1311 - How to back up a machine using the RedApp – Redstor

Introduction

Backup and recovery of machines form part of our cloud service. To back up a machine, follow the steps below. If you have already downloaded an agent installer file, skip to here.

Please note: An installer file deployed from the RedApp is valid for 48 hours and can be used on unlimited machines.

If you need help recovering a machine, see Article 1316.

How to back up a machine using the RedApp

Step 1: Create a folder to house your machine's agent

1. In the RedApp, locate the relevant customer name in the sidebar and click on it.

2. Click on Machines in the sidebar.

3. Click on Add folder at the top.

You will be asked to provide a name for your folder.

Note:

A folder refers to what is known as a group in the Storage Platform Console. Multiple folders (groups) form a collection.
You can also choose to add a collection instead of a group by expanding the menu and clicking Add collection.

4. Once the folder has been created, you will see an overview of your new folder.

5. Click the menu icon next to the Deploy button to expand the folder actions. Select Set storage limit.

6. Set a default storage limit for machines in this folder, and click the check mark to save.

Step 2: Deploy an agent to install on your machine

1. On the folder overview, click on Deploy at the top.

2. Select your operating system.

3. We recommend enabling Full system backup and Remote access.

Enabling remote access means that once the agent is installed on a machine, you can open a remote connection to that machine any time, and from anywhere, as long as the machine is on/powered. To remotely access a machine from the RedApp, click the menu to the right of the machine listing and go to Download remote agent.

You will need to download and execute the provided .exe file to create a secure tunnel to the agent. You can then trigger backups, manage files, etc. as if you were physically using the machine.

4. Provide an encryption key, or use the generated key, and store this key in a safe place. Then click Download to get the installer file for the backup agent. This installer file will be valid for 48 hours and you can use it on unlimited machines.

Step 3: Install and set up the agent on your machine

Windows

1. Run the downloaded installer file on the machine you want to backup.

2. Once the installation has completed, you can open the Agent from the Start Menu. If the application is not yet visible, you can open the tray application in C:\Program Files\Redstor Pro\Backup Client ESE from the File Explorer.

Mac

See also: How to install ESE on macOS

If your version of OSX does not allow the option to install software from outside sources, you will first need to run the following master command to enable the installation of the Agent.

sudo spctl -master-disable

To install, proceed as follows:

1. Run the following command, replacing <filename> with the installer executable's name.

chmod +x /<filename>

2. Run the installer. (You may need to add sudo at the beginning.)

./<filename>

The operating system will display a notification that the app was not downloaded from the App Store. Click OK.

3. Allow the downloaded file under System Preferences > Security and Privacy > General and run the installer again.

4. Once the installation has completed, you can start the Agent UI by running

/Applications/Redstor Pro ESE.app/Contents/MacOS/backupprogui

from Terminal. Alternatively, using Finder, select Applications and run Redstor Backup ESE.

5. A prompt will display regarding full disk acccess permissions. Click Open System Preferences.

6. Go to Security & Privacy. Click on the Privacy tab, select Full Disk Access, and grant access to the Redstor ESE Agent.

7. Relaunch the ESE Agent from the Applications Drawer. You are now ready to create an account and select files for backup. For more information on account creation, see Article 104 from Step 3 onwards.

8. From Terminal, run the following command to stop allowing third-party installations.

sudo spctl -master-enable

Linux

1. Replacing "filename" with the installer executable's name, run

sudo chmod +x ./{filename}

then

./{filename}

This will trigger a silent install of the agent into the default installation folder.

2. Once the installation has completed, you can start the Agent UI by launching "Redstor Pro ESE" from the desktop, or by running

backupprogui

from Terminal.

For more on ESE for Linux, see Article 1027.

Step 4: Start backing up

To run your first backup, click the Backup button at the top.

For more on how to manage your backups from the ESE user interface, see Article 105. You can also edit the backup selection if you do not want to backup the machine's full system.

If you need help recovering the machine, see Article 1316.