CrashPlan Overview 

CrashPlan is a data backup solution designed to protect your digital files and data. It automatically backs up your files to the cloud, ensuring they are safe and can be recovered in case of data loss from hardware failures, accidental deletions, or cyberattacks.

Key Features

• Continuous, Invisible Backup: Monitors your files in real-time and updates the backup whenever changes are made.
• Unlimited Backup: No limits on the amount of data you can back up.
• Protection Anywhere: Be protected while traveling, at home, or on campus.
• Data Encryption: Ensures that your information is secure during transmission and storage.
• Easy Interface: Manage backups and perform restores with an intuitive interface.
• Versioning: Access previous versions of your files.

How to Get CrashPlan Cloud Backup?

You can install CrashPlan on a Rowan-managed computer through:

• Windows: Company Portal
• Mac: Self Service

Windows

1. Click on the Start Button and select Company Portal.
   
   
   
   
2. Click on the Apps tab on the left hand side of the screen and then select CrashPlan from the list of available applications.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Install button to begin installing CrashPlan.
   
   
   
   
4. Once the installation is complete, close Company Portal.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Click on the Start Button and select CrashPlan.
   
   
   
   
6. CrashPlan will open a web browser requesting you to log in. Follow the prompts. 
   
    
   
   
7. CrashPlan will display a message stating sign in successful. Close the web browser window and click on the CrashPlan window.
   
   
   
   
8. For new installations, select Add New Device. For replacing existing devices, select Replace Existing.
   
   
   
   
9. Click Yes to confirm a new device.
   
   
   
   
10. Setup of CrashPlan is complete.
    
    

macOS

1. Click the Self Service icon in the Dock.
   
   
   
   
2. Enter CrashPlan in the search field.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Install button under the CrashPlan 11 icon to start the installation process.
   
   
4. Once the install has finished, close Self Service.
5. Browse to the Applications folder and launch (double-click) CrashPlan.app.
6. CrashPlan will open a web browser requesting you to log in. Follow the prompts.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Your web browser will display a message stating sign in successful. Close the web browser window and click on the CrashPlan window.
   
   
   
   
   
8. For new installations, select Add New Device. For replacing an existing devices, select Replace Existing.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Select Yes to confirm a New Device.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Setup of CrashPlan is complete.
    
    

How Much Space Do I Have?

CrashPlan provides unlimited cloud backup storage for users. It also retains multiple versions of your data, ensuring that no valuable content is lost.

What Data is Backed Up?

Each user has full control over what data is backed up. By default, CrashPlan backs up all data on your local hard drive, including hidden folders, while excluding system and program data.  

What Data is NOT Backed Up?

The CrashPlan app is designed to back up user files, not system files or applications. To ensure optimal performance, the following data is excluded from backups:

• Cloud Storage Cache Files: Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive cache files (these are already backed up separately).
• Outlook Data Files: Already backed up on Rowan’s Exchange server.
• Browser Data: Caches, cookies, and temporary files.
• H Drive (Network Storage): all network storage is excluded.
• Redirected Profiles: are excluded except for SOM users.
• System Files: Working files, logs, and other operating system data.
• Databases: Database files are not included.
• Virtual Machines: VM files are excluded.
• Temporary Files: User temp files are not backed up.

Please see Appendix below for a breakdown of what is excluded from backups.

For detailed instructions see CrashPlan's documentation: https://support.crashplan.com/hc/en-us/articles/8693725623949--Files-excluded-from-backup-by-default-in-CrashPlan

How Often is Data Backed Up?

CrashPlan backs up any changes to your data every 15 minutes. The application is designed to use minimal processing power to prevent system slowdowns. However, due to this optimization, the initial data sync may take several days to complete.

To ensure a smooth backup process, keep your computer turned on, plugged in, and connected to the internet as much as possible during the initial sync.

Version Retention Policy:

• First week: a version is saved every 15 minutes
• After one week: a version is saved once per day
• After 90 days: a version is saved once per week
• After one year: a version is saved once per month
• Deleted files: removed every 6 months

How to Control What Data is Backed Up

Once CrashPlan is installed, you have full control over which data is backed up. To adjust your backup setting:

1. Open the CrashPlan application and sign in with your Rowan credentials
2. Click Manage Files
3. Select the folders you would want backed up.
4. (Optional) Deselect any files or folders you do not want backed up. 
   • Warning: If you deselect files or folders, a Delete Files from Backup warning will appear.  
   • After confirming and clicking Delete, the deselected files will be permanently removed from the backup archive during the next daily maintenance cycle.

