What is Continuous Data Protection (CDP)?

The Continuous Data Protection (CDP) feature automatically recognizes the changes made to the files/ folders (up to 500 MB in size) in the Backup set and backs them up in real-time.

CDP is executed only for smaller files as frequently modified data tends to be small. Also, it avoids slowing down your machine while you work on it. Large files (e.g. Outlook files) are backed up during the scheduled backup.

The temporary files, system files and mapped drives are excluded from the operation. CDP is not a replacement for the traditional schedule backup feature but works along with the scheduled backup to provide timely protection for your data.

Can I set the frequency of backups under Continuous Data Protection feature?

Yes, if you wish to customize the frequency of backups, go to the Continuous data protection feature, located in the Preferences Screen. Set any duration as preferred (Real-time, 10 minutes, 30 minutes or 60 minutes).

What are the advantages of Continuous Data Protection?

1. It prevents loss of data as the modified contents of the files are backed up automatically in real-time.

2. Frequently modified data is backed up in almost real-time. Thus, you can accurately restore an earlier version created on the same day. It is possible to go back up to 30 recent versions to restore.

Not all modified files in my Backup set were backed up. Why?

There are some default rules including size that decide the files that will be considered for the Continuous Data Protection operation. To minimize the impact of CDP on your normal PC functions at regular hours, the operation is executed only for files less than 500 MB. This usually covers most office and other documents that you work on during the day. The remaining files (in the Backup set) are considered during the normal Scheduled / Interactive backups. Temporary files, system files and mapped drives are excluded from the Continuous Data Protection operation. The scheduled backup is indispensable to ensure complete data backup.

Will the scheduled backups occur even when the Continuous Data Protection feature is enabled?

Yes. The Continuous Data Protection feature is designed to backup files less than 500 MB in real-time. It is not a replacement for the schedule backup operation - which backs up all the files in your Backup set and takes place even if you have enabled Continuous Data Protection.

The Continuous Data Protection will stop during the scheduled backup and resume once the scheduled job is complete.