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DESCRIPTION
Data Backup 3 is a powerful utility that allows you to backup, restore and synchronize your valuable data with minimal effort. Whether you are a new computer user or a seasoned professional, Data Backup 3 offers you just the right amount of power, flexibility and ease-of-use to help you protect your files fast.
- Easy No complicated setup - built-in backup sets to quickly backup your iTunes or iPhoto files, other important data or your entire system.
- Custom create your own backup sets. Just drag and drop. "Fast Start" feature preselects the files to be backed up, saving you time (requires OS X 10.4+).
- Powerful Go "back in time" and see your files and directories, as they were when your backups happened.
- Schedule your backups to automatically run at a specific time, on a recurring basis or when a drive is connected.
- Have your Mac automatically wake from sleep to execute scheduled backups.
- Backups run whether you are logged in or not.
- Create a bootable clone of your hard drive.
- Choose to compress and/or password protect your backups.
- Flexible Backup to any mounted drive including FireWire, USB, ATA, or net worked drives. Backup to CD/DVD disks automatically span on multiple disks.
- Creates an exact copy of a folder or a drive, including bootable OS X backups.
- Synchronize folders - perfect if you use more than one computer.
WHAT'S NEW
Version 3.0.5:
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Turned off error messages when copying files with attributes to Appleshare volumes that do not support attributes (most NAS devices)
- Environment variables are now set for scripts under Mac OS X Leopard
- Fixed restores to folder with ACL set
- Fixed up some error messages to report properly
- Fixed full/incremental backups to work properly with network disks
- Fixed encrypted and compressed restores
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
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SCREENSHOT
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| Data Backup User Reviews (17 posts) | Write A Review |
 | Apr 15 2009 |
SJG70 This backup software does all that I want (backing up my harddrive, cloning, maintaining a copy of my PDF library on a Flashdrive). I think their support deserves some praise: they recently very efficiently resolved a problem I was having, quickly providing me with very clear, comprehensive information. In fact it is probably the most professional support experience I've had. They obviously want the software to work for you.
(Version 3.0.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Dec 7 2008 |
JEFF NAILEN I've had major problems with Data Backup over two versions: version 2 and the new version 3. I've really wanted to like this app as a highly recommended alternative to Retrospect. But I've had a series of problems over the years including executor problems and 'internal errors' once I finally got past the executor problems. What's worse, when I contacted tech support they just wanted to sell me the upgrade to version 3 rather than help with my problem. I had to be persistent and send more emails before they would actually provide tech support. Bad sign. Like a fool, I went ahead and upgraded to version 3 anyway (hoping it had been improved with the upgrade) after the executor problem had finally been solved by tech support only to encounter 'internal errors' when making routine, albeit extremely slow performing backups with version 3.0.5 (on a system I keep clean and running smoothly by performing routine weekly and monthly maintenance with the best utilities and no hacks). When this happens the backup stops. When you resume the backup after having to quit Data Backup and restarting, it doesn't pick up the backup where it left off, but starts over making it extremely slow. But it never finished a single complete backup due to 'internal errors' that are never explained so there's no way to solve the problem. Needless to say, I no longer use it because it simply doesn't work and tech support is slow and unresponsive. After doing much research including reading Joe Kissell's excellent Take Control eBooks, I now use dedicated apps for dedicated backups: Time Machine + an Apple Time Capsule for automatic hourly archive backups; the excellent SuperDuper for automatic bootable duplicates to an external drive; and CrashPlan Pro and BackJack for automatic offsite backups over the Internet. Once it's all set up as explained in Joe's eBooks it works consistently like a charm with no hassles. That's the way it should be. Don't buy this product; there are better ones out there with better tech support.
(Version 3.0.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
 | Aug 26 2008 |
DCH1951 If you ever have any problems or issues with this excellent program, simply delete it in it's entirety; I recommend either the included Uninstaller, but AppZapper or AppCleaner work fine as well. Reinstall it, run Disk Utility/Repair Permissions, then restart your Mac. Launch it, enter your registration info and everything will work as it should. This fix was provided by ProSoft, the author of the utility.
(Version 3.0.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
 | Feb 18 2008 |
PROWL Data Backup completely saved my computer. I had recently acquired Data Backup and was still in the trial mode in version 3.0. It was time to upgrade from OSX 10.4 to 10.5. For the first time ever, I made a clone of my entire hard drive prior to the system "upgrade and archive". I had never done this before, because Apple stuff "just works". Well, this time it didn't work. The 10.5 installer crashed, and left behind enough garbage on the disk that I did not have enough space to do another upgrade. My only option was to "erase and install" on a currently un-bootable computer. I did the erase and install, and used the Migration Assistant (Mac) to migrate all the files from the clone back to my computer. Everything was back to working - no data lost. The free trial (by fire, as it turned out) clearly demonstrated the value of the program, and I bought 3.0.4.
