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• Information Technology
• > New Services
• > Backup Service

Retrospect

What is Retrospect?

• Retrospect is a system to back up documents on campus desktops automatically. 
• This is a system which backs up everything in the “My Documents” (PC) or “Documents” (Mac) to Dial.
• The backups are stored in Dial and shipped to an off-site location.

Why would I want to use it?

• Retrospect does your backups automatically, so you not need to remember to do it yourself. • You do not need to find somewhere to store your own backups.

How do I use it?

• The Retrospect client needs to be installed on your computer.
• To verify that Retrospect has already been installed on your computer, go to the Applications or Programs folder of your computer and look for Retrospect.
• If you do not see the application, please call the Drake Support Center at x3001 to schedule an installation visit.
• The first time Retrospect backups up the “My Documents” or “Documents” folder on your computer, it copies everything in those folders.  Each day thereafter, it backs up any new or changed files. This is an automatic process, so you won’t need to do anything.
• To check that Retrospect is working properly, open the application on your desktop and look at the date of the last backup.  If it is more than one business day old, it may be that your computer was turned off, or not connected to the Drake network during Retrospect’s daily sweep.If your computer was indeed on and connected to the Drake network, please call the Support Center and report the problem.

NOTE: In order for Retrospect to back up your files your computer must be connected to the Drake network on campus and must be turned on. Computers that are shut down or are not connected to the Drake network will not be backed up. If you take your computer off campus, it will not be backed up. However, once you connect it back to the Drake network, it will perform the necessary back-up procedure.

Is there anything I need to do in order to use it?

Users must store any documents or program files that they want to be automatically backed up in the “My Documents” folder on a PC or in the “Documents” folder on a Macintosh.

Files or programs not stored in those locations will not be automatically backed up by Retrospect.

Is this service available to everyone?

This service is available all who have desktop computers that are supported by OIT.

How do I get a file restored if I accidentally delete it from my computer?

The process for requesting that a file be restored to your desktop is to call the Drake Support Center. They will work with you to get your file restored.