Carbonite Support Knowledge Base

Removing Files From Your Backup

You can remove files, folders, and drives from the computer that has Carbonite installed and the deselected files will be removed from Carbonite backup within 72 hours.

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.

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.

Locating the Carbonite Backup Drive

The Carbonite Backup Drive lets you view files backed up to our server. You can access the Carbonite Backup Drive from within the File Explorer window.

Backing Up Your iTunes Music

When you install Carbonite using the Automatic setup option or allow Carbonite to automatically manage your backup, your iTunes music library will be backed up automatically if located in the default location. You can check the status of your iTunes music by looking for colored status dots on the icons of your music files. Music files will not be backed up automatically during the free trial period.

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.

Importing Family Tree Maker Data

Family Tree Maker stores its data in separate file types, depending on the type of data recorded. If you need to restore your Family Tree Maker data, Carbonite recommends restoring these files to your Desktop. You can import your restored Family Tree Maker data back into Family Tree Maker with these instructions.

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.

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.

Selecting Files for Backup

Carbonite automatically selects the data associated with your computer profiles. You can select additional data by right-clicking on the file or folder and selecting Carbonite; Back this up.

Importing Internet Explorer Favorites

Your Internet Explorer favorites are individual files. They are shortcuts to web sites you choose to save. You can restore your Internet Explorer favorites with the Carbonite Backup Drive and move them to the correct location on your computer.

Backing Up Your RoboForm Data

Carbonite will automatically back up your RoboForm data if you chose the default, Automatic setup when you installed the software. You may need to manually select this data for backup if you chose to manage your own backup during installation.

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.

Backing Up Your Internet Explorer Favorites

Your Internet Explorer favorites are saved as individual files on your computer. If you chose to let Carbonite manage your backup during installation, your Internet Explorer favorites will be backed up by default.

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.

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.

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 QuickBooks

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

Restoring from a Courier Recovery Drive for Carbonite Safe Plans

You can move your files from the recovery hard drive to your computer after you connect the external hard drive to your machine. After the data has been placed onto your system, you can continue your backup and ensure that your files are selected.

Backing Up Your Firefox Bookmarks

Carbonite does not back up your Mozilla Firefox bookmarks by default when Carbonite is managing your backup. Your Firefox bookmarks are saved in a folder on your computer entitled Bookmarkbackups and are able to be imported back into your Firefox web browser.

Opening the Carbonite Interface

The Carbonite interface displays information about your backup, subscription and account. The Carbonite interface allows you to set a backup schedule, restore files, manage your Carbonite account, and instruct Carbonite to use less of your Internet bandwidth.

The Backup Settings Page / Settings Tab for Carbonite Safe

You can configure Carbonite's settings so that system resources are used more efficiently. The Settings tab of the Carbonite InfoCenter (or the Backup settings page of the Carbonite application) allows you to toggle Carbonite's default backup selections, control how Carbonite uses Internet bandwidth, toggle Carbonite's colored status dots on or off, and set a backup schedule.

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 Neat Data

Neat stores all of its data in a single user directory. If you need to restore your Neat data, Carbonite recommends restoring these files to your Desktop. You can import your restored Neat data back into Neat with these instructions.

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 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.

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.

Backing Up Files on an External Hard Drive

You can back up files on a compatible external hard drive with Carbonite.

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.

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.

Viewing Your Expiration and Renewal Dates for Carbonite Safe

We will remind you to renew your Carbonite subscription prior to expiration if you are not enrolled in automatic renewal. If your subscription is not renewed, your backed up files will be removed from our servers within 30 days of your subscription expiration.

Backing Up Your Thunderbird Data

Mozilla Thunderbird keeps your email data within a hidden folder located on your computer. Carbonite does NOT add this location to your backup set by default. To ensure the files are backed up, navigate to the location where they are stored and select them for backup.

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.

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.

Encryption Key Password

You can choose an optional password for your encryption key during the initial installation

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.

Downloading Your Carbonite Safe Files with Anytime Anywhere Access

You can log into your Carbonite Safe account from any computer to view and download your files with Anytime Anywhere Access.

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.

Recovering from Crypto Viruses and Other Ransomware

CryptoLocker / Crypto Virus is a virus that encrypts your files and holds them for ransom unless you pay a fee to unlock them. If you have CryptoLocker and are unable to access your files, you should contact Carbonite Customer Care for help restoring a clean copy of your backed up files.

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.

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.

Locating Your Files After a Restore

Carbonite can restore your files to their original location or a new location of your choosing. If your files do not appear in their original locations, check your user folders (e.g. My Documents, Pictures, My Music, etc.).

Starting Your Backup Over

You can start your backup over by deselecting all files from within your Carbonite Backup Drive and reselecting only the locations you wish to back up. Any file not reselected for back up will be removed from our servers within 72 hours.

Backing Up Dropbox Files

You can select files in your Dropbox folder by right-clicking on them and selecting Carbonite; Back this up.

Entering and Exiting Recover Mode

When Carbonite scans for files to back up, it removes files you delete from the backup after 30 or 60 days to ensure your backup is up to date. You can enter Recover Mode to stop this timer if you need more time to restore your files. After your files are safely restored, you can exit Recover Mode to start backing up your files again.

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