(Version 3.0.4) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jan 31 2008 |
JOHN LOACH I own three products now from ProSoft Engineering - Drive Genius, Data Rescue, and Data Backup. All three work exactly as described, with a very professional appearance and great attention to getting the job done. Data Backup is fast. Once you've created the initial backup, the subsequent version backups are fast and accurate. Restoring files from version dates is very easy and quick. Support is excellent, too. Good customer forum, and updates are always worth the investment.
(Version 3.0.4) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Oct 29 2007 |
ESPIRIDION As a comment to the previous reviewer, Time Machine is NOT a replacement for this type of software. Regarding Data Backup 3.0.3, when it works it is great. It’s not complicated and does what it’s supposed to do. In the past I cloned one drive and synchronized another. Unfortunately, there are many bugs while creating and saving -or trying to save- new sets. For example, sometimes after I select the source and destination drives, the summary at the top indicates “”. Other times, after I select a destination drive, a different drive is selected by Data Backup. This is absurd. Finally, when everything seems to work out fine and I decide to save the set, Data Backup quits. It’s unusable. I have recommended Drive Genius and Data Rescue II, but this one is pretty bad. Unfortunately the last time I contacted Prosoft I just received the following two messages: “Your comments have been forwarded to a Sales Agent...” “Your question has been forwarded to a Customer Support Specialist...“ I never got a response addressing my actual problem. I may email them regarding this issue, but meanwhile I’m giving Synk another try.
(Version 3.0.3) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Feb 14 2008 |
GLOBETROTTERDK Has the version 3.0.4 improved stability and performance compared to version 3.0.3? I am considering purchasing Data Backup.
(Version 3.0.4) | |
| Jul 28 2008 |
RAVEMAC.COM I have not experienced any better results than this poster. I have had to re-install the application several times to get it to work and customer support is, let's just say 'light.' I really want to like the app, versioned backups are a great idea and it appears to be easy to set up, now if they could make it so...
(Version 3.0.5) | |
| Oct 23 2007 |
MAC-KIWI It's obsolete with OSX 10.5. "TimeMachine" is the Future.
(Version 3.0.3) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Oct 22 2007 |
SHOTGUNWEDDINGS Excellent back up tool! Simple and straight forward. With this tool and SuperDuper (for it's scripting power), I'll be one happy Mac user! Thanks for a great product ProSoft, yet again!
(Version 3.0.3) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 30 2007 |
INGUTJE I've experienced with LaCie silverkeeper and apple backup, but Data Backup 3.0.1 is the first product to create a bootable clone of my harddisk and it did it in a simple way. Thanks a lot!
(Version 3.0.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jun 12 2007 |
ZEWS I just got Data Backup 3.0 with my brand new OWC external fire wire hard drive. For the first total back up of my Mac, I created a clone of my HD, so I would have a bootable external HD in case of an internal HD failure. The backup seemed to run just fine. I can open the drive and folders and run apps from there. However, I cannot boot the external drive. And when I try to, the spinning wheel just spins. After about 15 minutes of this, I gave up. The only way, I was able to stop the process, was by cutting the power to the computer. Always a nice way to deal with a computer. I thought I swithced to a Mac, because "Everything just works!" What a cruel joke, that turned out to be. Does anyone have any suggestions for better software than this.
(Version 3.0) | |
| [ 19 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jun 12 2007 |
MACUPDATE ADMIN SuperDuper!, I've been using it for months and it just works, perfectly.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 12 2007 |
ZEWS Well, I'm very happy for you :) I on the other hand, seem to have a rather useless program, that does not work as advertised. That does not do what it is supposed to do, which is, create a clone of an internal drive. All I really have is data backup, something I could have done, the way I have done it for many years. I wanted a bootable clone of my drive, which is what I thought I was getting. I clearly didn't get that. I feel, I'm right back where I was in Windows. Trying to figure out which program the culprit is. Is it Data Backup 3.0, is it the OS. Calling tech support of the company that sold me the hard drive has already wasted several hours of my time, without the desired result. Next I will probably be talking to the software publisher's tech support geniuses, and if (when) that doesn't work out, I may end up talking to Apple tech support. And then I will most likely end up in the unending cycle, of "it's not us, it's the hardware", and "it's not us, it's the software.", and "it's not us, it's the OS", etc. Until I am ready to give up on this program and move to the next computing disaster. Everything on the Mac is always advertised and raved about as "it just works". Well, it clearly doesn't just work.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 12 2007 |
MACUPDATE ADMIN You wrote: "Does anyone have any suggestions for better software than this." Thus my response to you. SuperDuper!, that works perfectly. You're welcome. Have a nice day.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 13 2007 |
Gordon from Prosoft here.. Have you spoken to Prosoft Support? Just wondering.. Making a bootable clone of your main boot drive, onto an external FW drive is the main way people use Data Backup 3, so to hear you're having problems with it is cause for concern on our end... Prosoft support is free by phone or email- | |
