One of the key functions that Soonr provides is real time backup. When you installed the desktop software (you did install it right?) you were asked to choose a folder to backup. If you are a Windows user, the default folder of “My Documents” is chosen for backup. This will get your documents, pictures, and even videos if you are using XP. If you are a Windows Vista user, it will just get your documents, exactly as indicated by the title.
There may be other folders that you want to protect that are outside of the “My Documents” folder. It is very easy to add a folder(s) to your backup set. In fact, you can even specify file types that you don’t want to backup such as temporary files or log files. Let’s take a look at two ways to add folders to your backup set.
Opening your Desktop Agent
The first thing you need to do is to open the desktop agent program. Find the program icon on your status bar and right click to get a local menu. Choose to “Open” the program or double click on the icon to open it up. There’s a quick overview of your backup status and a few buttons along the right side. Click on the “Settings” button to get a window displaying a list of all the folders that are currently protected.
Add a folder using Drag and Drop
The easiest way to add a folder is to simply drag it from Windows File Explorer and drop it into the Soonr desktop agents’ list of protected folders. You’ll see the folder appear in the list and in moments the backup will begin.
Drag and drop folders from File Explorer to the Soonr desktop agent
Choose from the Folder Tree
If you want a more visual way to do this, click on the “Manage Backups” button on the lower right of the “Settings” window and you will see a window showing the folder tree on the left and pie chart on the bottom showing your backup status. Browse your folder tree and then select the folders that you would like to backup. That’s it!
When you see a green checkmark next to the folder, this means the folder has been selected for backup. Note that all sub-folders are also included if you pick a top level folder. If the box is a solid green color, this means that there is a sub-folder selected for backup, but the folder is not selected.
Select folders and exclusions using a familiar folder tree interface
Include or Exclude File Types
At the right is an area where you can choose what types of files you want to include in your backup set. You can choose any combination of the common file types listed. By default ALL files are protected. There is also a button to “Exclude Types” of files. This is normally used for temporary files or files that change so rapidly that it wouldn’t make sense to keep backing up versions continuously. This might include database files that are never closed or log files that constantly grow in size as entries are appended to them. For most users, these file types will not be an issue since they won’t choose system folders where these kinds of files usually reside.
When you are done click “Finish”, “OK” and then close the desktop agent. Within moments the Soonr icon in your task tray will begin to pulse green to show that there is activity. You can see the progress in real-time by looking at the Backup Status. Right click on the Soonr in the status bar and choose “Backup Status” to see the details.
Check the real-time backup activity
Your files are being protected now!
