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IDrive Online Backup is an easy-to-use program that allows users to back up the contents of their computers remotely. With a sleek interface and just enough features, this program is great for users of all levels.
IDrive's interface is attractive and intuitive, with graphical buttons representing its major features. After defining a username and password, users simply select the files they want to back up--the default includes the Desktop and My Documents--and click the Backup Now button. Subsequent backups can be scheduled to run automatically and only back up data that has been modified, making the process quick and efficient. Data is transmitted using 128-bit SSL encryption and stored using 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring that it stays secure. Restoring data is as simple as dragging and dropping it from the storage area to the desired location. Users can access stored data from any machine, even without the software installed. We found the program very easy to use, and we like that it offers something for users of all levels; those who aren't particularly computer literate can easily back up and restore their files without much thought, while more advanced users can customize their backup experience. IDrive's built-in Help file is well-written and thorough, explaining all of the program's features in easy-to-understand language.
IDrive Online Backup is free to try, and the free version gives users 2GB of storage space. The program installs desktop icons without asking but uninstalls cleanly. We recommend this program to all users.
Publisher's Description
From Pro Softnet:
IDrive Online Backup is a leading online backup service for consumers and small businesses. Features include automatic scheduling and data selection, web based management, anytime anywhere access, fast backup and restores, 256 bit AES encryption on storage, private key and more. It is used for novices, while providing power features demanded by experts. For example: you could just install the application, and the most commonly protected folders are selected for backup by default with a random off hours schedule.
What's new in this version: Version 6.0.0.9 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
3.0 starsout of 36 votes
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Current version:
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"DECEPTIVE TERRIBLE SERVICE TOO"
Version: IDrive Online Backup 3.2.6
Pros
none, zero, zilch,
Cons
WATCH OUT! your "free" trial is not really free if you decide to try an upgrade. After using idrive for a few months I decided to upgrade and also receive new software (the old sw is also used by many other backup solutions, hardly unique but same flaws) I deleted the old software, installed the new. Started the backup. It would hang around 37-45% and not go any further. After realizing they used canned software, the issue when reaching the limit, freezing my pc, new software not backing up beyond 37-45% (only had 7gb) I decided that within 12hr of purchase I wanted a refund. They said that you are only eligible for a refund from the time you start your free trial! So if after 15day of a trial & on day 16 you decide to upgrade for more space but it doesn't work. TOO BAD!! NO REFUND!! because you are only eligible for a refund the first 15 days of use during the free trial. . The free trial period is your refund window. They say it's in the small print. I call it deceptive marketing.
Summary
There is nothing good to be said about this company. I never write reviews but this company is so flagrant with their deception I have to say something. "you refund period starts as soon as you sign up for the free trial." not when you make the purchase. when you make the purchase, even though the new product does not work, too bad.
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"Great...when it works"
Version: IDrive Online Backup 5.0.1
Pros
Backs up mapped drives on a single account. Nice Windows Explorer-like interface to browse online files.
Cons
Creating and maintaining a backup set with the iDrive for Windows application is an extremely sluggish process. I've had several fails on backups.
Summary
I chose iDrive three years ago for price. I backup about 90GB from a network storage drive, and no one could touch the iDrive price. As with any such backup, I expected the initial file transfer to take forever, even over my high-speed connection, and in fact it did take about 2/3 of forever that first go. What I didn't expect was that creating the backup set through iDrive for Windows (the process of simply selecting which folders to include) would be such a click-n-snooze event. It took over an hour just to click the various folders and fine tune which to exclude. It was reminiscent of copying large blocks of files in Windows 3.0 on an IBM XT. I have also been surprised at various times to find that, while everything seems to be working correctly, when I actually took time to look at the files/folders online, iDrive was not doing the job. Sometimes, I found there was a change I made in my folder structure that caused a backup failure. Other times, even after analyzing my activity log, tech support offered nothing better than "upgrade to the next version." So, while I give iDrive five stars for price, I have to go with 1 or 2 stars for reliability. And that is what brings me to CNET Reviews today...to find a better online backup service. That said, for those with smaller backup jobs, iDrive might work great. But keeping 90GB reliably backed up is a chancy proposition.
