Using CITES NetFiles to Back Up Files

This page describes how to back up and restore important files with NetFiles.

How can I be sure I won't lose my thesis in a computer crash?

You can't always prevent major hardware malfunctions, but you can always make sure you have a spare copy of critical documents. Two of the most convenient and reliable ways to safely back up files are burning them to a CD and storing them on NetFiles. Floppy disks are NOT recommended because they are easily damaged and frequently lose data. CITES NetFiles data is backed up every night to protect your files.

Creating backups with the CITES NetFiles web interface

  1. Log in to CITES NetFiles on the Web and click the Upload button upload button in the upper-right portion of the document manager.
  2. Create a new folder called Backups. Click the folder to open it. By creating a separate backup directory, you ensure that your files are not visible to the public (only the www and shared directories are shared by default) and that your backup files are separated from your current files. For help using the web interface, please see Using CITES NetFiles on the Web.
  3. If your browser supports the Advanced Upload function, you may simply drag files and directories into the Advanced Upload window. Otherwise, click the Add Files button and choose files one at a time.
  4. When you have selected all the files you wish to upload, click Start Upload. You will automatically be returned to your home directory when the upload has finished.
  5. Remember to click on the Logout link in the left navigation when you are finished using NetFiles.

Restoring files with the CITES NetFiles web interface

  1. Log in to CITES NetFiles on the Web and click the name of the file you wish to restore (download).
  2. You will be prompted to choose whether to open or save the file. Choose the save option to download a copy of the file to your computer. To view the file, choose open.
  3. You may also right-click (command-click on Mac) the file or files you wish to download, which will give you the option of saving to your desktop, opening the file in your browser, or saving multiple files as a single zip file. Note: some browsers will overlay their own menu on top of the NetFiles menu when right-clicking. The NetFiles menu can still be reached by clicking away from the menu, which will close the browser menu and leave the NetFiles menu open.