This utility stands as a fine data-backup and synchronization solution. Since FileBack PC provides a number of features that let you control backup jobs in great detail, less experienced or casual users may opt to use the step-by-step wizard. System administrators will appreciate the ability to perform backups on remote machines and install the app on multiple computers at once. You can monitor progress via logs and e-mail notifications, and the program can maximize time and system resources by archiving only necessary files. For instance, it can keep a certain number of file versions or it can save all versions over a specified interval of time. You can even set FileBack PC to automatically launch an archive job every time you alter a file. Because of its advanced features and functionality, this program is more appropriate for professionals than for home users.
What’s new in version 4.1
Version 4.1 (April 10, 2009) adds a new file selector, improves background file operations, and offers a few bug fixes.
I used FileBack PC for about 6.5 years, purchasing Enterprise licenses for 6 PCs. Worked GREAT for almost 6 years... No point in describing teh excellent features here, because... Well, see the "Cons"
Cons
It started to fail in 2016; problem initially traced to the MOS Server being off line. MOS Support was unresponsive. Now in June 2016, the product fails to load.
Summary
Very sad that the developer/publisher (Doug Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-johnson-105a5366)** won't even respond with an "Adios". While he may have other priorities, the very least he could do would be an Auto-Response eMail for all Support inquiries.
**Maybe someone has a connection who can persuade Mr. Johnson to let us know what is happening -- relevant, since his LinkedIn profiles still claims his company, "Maximum Output Software" is still active...
Outdated and Unsupported
ponsan
Pros
Used this for many years abd was very satified.
Fast and flexible when you got the hang of it
Cons
Now stutters under W7 / W8 , with persistent 'path not recognised' errors in folder cleanup (a necessary complementary step to backups).
TECNICAL SUPPORT DOES NOT REPLY
Summary
Pity, it was great and deserved a beter fate
Best I've found, but.....
judgesinel
Pros
Very configurable and once you get over the shock of so much choice and where to g, an absolute gem.
Cons
Very old interface, nearly changed to something else that just looked nicer to work with, but, it simply was not a patch on Fileback PC.
Summary
Would be very sad if this developer gave up on this although In can imagine it is hard work for probably little reward.
Excellent Backup - reliable and flexible
JHzlwd
Pros
- Fast and reliable on Win 7
- Native file/directory format for output. You can access contents of backup without having to use the proprietary software.
- Extremely flexible backup configuration.
- Keeps track of your source/destination even when disk letters change.
Cons
- Somewhat steep learning curve with so many options. Once you have it set up though, the configuration sets are easily maintained/modified.
- User interface could be modernized. Looks like something from the 1990's.
- Concerns about future support (see note below).
Summary
One of the very best backups out there and I have tried many. The real problem is that the developer has disappeared. What is he up to anyway? This fine product deserves ongoing support. Fortunately the backups produced do not require the product to access and restore.
Would be FIVE stars except that support has stopped.
Tech_Exec
Pros
Great program with exceptional flexibility for defining backup options and file synchronization. Very powerful feature set and very solid performance. Scheduling capabilities are robust.
Cons
There is a steep learning curve, but once mastered, this is a great piece of software. Sadly, it seems as though the software developer has stopped responding to all inquiries and has stopped working on this great program. We hope it keeps running!
Summary
The bottom line is that this is a great piece of software that needs an equally great marketing and development approach to keep it running. The publisher seems to have left the scene completely, failing to respond to customer inquiries, ceasing development in 2009, and losing ground to some of the other great utilities out there.
I have used this program for a long time and I like it. But sometimes it misbehaves and I have no one to turn to for support now. The author used to respond to technical support requests and sales inquiries in a very reasonable time. Now... nothing.
If they ever decide to upgrade this product and keep it maintained against current operating systems and networking requirements and so on, it will be a fine piece of software. Until then... beware.
I think someone with a little cash should figure out how to acquire this source code and keep this product afloat. But how to contact the developer continues to be a mystery...
Serious Problems and Terrible Customer Service
lawfile
Pros
None that I have experienced.
Cons
Fileback PC requires re-registration every time I reboot my computer. Customer Service sent me an email with the "solution", which did not resolve my problem.
Summary
I do not trust this company or this product. I replied for additional assistance, and two weeks later I have not heard back from them! I paid for this product, which is useless to me and does not work. Plus, the company advertises that it does not slow down your computer, but it significantly slowed my computer down until I shut down the automatic backup function. This product is not worth my money.
Excellent backup system
rlmahan85
Pros
Fast, complete error messages that are easy to understand
Cons
Documentation could be improved but is adequate.
Summary
After losing some data on a PC caused by a glitch which I wasn't there for, I decided I needed a near-realtime b/u system for some of my files. This looked to be the best I could find and it has proven itself, at least to me. While it took a thoughtful exercise to determine what needed to be protected on a per-logon basis and what needed to be protected every time it changed and what needed to be protected once and was probably unchangeable, after I got through that it was easy to setup the backups and their schedule. While you can setup the system without much thought, it seems a waste not to think it through and then have exactly what you need when your system goes down or has a hiccup. Most of my backups run upon shutdown and they usually complete before the system terminates. I also have startup jobs, and jobs for whenever a particular job or directory has changed. You really can't beat the options offered.
Again, you really have to think out your backup strategy but this product will make that strategy happen for you.
This software is the best backup software I have ever seen
blueyear
Pros
I like the fact that backing up using the software is the natural way I have backed up directorys in the past. The difference now is that it is done automatically instead of me having to drag and drop all the time.
Cons
Virtually nothing, except for the fact that it is quite a steep learning curve, but this is balanced by the flexibility.
Summary
Terrific program to make sure your critical files are backed up!
kheeres
Pros
I purchased this program based on Steve Gibson's recommendation in the Security Now podcast. It performs extremely well. I love the automatic back up of changed or new files.
Cons
I haven't found any so far.
Summary
Excellent backup tool and outstanding, responsive tech support
prazim
Pros
The interface is well thought out. I am particularly appreciative of the very prompt tech support even though my request for help occurred well after normal business hours.