For detailed instructions, see CrashPlan's documentation: https://support.crashplan.com/hc/en-us/articles/9115803549965-Change-the-file-selection-Enterprise-

How to Validate Your Data Has Backed Up Successfully

Option 1: Check Your Files in CrashPlan

1. Open the CrashPlan application and sign in with your Rowan email address.
2. Click Restore Files button 
3. Select your machine name (if applicable - should be first listed) from list 
4. For macOS:
   • Navigate to your Documents folder: (Macintosh HD → Users → YourUserName→ Documents)
   • Ensure the file list matches the files on your local Documents folder. 
   • IMPORTANT: Verify that the file sizes are not 0 KB or 0 bytes, as this may indicate backup issues.
5. For Windows:
   • Browse to a known folder that is flagged for backup
   • Ensure the file list matches the files on your local folder. 
   • IMPORTANT: Verify that the file sizes are not 0 KB or 0 bytes, as this may indicate backup issues. Redirected Profiles are excluded except for SOM users.

Option 2: Check the Backup History

1. Open the CrashPlan application and sign in with your Rowan email address.
2. View the History log to view all backed up files and folders.
   • For macOS: Click Window menu and History.
   • For Windows: Click Tools menu and select History.
3. Review the backup history log for a complete record of successful backups.

For detailed instructions, visit CrashPlan's documentation: https://support.crashplan.com/hc/en-us/articles/9055253967245-Check-the-status-of-your-backup

How to Restore Your Data? 

1. Open the CrashPlan application and sign in with your Rowan email address
2. Click Restore Files and select the backup from the computer you want to restore
3. Choose the files or folders you want to restore, then click Restore Files

For detailed instructions, visit CrashPlan's documentation: https://support.crashplan.com/hc/en-us/articles/8766242390157-Download-files-from-the-CrashPlan-app-Enterprise-

Device Limits & Transfers

1. How May Devices Can I Install CrashPlan On?
   • Each user license allows installation of CrashPlan on up to four devices (Mac or Windows).
2. Can I Transfer My Device to Another User?
   • You must contact IRT prior to transferring your device to another user, as stated in the Workstation Use & Security Policy, to ensure the device meets current security requirements and that all data is properly secured. 

Appendix

This appendix provides a detailed breakdown of files and folders excluded by default in CrashPlan backups. These exclusions ensure optimal performance and avoid backing up unnecessary or problematic files. Refer to this list as a reference when configuring or troubleshooting backup behavior.

General File Exclusions

These files are excluded regardless of the operating system:

File Extensions

• Commonly excluded file types include:
  • Virtual disk images: .vmdk, .vhd, .qcow2.
  • Temporary and system files: .tmp, .ost, .plist.
  • Backup files: .bkf, .bck.
  • Others: .iso, .pkg, .raw.

Specific File Names

• Examples include:
  • Thumbs.db, memory.dmp, pagefile.sys, hiberfil.sys.

Partial and Database Files

• Partial downloads: .part, .crdownload.
• SQLite and database-related files: -shm, -wal, .db (e.g., .musicdb, .tvdb).

Hidden Files

• Files starting with a dot, such as .icloud, .manifest, .tmp.
  
  

General Folder Exclusions

Certain folders related to caches, temporary files, or transient data are excluded:

Caches and Temporary Files

• /Cache/, /Cookies/, /Temp/, /tmp/.

Development Tools

• /node_modules/, .gradle/, /.vscode/extensions/.

Version Control and Sync Services

• .git/, .dropbox.cache/.

Metadata and Previews

• /iPod Photo Cache/, /Lightroom.*Previews.lrdata/.

Operating System-Specific Exclusions

Windows

• System Directories:
  • /System Volume Information/, /Windows.old/, /Temporary Internet Files/, /Users/All Users/, /NTUSER/.
• Critical System Files:
  • autoexec.bat, boot.ini, pagefile.sys, hiberfil.sys, ntdetect.com.
• Backup and Restore Directories:
  • /MSOCache/, /$WINDOWS.~BT/, /CrashPlan/.
• Virtual Environments:
  • Cygwin directories, e.g., /cygwin64/bin/.
    
    

macOS

• System Folders:
  • /System/, /Library/, /Applications/, /bin/, /sbin/, /cores/, /var/.
• Temporary Storage:
  • /backups.backupdb/, /MobileBackups/, /Trash/, /Desktop DB, /Desktop DF.
• Media Libraries:
  • /Photos Library.*/Thumbnails/, /iPhoto Library/Thumbnails/, /imovielibrary/.*/Render Files/.
• Hidden/System Files:
  • .DS_Store, .Spotlight-.*, .fseventsd.