This document only applies to data located on the user’s computer, if data is located on the company servers/drives/shares/cloudstorage it is not the user’s responsibility.
Why do I have to backup my data?
As part of moving to MEM (Microsoft Endpoint Manager), your device will be reset, to ensure you do not lose data when your device is reset you will need to follow the below instructions to backup your data.
What do I need to backup?
There are 2 types of data you will need to backup, Files/Folders and Application data.
A quick warning about data loss
While Sentrian will be happy to assist with any of the below steps, the responsibility will ultimately fall to the user to have their data backed up before the cutover date.
On the cutover date, Sentrian will not be assisting in the migration of user data and the laptops will be reset without Sentrian checking them first.
Sentrian will not be responsible for any data loss caused by the computer reset and the attempted recovery of said data will be chargeable.
Backing up Files and Folders to OneDrive
Configure the backup
The easiest way to backup your files and folders on your work computer is to use Microsoft OneDrive’s Known Folder Redirection (Requires OneDrive subscription). This feature of OneDrive allows you to automatically backup everything in your Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders. Once configured, any other files and folders you wish to keep can just be moved to one of the 3 folders and they will be backed up to the cloud and will follow you from computer to computer.
Please be aware that this ONLY backs up the OneDrive, Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. ANY data not in these folders that are not backed up will be lost when the computer is reset.
How to configure “Known Folder Redirection”
Microsoft has a great simple guide on how to do this:
If you would like more info, please check out Microsoft’s guide: Back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive
How do I know its working
You can tell a folder is being backed up by the little ticks and clouds next to icons that you can see both on your desktop and in explorer
What other Files and Folders do I need to backup?
This really depends on the user, one of the other main folders to check will be the Downloads folder, but beyond that, you will need to identify the folders you use and make sure they are moved to the appropriate location.
Backing up applications
While many apps store their data and configuration online, there are many apps that still keep everything local to the computer. These apps will store data in a variety of places, some will have processes for migrating data, while others will require a bit more work.
You will need to identify apps that you require and export their data so that it may be used in the new environment. If you need assistance in taking a backup of an application or aren’t sure if the app will need to be backed up, please contact Sentrian.
Office Programs
The vast majority of your office files and settings are already being backed up to the cloud via your company Microsoft 365 account.
One item to check for is Archive PST files, these files allow you to access old email but are not being backed up into the company email system.
You will need to make sure these files are backed up or contact Sentrian to have this uploaded to the email system.
Internet Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Brave)
Many users will want to keep their browser history or save passwords, the easiest way to do this is to create an account with the company to sync your data to their service.
All major browsers have this feature and guides on how to backup some of them are below.
- Chrome Instructions: https://www.greengeeks.com/tutorials/article/how-to-backup-and-restore-all-settings-in-google-chrome/
- Firefox Instructions: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-set-sync-my-computer
- Edge https://www.windowscentral.com/sync-edge-between-windows-10-devices
Checklist
Below is a quick checklist of data you should be thinking about backing up.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| OneDrive Configured | Have you configured OneDrive to backup your Desktop, Documents and Pictures? |
| Outlook archive files | Do you use any outlook archives (PST files)? |
| Backup of important files in downloads | It is not advisable to bring over your entire downloads folder, please select only what you need |
| Backup of important files and Folders in other locations | Move (Or take a copy) the files into a location synced to OneDrive |
| Browser data | See below for guides |
| Backup of local applications | If you were to reinstall an important application, would you lose data? |
Firefox Instructions: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-set-sync-my-computer
Edge https://www.windowscentral.com/sync-edge-between-windows-10-devices
Please look thoroughly and if you have any questions, please ask BEFORE the cutover date. If data recovery is required it will need to be sent to a data recovery specialist, they charge upwards of $800p/h with a minimum of 2 hours and no guarantees. This cost will be the responsibility of the user/company.