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High CPU Usage
Carbonite runs in the background of your system so it doesn't interfere with your computer's normal processes. If Carbonite is using a high percentage of your CPU, the most common cause is that it is struggling to access areas on the hard drive that may not be working correctly. This problem can usually be repaired by a utility that comes installed on your computer.
How to Speed up Your Backup and Restore
The speed of your Internet connection is the primary factor for how fast you can back up or restore your files. Your backup and restore speed will also depend on the speed of your computer, the amount of data selected for backup/restore, and the amount of strain your other programs and services have on your internet connection.
Restore Speed
Recovering small amounts of data (a few files here or there) usually takes only a few seconds or minutes. Restoring all of your data will take longer depending on how much data you have and the speed of your ISP.
Windows Firewall
Computer security programs (anti-virus and/or firewall) may block the installation and normal operations of programs like Carbonite. Fixing these issues is easy and allows Carbonite to run at peak performance. Configuring Windows Firewall to allow Carbonite access to the Internet will decrease the chance of slow/erroneous backups and faulty installations.
Configuring Windows Update
Windows Updates are set to install automatically by default on most versions of the Windows operating system. Installing Windows Updates can cause the computer to restart. If the computer restarts during a Carbonite restore, it could significantly increase restore time. Carbonite recommends configuring automatic Windows Updates during long restores to prevent interruptions and reduce the overall restore time.
Checking Your Backup Progress
When Carbonite finishes backing up a file, the status indicator in the Carbonite application will update. If Carbonite does not appear to be moving, it is most likely backing up a large file.
Installing Carbonite Safe and Initial Backup Selections
After you set up your Carbonite Safe account, you can install Carbonite to start backing up your files.
Managing Your Private Encryption Key for Carbonite Safe
During the initial installation, Carbonite Safe allows you to manage your own encryption key for Windows computers.
Stuck Backup and Backup Errors (Mac 1x)
If your backup appears slow or stuck on your Mac, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Searching For Files to Restore
You can use Carbonite's Search and Restore function to restore files to their original location or to the desktop.
Pausing a Restore
You can pause your restore in progress through the Restore Manager for any reason and resume it after. We recommend that you keep your restore running uninterrupted as long as possible in order to complete your restore in the most efficient time possible.
Encryption Key Password
You can choose an optional password for your encryption key during the initial installation
Selecting Files for Backup
Carbonite automatically selects the data associated with your computer profiles. You can select additional data by right-clicking on the file or folder and selecting Carbonite; Back this up.
Viewing the Restore Status
When Carbonite is restoring files, you can view the restore status to determine how much longer the restore may take to complete.
Known Issue: Unable to Select Files for Back Up
Some files such as pictures and .PDFs can occasionally be marked as temporary files due to the nature of the software used to create or import them. Files with the temporary attribute cannot be backed up by Carbonite. In most cases, a new copy of the file can be created that would remove this attribute and allow Carbonite to select it for backup. This can be done by zipping the file with the Windows compression tool, and then unzipping it.
Locating the Carbonite Icon
The Carbonite icon is located in your Windows notification area / system tray at the bottom right of your screen. The Carbonite icon can be used to check the status of your backup, view and set options, and/or get assistance.
Missing Notification Area Icon
The Carbonite icon may occasionally be hidden by your operating system due to inactivity, or because another program is preventing it from being displayed.
How to Find the Email Address Associated with Your Account
If you forget the email address associated with your account, you can find it on the Account tab of the Carbonite InfoCenter (or on the My account page of the Carbonite application). If Carbonite has been uninstalled from your computer, there is an alternative way to retrieve your forgotten email address.
Finding Your Product Serial Number
Carbonite serial numbers are unique to each computer that has a Carbonite subscription. The serial number can be used to locate and access your account. You can find your serial number on the Account tab (or the My account page) of the Carbonite InfoCenter / application.
Restoring Previous File Versions
Carbonite keeps up to 12 versions of your changed files, so that you have multiple points in time to restore from in the event of a disaster. Review this article for more details on how Carbonite handles previous versions of your files, and how you can restore them with the Carbonite software.
Pausing and Resuming Carbonite
Pausing Carbonite causes it to stop uploading your files to the Carbonite servers. Carbonite will continue to scan your computer for changes while paused. You can pause Carbonite for an increment of time. Carbonite can be paused to free up system resources for immediate use by another service or delay back up until a later time.
Carbonite Icon Notification Area Meanings
The Carbonite icon displays information about your Carbonite backup at a glance.
Stopping a Restore
You can cancel a restore through the Restore Manager. Unrestored files in the restore queue will not be downloaded until you start another restore.
Carbonite Post-Restore Checklist
This checklist will assist you with performing post restore functions to get your data where it needs to be and resume your backup.
Entering and Exiting Recover Mode
When Carbonite scans for files to back up, it removes files you delete from the backup after 30 or 60 days to ensure your backup is up to date. You can enter Recover Mode to stop this timer if you need more time to restore your files. After your files are safely restored, you can exit Recover Mode to start backing up your files again.
Viewing Hidden Files and Folders
Windows hides some files and folders by default. You can un-hide hidden files and folders if you need to select additional user-created data for backup.
Importing Your Sticky Notes
You can easily restore your backed up Sticky Notes data file through the Carbonite Backup Drive. The only way to import your restored Sticky Notes data file is to move it to the correct location on your computer.
Carbonite Safe Backup Pro Dashboard
As an administrator, you can view the backup status, review alerts, view the billing information and billing history, invite users and administrators, add computers, and perform other actions through the Dashboard. As a Billing Owner, you can perform all the same actions as an administrator as well as manage the billing information for your account.
Carbonite Post-Restore Checklist (Mac 2x)
This checklist will assist you with performing post-restore functions to get your data where it needs to be and resume your backup.
Difficulty Installing Carbonite (Mac 1x)
There are some cases in which the Carbonite software may not install properly on your Mac computer.
File Types Excluded from Backup for Carbonite Safe
Carbonite does not automatically select files larger than 4GB (Gigabyte) for backup. Files that may cause conflicts with your programs or operating system when restored are excluded from being backed up.
Backing Up Files on an External Hard Drive
You can back up files on a compatible external hard drive with Carbonite.
Purchasing An Additional Carbonite Safe Subscription
You can purchase a Carbonite Safe subscription for each computer that you’d like to back up.
Carbonite Post-Restore Checklist (Mac 1x)
This checklist will assist you with performing post-restore functions to get your data where it needs to be and resume your backup.
Carbonite Plans and Features
This article covers the Carbonite Safe plans, features, and prices.
Carbonite Windows Version Release Notes
Carbonite Version 6.4.6 is the latest version of the Carbonite product. We are sure you will like the many enhanced features. Installing and identifying your computer(s) is easier than ever. Backing up your files is simpler and there is additional information provided about the status of your backed up files. Restoring your files is now even quicker and easier with additional choices for files you would like to restore first and choosing a destination for your restored files.
Low Priority Mode (Mac 1x)
By default, Carbonite backs up your files as quickly as possible without interfering with your important tasks. Placing Carbonite in Low Priority mode causes it to use less of your available bandwidth during backup, thereby freeing up bandwidth for other services.
