Backing up PST files with Carbonite
Received an interesting question from a reseller this morning in fact. I always assumed that Carbonite could backup your PST files (your Outlook files) as it does all other files (ie does an initial upload and then incrementally afterwards), however this reseller who sounded a little more technical than I, mentioned that he thought handling Outlook and PST files maybe require a different approach by Carbonite.
I promised to ask Carbonite support and get back to him. I emailed them at 10.30 AEST and received an instant response.
“Larger files such as the pst file are broken into several smaller parts, so once the initial backup of the file is complete only the changed parts are backed up to the server, so yes it is incremental.”
I was satisfied with this answer as it confirmed what I had thought and the opinion I had given to the reseller. However, one of my colleagues asked whether it made any difference if Outlook was open or not, ie if you where using Outlook would Carbonite still to backup your PST file. Good question I thought, and instantly replied Carbonite Customer support with the query.
They must be working them hard over in Boston because I received an answer within 10 minutes, time now being 11 am (AEST). The answer was the following:
“Carbonite uses the Volume Shadow System from Windows to backup open files. PST files can be backed up while Outlook is open and active.”
So there you have it. For PC owners at home using Outlook and worrying about how to back up all those emails and attachments, to small businesses that use Outlook for client correspondence (mind you the reseller I referred to above serviced small legal firms), you can ensure that your PST files are always secure and backed up simply, easily and affordably with Carbonite.