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"okay but has glitches"
Version: IDrive Online Backup 5.0.1
Pros
Well, it's free up to a certain point. That's good. It's fairly easy to operate. I've had online help before from them, and it eventually solved my issues.
Cons
Keeps having problems and no backup. I'm trying to change my backup time and - what happened to the schedule backup button? Sheesh.
Summary
I'm still deciding whether or not to keep my data parked here.
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"Didn't work for my MacBook Pro. Refused full refund."
Version: IDrive Online Backup 5.0.1
Pros
Not much to say here.
Cons
This software was unable to fully back-up my computer and kept getting stuck on my iTunes files, despite calls to technical support for assistance. When I called iDrive to get a refund, they refused to fully refund my year's subscription.
Summary
Would not recommend.
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"Good service, reasonable fee."
Version: IDrive Online Backup 5.0.1
Pros
Easy to set up and use.
Cons
A little slow with large files.
Summary
I've been with them for 2 years. I like the service. Easy to set up and use. Customer serverice was responsive to my needs too.
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"Good features and price - but for me unusable"
Version: IDrive Online Backup 3.4.1
Pros
Network share backup
Generous space
Good priceCons
Kept on repeatedly asking for permission to make changes on my computer
Sometimes refused to backup back it thought another IP address was already backing up.
Support model just didn't work. Got back on IM quickly, but not usefully, never responded to emails, can't update support tickets.Summary
For me features and price were just right. But for me unusable as badly implemented and an a support model that just doesn't work.
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"Beware of Price Changes!"
Version: IDrive Online Backup 3.4.1
Pros
Good software. Needed to restore files due to hard drive crash. Restore worked perfectly. Retains 30 versions of files.
Cons
Poor customer service. Have been a customer for a number of years. Have been paying $19.95/mo for 100 gig of backup. Without notice to current customers, company dropped the rate to $9.95 for 100 gig of storage for new business customers. Those of us using service prior to change are not provided with new rate. Would need to set up new account to obtain new rate. Only option I was provided with was they would give me 200 gig of storage for the $19.95 I was paying (even though I don't need the extra 100 gig). If you know anyone using this product, it is very possible that they are overpaying!
Summary
Good product. Bad customer retention policies.
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"unanswered security questions"
Version: IDrive Online Backup 3.4.1
Pros
-150 Gb for $4.95
-Versioning
-Private key encryption (or so they claim)
-Easy to control which files get backed upCons
-I would prefer the encryption not to be stored on my computer. An unanswered security question is about to make me a former client. I have been using this service for years. My number one reason for using Idrive is the private key encryption. In former versions of the software, I knew where the encryption was stored on my computer. However, now, nobody at Idrive can tell me where the encryption key file is stored on my computer. Why does this matter? Well, Idrive is only secure if nobody has your encryption key. For whatever reason, Idrive automatically stores the key on my computer. So, if somebody knows where that key file is, they can get my key and access my Idrive data from anywhere. Also, if I sell my computer without absolutely wiping my encryption key, then somebody can access my data. There are many other scenarios where my data can be compromised. A rep at phone support basically got into an argument with me telling me I'm paranoid. Well yes, I am, thank you.
Summary
To get peace of mind with security, I must Truecrypt my sensitive data before uploading to any online serve, including Idrive, which has a weakness, as explained above. Unfortunately, if you use Truecrypt before backing up, then you must upload the entire Truecrypt file every single time in order to back it up. That's not a workable option for me. I'm going to try out Spider Oak.
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"Support is still king"
Version: IDrive Online Backup 3.4.1
Pros
I like the software a lot, better than the alternatives out there
Cons
The support team is useless! I have been unable to backup my system for about 10 days now. The problem lay dormant until I did my second chat then it was escalated to Engineering.
Calls to Jason, a supervisor on the support team go unanswered and my problem still exists.Summary
In the past I have recommended this product to a number of people. Today I feel like my reputation has been blemished because support for this product is TERRIBLE!
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"Never worked properly"
Version: IDrive Online Backup 3.4.1
Pros
It was easy to install.
Cons
It stopped doing any back ups after a few days. I tried online chat for tech support and they kept wanting to reschedule the time, even when I went back to talk at the rescheduled time. So I found this rather unacceptable.
