Data Protection Service

Data Protection Service is available to SCS users for computers that are CMU-owned and running an operating system supported by SCS Computing Facilities, including:

• Windows 10, 11
• macOS 12.6.3 Monterey, 13.1 Ventura, 14 Sonoma
• Ubuntu Dragon (18.04 LTS, 20.04 LTS) 

The data protection system used on the above platforms is Code42 CrashPlan. Important features of this service are:

• Data is copied while the client machine is connected to any network.

• Multiple restore points are possible for files that change often.

• Users may restore data themselves, either to the original client machine or to another system.

• Users may adjust, to an extent, what data is protected, as well as some operational characteristics of the client.

Important Notes

SCS hosts are not automatically enrolled in the SCS Data Protection Service; this must be requested. See the section below on how to tell if a host is being backed up if you are uncertain if your host is enrolled.

Data copied from hosts to the data protection server is not archived to tape. Six months of restore points are maintained on the server; data older than six months is removed automatically. The most recent copy of the data from the mobile client will always be available for restores.

In the default configuration, the mobile client checks for file changes every 15 minutes and uploads any changed file to the server. This interval is configurable by the user.

In order to enable SCS data protection, you must install the Code42 client software on your computer. When you register your computer for the data protection service, you will received an e-mail from SCS Computing Facilities with instructions on where to retrieve the client and how to configure it.

Determining What Data is Protected

The default definition for hosts enrolled are the user home directory for the person who activated the Code42 client.

If you would like other drives/folders defined for backup, you must open the Code42 CrashPlan client and specify those other locations.

Special Requirements

Because data is copied from hundreds of SCS hosts nightly, machines with special data protection requirements need to be handled on a case-by-case basis. Special requirements such as:

• Large amounts of data that change on a frequent basis
• Data archiving or data written to tape can be accommodated through the traditional TiBS-based backup system. 

Register for Data Protection Service

Before you can start using the CrashPlan client, you must register for SCS Data Protection Service.  Once your request for data protection service is complete you will get a confirmation email.  If you already registered and have received an email confirmation, you can proceed with the instructions below.

How to install CrashPlan

CrashPlan installers are available for all three supported operating systems (Windows, macOS and Ubuntu Linux). 

Post-installation sign-in

After the installation, an activation box will appear where you can enter the following information:

1. Enter your full andrew email address (username@andrew.cmu.edu)
2. Server: clients.us2.crashplan.com
3. Enter password: (Your Andrew password)
4. It should log you in and start backing up your files.

How to Restore Data

Users can restore data that has been copied to the SCS Protection server either themselves or through the SCS Help Desk.

To perform a self-initiated, selective restore, you can use the Code42 CrashPlan client following these steps:

• Open Code42 CrashPlan client by clicking the tray icon. (If not already installed, submit a ticket for assistance).
• Click the "gear" icon and click "open Code 42".
• Click the "Get Files" button next to your device.
• Select the checkboxes for the desired folders and files for restoration.
• Click "Get Files".
• Select the destination you want to save the files to.
• Select overwrite or rename option if same file exists in target directory.
• Do not change permissions. (Should be set to "Current")
• Click "Go".
• *A Download Activity window will display the restore progress.

To perform a full restore (after having your SCS computer rebuilt), you can use the Code42 CrashPlan client following these steps:

• Install Code42 client. This will require your Andrew credentials. (Contact help@cs.cmu.edu for assistance.)
• "Set Up Device".
• Select "Replace Existing", and click" Start".
• Select the device that you're replacing by hostname.
• Click "Select Files".
• Select entire drive (C:\ folder on Windows, Machintosh HD on macOS) and check the box.
• Click "Get Files".
• Save selected files to: "Original Location".
• If the file already exists: "Overwrite".
• Do not change permissions: "Current" should be selected.
• Click "Go". (Wait for download to complete).
• Click "Continue".
• Click "Next".
• Click "Continue".
• Enter your Andrew credentials.
• Restoration complete.

To request a restore online, complete the Data Restore Request form.  E-mail containing instructions on how to access restored files will be sent to you after the restore is complete.

For answers to frequently asked questions about the SCS data protection system, please see the SCS Data Protection FAQ page.