for Carbonite Safe

Carbonite automatically backs up the files that are most important to you, such as your pictures, documents and music. By intelligently scanning your computer, Carbonite does not include unnecessary files, which improves backup and restore speeds. Less common types of files can be manually added to your Carbonite backup. Review this article to understand what is and is not included in your backup.

Known Issue: Asus WebStorage Prevents Carbonite Status Dots from Appearing

Asus WebStorage uses icon overlays on files within Windows Explorer like Carbonite. As a result, this app can conflict with Carbonite and prevent it from displaying the status dots on your pending and backed up files.

Known Issue: Carbonite Status Dots Don't Display on Backed Up Files

Carbonite status dots don't display on backed up files in File Explorer.

Known Issue: Unable to Select Files for Back Up

Some files such as pictures and .PDFs can occasionally be marked as temporary files due to the nature of the software used to create or import them. Files with the temporary attribute cannot be backed up by Carbonite. In most cases, a new copy of the file can be created that would remove this attribute and allow Carbonite to select it for backup. This can be done by zipping the file with the Windows compression tool, and then unzipping it.

Stuck Backup and Backup Errors

Carbonite backs up your computer automatically. However, there may be some instances that prevent Carbonite from backing up your computer properly.

Carbonite Release Notes (Mac 2x)

You can view the latest Carbonite release notes in this article.

Backing Up Files on an External Hard Drive (Mac 1x)

You can use Carbonite to back up files on an external hard drive from Carbonite within the Apple System Preferences.

Stuck Backup and Backup Errors (Mac 1x)

If your backup appears slow or stuck on your Mac, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Known Issue: "Carbonite File Access is Currently Unable to Locate Files and Folders with Special Characters" or Red X Appears in Anytime Anywhere Access

Anytime Anywhere Access may display an error when attempting to download certain folders or files. This is caused either by the inclusion of special characters in the folder or file name, or for security. You may also see a red X on a file in AAA, meaning the file cannot be downloaded. Carbonite's Anytime Anywhere Access system prevents the download of files that may contain personal credentials. Review this KB for more details.

Scheduling Your Backup for Carbonite Safe

Carbonite is designed to always be running. You can alternatively schedule your backup to start at a specific time or prevent backup activity between certain hours. Creating a custom schedule allows you to control when Carbonite uses your system resources.

Carbonite Windows Version Release Notes

Carbonite Version 6.6.0 is the latest version of the Carbonite product. We are sure you will like the many enhanced features. Installing and identifying your computer(s) is easier than ever. Backing up your files is simpler and there is additional information provided about the status of your backed up files. Restoring your files is now even quicker and easier with additional choices for files you would like to restore first and choosing a destination for your restored files.

Backing Up an Important File Right Away

By default, Carbonite backs up the first changes made to a file within 10 minutes of the file changing in each 24-hour period. Any changes made after 10 minutes will be scheduled for back up within 24 hours. You can manually instruct Carbonite to back up those changes immediately to ensure they are safe and secure on Carbonite's servers.

Moving Carbonite Safe to Another Windows Computer

You can transfer your Carbonite Safe subscription from your old computer to your new or repaired computer to restore your files or start a new backup.

Importing QuickBooks

If you chose the Automatic setup when installing Carbonite, your data for the current versions of QuickBooks will be backed up by Carbonite.

Importing Your RoboForm Data

You will need to import your RoboForm files back into RoboForm in order to access them once they are restored by Carbonite.

Importing Peachtree Data

Peachtree uses several different file types and directories to store information on your computer. If you need to restore your Peachtree data, Carbonite recommends restoring these files to your Desktop. You can import your restored Peachtree data with these instructions.

Importing Google Chrome Bookmarks

Your Google Chrome bookmarks are saved in a file on your computer called Bookmarks and can be imported back into your Google Chrome web browser if necessary.

Installing Carbonite Safe and Initial Backup Selections

After you set up your Carbonite Safe account, you can install Carbonite to start backing up your files.

Importing Your iTunes Music

You can import your iTunes data by downloading the backed up copy and moving it into the correct location. After you finish restoring and moving the files, you may have to assign songs that were not originally located within the iTunes Media folder.

Disabling or Enabling Colored Dots on Files

Carbonite places colored status dots on your files and folders to indicate their backup status. Keeping the colored status dots enabled allows you to easily and quickly determine the status of your backed up files. The colored status dots can be enabled or disabled from within the Carbonite InfoCenter / application.

Locating the Carbonite Icon

The Carbonite icon is located in your Windows notification area / system tray at the bottom right of your screen. The Carbonite icon can be used to check the status of your backup, view and set options, and/or get assistance.

Determining the Status of Your Backup on Windows

You can check the status of your backup through the Carbonite application.

Importing Firefox Bookmarks

Your Firefox bookmarks are saved in a folder on your computer called Bookmarkbackups and can be imported back into your Firefox web browser.

Managing Your Private Encryption Key for Carbonite Safe

During the initial installation, Carbonite Safe allows you to manage your own encryption key for Windows computers.

Transferring Carbonite Safe Between Windows and Mac

You can transfer your existing Carbonite Safe subscription from Windows to a Mac computer.

Renewing Your Carbonite Safe Subscription

You can renew your Carbonite Safe subscription to continue backing up your files.

Known Issue: Carbonite Becomes Corrupted After Using Time Machine to Restore (Mac 2x)

After using Apple's Time Machine to restore your Mac, Carbonite becomes corrupted.

Known Issue: Legacy FileVault Prevents Carbonite from Backing up Files

Apple's disk encryption, FileVault, prevents Carbonite from backing up files.

Carbonite Safe Backup Pro Dashboard

As an administrator, you can view the backup status, review alerts, view the billing information and billing history, invite users and administrators, add computers, and perform other actions through the Dashboard. As a Billing Owner, you can perform all the same actions as an administrator as well as manage the billing information for your account.

Installing Carbonite Safe and Initial Backup Selections (Mac 2x)

After you set up your Carbonite Safe account, you can install Carbonite to start backing up your files.

Carbonite Post-Restore Checklist

This checklist will assist you with performing post restore functions to get your data where it needs to be and resume your backup.

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