crashplan

 

CrashPlan (formerly Code42 Cloud and before that CrashPlan Pro) is the College's secure online cloud backup solution for facutly and staff College-owned computers to protect all of your critical data.    

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m using the new CrashPlan or the old CrashPlan Pro?
Look for the CrashPlan Cloud icon Code42 icon near where the time is displayed on your desktop; right-click (or on a Mac control-click) and make sure it shows “Code42 Cloud USA East” for the backup location.  If you don’t see this, especially if you see “Marlboro,” you still need to upgrade.  Contact the Computing Help Desk for upgrade assistance.

How do I log in?
After installing CrashPlan, you will be prompted to sign in with your MyWellesley credentials.

How long will the initial backup take?
The initial backup may take a long time depending on the size of your files.  It will run in the background and not affect your productivity.

What if the initial backup is interrupted?
You can shut your computer down during the initial backup and CrashPlan will resume from where it left off next time your computer is turned on.  Of course, the initial backup will go more quickly if the computer isn't interrupted during the process.

What do I do after I install CrashPlan?
CrashPlan will continue to backup your computer regularly without any interaction as long as your computer has an internet connection.   The backups following the initial backup are incremental and therefore are much quicker than the first.

How can I restore lost data?
You can restore files on your own from the Code42 desktop client or through the Code42 web portal.

What will CrashPlan back up? 
By default, CrashPlan will back up your entire computer EXCEPT your programs/applications and the computer’s operating system.  It is a good habit to keep all of your data in your User folder (usually named after your username).
 
What if I don't want some things backed up?
If you have personal documents, non-work-related data, or are working with PI or PII that should not be backed up, you can create a folder anywhere on your computer with “Exclude” as the name.  CrashPlan will ignore that folder and the contents of that folder.
 
How often is my computer backed up?
By default, your computer will attempt to back up daily as long as it is connected to an internet connection (CrashPlan Cloud is no longer restricted to a Wellesley Secure network connection, like the old Crashplan was).
 
CrashPlan backs up new changes and retains the newest version in several intervals.  For more detailed information, please see CrashPlan’s website.
 
screenshot of Frequency and Versions settings menu

 

What if I delete a file?
Your backup will continue to have a copy of any deleted data. You can access this in the restore panel by selecting “show deleted items.” 

Where is the backup data stored?
The backups are encrypted and stored off-campus at CrashPlan’s cloud data centers.

How many computers can I back up?
Faculty and staff can install CrashPlan on up to four College-owned desktops and/or laptops.

Does it work on my laptop when I am not on campus?
Yes, CrashPlan will back up off campus as long as your computer has an internet connection. You no longer need to be connected to the VPN to back up.

What if I want to use Time Machine (for macOS) instead?
LTS recommends using our supported software CrashPlan.  If Time Machine or another solution is better for your needs, the Help Desk is happy to answer questions, and you can also contact Apple for technical support.  Please Note: CrashPlan should not be used in addition to Time Machine and other backup solutions as it may greatly reduce the speed and completion of your backups.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Help Desk at x3333 or helpdesk@wellesley.edu.