Data Backup

Getting Started With Data Backup On ChromeOS

February 21, 2024

Introduction

Data backup is an important part of digital life. As we store more photos, documents, and other files on our Chromebooks, having a backup plan prevents losing that data if something happens to your device. In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know to get started with backing up your data on a Chromebook.

Why Back Up Your Data?

There are a few key reasons why regular data backups are essential:

Avoid data loss – Backups protect against hardware failure, theft, accidental deletion, and corruption. Without backups, these events could mean losing your files forever.
Restore previous versions – Backups let you revert to older versions of a file or restore deleted files that are still contained in a backup. This can be extremely useful if you make changes you later want to undo.
Peace of mind – Knowing your data is securely backed up lets you use your Chromebook without worry. Backups give you confidence that your files can be recovered if something goes wrong.

Ways to Back Up a Chromebook

There are a few different methods available for backing up your Chromebook data:

1. External Drive

Using an external hard drive or USB flash drive allows you to manually back up your important files. This creates a physical copy you can store safely.
External drives are quick, inexpensive, and give you full control over what gets backed up.
Downsides are that backing up takes effort each time, and files not copied to the drive won’t be protected.

2. Cloud Storage

Cloud backup services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iDrive let you backup files to remote online servers.
Cloud backups happen automatically in the background once configured. All files are protected without manual effort.
Drawbacks include monthly subscription fees for more storage space and no local backup copy.

3. Remote Desktop Backup

If you remote desktop into your Chromebook, you can use the remote computer’s backup tools to protect your Chromebook files.
This leverages the robust backup capabilities of desktop operating systems like Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
Remote access must be reliable and backups only run when actively connected.

How to Back Up Your Chromebook Files

To an External Drive:

Insert your external USB drive into your Chromebook.
Open the Files app and locate the folders you want to backup. This may include your Downloads, Google Drive, Linux files, and Android files.
Right-click on each folder and select “Copy”.
Navigate to your external drive and right-click within in to “Paste” the folder and its contents.
Eject the drive safely when finished.
Repeat this regularly, such as once a week, to keep backups current.

To Google Drive:

Open the Google Drive web app or mobile app.
Click “New” and select “File Upload” or “Upload” from the menu.
Choose the files and folders you want to backup from your Chromebook.
Click “Open” to upload them to Google Drive.
Optionally move files into a dedicated “ChromebookBackup” folder for organization.
Google Drive will now automatically sync changes and new files.

To a Remote Desktop:

Install remote desktop software like Chrome Remote Desktop on your Chromebook.
Set up remote access on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
Initiate remote access from your Chromebook and log into the remote desktop.
Copy your important Chromebook files over within the remote file system.
Use the backup tools built into your remote OS to create backups.
Schedule regular backups and safely eject the remote connection when done.

What Files to Back Up on a Chromebook

These are usually the key folders and files you will want to include in Chromebook backups:

/Downloads – Anything saved and downloaded to your Chromebook.
/Google Drive – Your core Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other Drive files.
/Linux files – Any files related to installed Linux apps.
/Android files – Files from Android apps installed on your Chromebook.
/Media – Photos, videos, and other media.
/Documents – Local document files stored outside of Google Drive.
/Crostini – Linux virtual machine data, if using.

Prioritize backing up your own unique files that can’t be easily recovered or restored through the cloud.

Automating Your Backups

Manually backing up your Chromebook can be tedious. Here are some tips for automating backups:

Use a cloud service like Google Drive File Stream to automatically sync Google Drive.
Set up a scheduled routine with Chromebook scripts to regularly copy files to a USB drive.
Configure desktop backup software like Apple Time Machine to connect and run on a schedule.
Use Chromebook parental controls to disable sleeping when backups run overnight.
Purchase a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device to centralize backups for all devices.
Set reminders on your phone to prompt plugging in your external drive for manual backup.

Versioning and Archiving Older Files

Backups often save multiple versions of a file over time. This protects against accidentally overwriting files or needing to revert changes.

On an external drive, manually duplicate folders each time to archive older versions. Name them by date, like “Documents-2022-03”.

Cloud services like Google Drive retain version history automatically. You can browse and restore from older versions.

Delete very old backups or versions periodically to save drive space.

Tips for Successful Backups

Follow these tips to ensure your Chromebook backups are running smoothly:

Maintain at least two copies of important files, such as the original plus one backup.

-Store one backup copy off-site or in the cloud for protection against local disasters.

Test restoring files from backups periodically to verify they are working.
Review backup contents to identify missing files you expected to be included.
Encrypt backup drives for extra security, especially if storing off-site.
Clean and organize files first before backup to improve efficiency.
Label external drives clearly so you know they contain backups.

Conclusion

Implementing regular Chromebook backups is essential to avoid heartbreaking data loss. Just a few manual copy tasks or automated tools can save you from disaster down the road. Spend an hour this weekend designing a backup plan for peace of mind, whether using an external drive, cloud storage, or remote desktop. Your future self will thank you someday when a backup saves the day!