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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is DataSafe?
DataSafe is an offsite data backup service that allows computer users to routinely backup and recover their important data through a secure and encrypted Internet connection.
If you use your computer to create and save valuable data for business or personal reasons, you should make some type of backup of your important data to prevent a total loss in the event of any kind of system failure or human error. Simple data backup can be done by saving your data to multiple locations, copying the data from its original location to removable media, another hard drive, or another computers hard drive on the network.

To make this task easier, specialized programs known as Backup Software exist to aid users in regularly making a backup copy of their data. Since some users are not interested in managing the tasks necessary for maintaining their own backups, we created DataSafe. DataSafe is designed to routinely and automatically copy your important files to a private, secure location in our data center by securely transmitting your data over your existing Internet connection.
If you have a working Internet connection on your computer, you can use DataSafe to keep your important files safe from disaster on a daily basis.

2. I have a slow Internet connection, does it make sense for me to use DataSafe?
Depending on the speed of your connection and the size of your backup, your initial backup over the Internet may take several hours or even days. Many people with large backup sizes and slower Internet connections will often run their first backup over the weekend. Once the first backup is completed, each subsequent backup is usually a small amount of data that can be backed up in just minutes over a slower dialup connection.
Our software can also resume a canceled backup, so you can start the backup during your slow times and cancel it during your busy times. The next time you start the backup, it will pick up from where it was canceled until the entire backup is complete.

3. What files should I select?
We recommend your entire hard drive but if you choose you may be more selective in what you back up. In general, you can avoid backing up any programs that you can reinstall from a purchased CD, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.). Try to focus your selection on things like your "My Documents" folder and data files of your important programs like accounting, income tax, contact management, graphics, etc. Our software comes with predefined filters, which allow you to automatically select categories of files without knowing where all the files are located. Check the online help for Filters to learn how they can be used.

4. What happens if I exceed my quota?
In most cases, your account will allow you to exceed your paid storage quota on the backup server. If you exceed your quota, it is likely that a message will pop-up on your screen to notify you that you have exceeded your quota and you should contact your Teklinks representative at 205-314-6600.

5. How do I delete files from the Backup server?
In order to control how much data is stored on the backup server, your software allows you to view all of the data stored on the server and selectively remove files from the server. To view the data stored under your account, run your online backup software and click on the folder tab labeled "Restore". In the left windowpane, Right-Click on the Desktop icon and select "Get Volume List from Server". This will show you each computer that has been backed up to your account. Now you can navigate the folders to see what data is stored on the server. To delete files, click on the button with the Red "X" to enable the Delete Files mode. Mark any files you wish to delete by clicking your mouse in the empty box next to the file(s) you wish to delete. Click the "Delete Files Now" to issue the command to delete the selected files from the server. WARNING: Once a file is deleted from the server, it can no longer be restored.

6. Can I backup more than one computer to my account?
Yes. We allow you to backup any number of computers to your account. You only pay for the storage space that you use. Your account should already be setup to allow you to backup several computers. If you have any problems backing up more computers to your account, simply call us at 205-314-6600 or E-mail support@teklinks.com to request additional computers on your account.

7. Should I also have a local backup in addition to my online backup?
It's up to you. Users that want an added level of protection may perform local backups in addition to their offsite backup. When it comes to your important data, you can never be too safe. Since everyone has different needs, you'll need to determine what is right for you.

8. How can I get a receipt for the services billed to my credit card?
You can use your Username & Password to log-in and then view your account history and print any receipts for charges to your credit card.

9. How do I change my billing information?
You can use your Username & Password to log-in and then change your credit card and other billing information on the site.

10. How do I cancel my online backup service?
We never like to see anyone cancel their online service, but in the event you must cancel your service, please call us at 205-314-6600 and a Teklinks representative will be glad to assist you.

11. What do I do if I have trouble connecting to the server or performing a backup?
During business hours (8am - 5pm CST) you can call our technical support group at 205-314-6600 for assistance. You can also view the technical support section of our web site for some helpful information.

12. Can I backup open and locked files with the online backup software?
In the case of many backup software programs, files and databases that are in use during the backup may not get backed up successfully because they are locked to prevent any other program from altering the data.

13. What is a FastBIT backup?
A. The FastBIT patching process is the core technology behind our speedy backup service. The patching process involves the comparison of two different versions of the same file and extracting the differences between the files. When the differences are extracted from the two files, they are saved into a new file and compressed into what is known as a Patch. The patch file is often 85% to 99.9% smaller than the file which the patch was extracted from originally.

In order to perform a FastBIT backup, the software has to backup the files 3 times: the first backup is a full, the next backup will perform an incremental, and the third performs the first FastBIT backup.