| Jun 13 2007 |
ZEWS I have. I have not received a response yet.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 13 2007 |
GORDON BELL Ok, i will find out from support if they've heard recently from anyone with this problem (I'm not sure if you use "Zews" in your email to us and therefore will just check into what open items are still not replied to... Also, you can call me toll free if you'd like at 1-877-477-6763 -- I'm interested in hearing more about it (when the email was sent, etc, so I can try to find out why the response has been so slow). Usually our team replies that same day and it sounds like it's taken a few days.. I just want to see if anything is broken on our end and I appreciate your help ---thanks! | |
| Jun 13 2007 |
GORDON BELL I just checked with support and it looks like the only contact we have from you is from today, about 30 minutes ago (two voicemails) as well as two emails to our support form around the same time. Typically we can turn around and get back to folks within the hour. I believe you should hear from one of our support members shortly -- Thanks for your notes and we look forward to working with you in a short bit--- | |
| Jun 13 2007 |
ZEWS That's strange. I did not call. I only sent an email.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 13 2007 |
GORDON BELL My mistake.. Someone here mentioned two messages from you and I always think "messages" means Voicemails.. It turns out that person meant the two emails... Nonetheless a tech is replying to you as I type..
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 13 2007 |
ZEWS That is still strange, because as far as I know, I only sent one email. I did however receive two identical auto responses.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 15 2007 |
I'm wondering how it is going.. I believe you spoke to someone in support...
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 15 2007 |
ZEWS It's not going well. Someone called David called and left a message, but I was not available, and won't be until after the weekend. I did not speak with anyone though. I did receive an email also, with suggestions of what i should do to fix things. Start with downloading and installing an update. Change rule settings that are loaded automatically each time, but it seems, that are not supposed to load. And would I please let Prosoft know, if they do load again. Given the rave reviews SuperDuper seems to receive, both here as well as on versiontracker.com, I wanted to try out that program since it is shareware. Unfortunately, I seem to be having trouble with that program also, since it is severly reduced in it's functionality, if you don't have a registered copy. Which of course you must buy. Strange, even Microsoft lets me use Office for a full 30 days. And Apple ditto with a number of their programs.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 20 2007 |
SIMURGH Just because it is an external HD doesn't mean it is bootable. The hardware has to support such functionality as well. You should probably contact the HD manufacturer to make sure that it allows for this.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 20 2007 |
GORDON BELL Hello Again Zews, Our support team has tried contacting you a few times since the first set of contact but haven't heard back from you. Please do contact us again as we'd love to help you out, especially since you're attempting something (want to make a bootable clone) that most of our customers do without fail. There may be a few exclusions set in your backup that are causing the backup to not be bootable- Please call or email us when you get a chance--- gordon from prosoft
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 20 2007 |
ZEWS That's true. I have been contacted a coupple of times via email by a David. I do appreciate the effort. Having said that, for now I am pretty much fed up with my computer (again). You see, I just switched from Windows, after suffering those indignities for way too many years. Suffice to say, I am a bit fruistrated to say the least, to find out, that this platform has it's own annoyances, and I am just not ready to get back on the phone yet again. Besides, in a couple of days, I am going on vacation for a few seeks with my family. Even though I cannot boot from the external drive, I have backed up my data, so for now that should be enough. Since nobody is going to use the comnputer the next few weeks, I do not have to worry about a crash anyway. Maybe, after I return I will be ready to wrestle with this again.
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 21 2007 |
I can definitely understand the situation, i've been there before and you're totally right, it's good to take a break from it when it gets to that point... I wish you safe travels and should you wish to revisit this when you get back in town, we're here to help.. gordon from prosoft---
(Version 3.0) | |
| Jun 27 2007 |
ZO219 I could be wrong, but I thought the only firewire drives that would boot were NOT bus powered, but with an external power source. Check it out.
(Version 3.0.1) | |
| Sep 13 2007 |
BONGO_X I think you are right, I think Apple is screwing you. I would switch back to Windows if I were you.
(Version 3.0.1) | |
| Oct 22 2007 |
SHOTGUNWEDDINGS bongox: You hit the nail on the head. Switch back Zews, and enjoy the virus' and popups! Zews: First off, as usual, like most end users, you fail to mention what your setup , OSX? HD? And did you even both to verify if your primary boot drive is working 100% by using Apple's Disk Utility to repair permissions and verify the drive's integrity???? And what's the bloody partition type on the external? So many factors at work here it's pathetic! You whine about a lack of help but fail to even try to help yourself by being unavailble and give vague details.
(Version 3.0.3) | |
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