This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:28:29
The video addresses the challenges and solutions related to backing up data in Windows 11. It critiques the operating system's lack of modern, native backup options, emphasizing its reliance on OneDrive, which may not suit all users. To counter this, it provides a comprehensive guide on using Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) as an effective backup system.
Key points include configuring backups via NAS, managing file versions, and restoring data using both Synology Drive Backup Client and Btrfs snapshot features. It explains the shortcomings of Windows System Restore, which doesn't back up personal files, and suggests using alternatives like Acronis True Image or Synology's built-in solutions for complete backup and recovery.
The video covers setting up and using Synology's Active Backup for Business, emphasizing features like automated backups, user management, and storage efficiency through Btrfs deduplication. It demonstrates various backup strategies, including file, system, and full disk backups, and guides viewers through creating recovery media using tools like Hiren’s BootCD PE and Rufus for more straightforward recovery processes.
Towards the end, the video highlights additional NAS functionalities such as hosting a personal cloud, setting up media servers, and photo storage with Synology Photos. The speaker underscores the importance of reliable backup solutions and encourages viewers to adopt robust strategies to safeguard their data.
00:00:00
In this segment, the video addresses a key weakness in Windows 11 – its lack of robust native backup options. Unlike other systems that have offered integrated backup solutions for years, Windows 11 relies heavily on OneDrive, which isn’t ideal for all users. The video serves as an ultimate guide to setting up effective backups using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system sponsored by Synology. It explains that Microsoft has not modernized old backup tools, and support for features like File History has been minimized. However, users can still configure backups through the Control Panel or Start menu. The guide walks through setting up shared folders on a NAS for backups and how to manage backup settings in OneDrive, ensuring important folders like Desktop, Documents, and Images are properly backed up on the NAS instead of the cloud.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the focus is on managing and restoring file versions using file version history in Windows and the Synology Drive Backup Client:
1. **File Version History in Windows**:
– Files can be backed up by configuring libraries.
– Users can adjust backup frequency and duration of file versions in advanced settings (default is every hour).
– In case of accidental deletion or corruption, previous file versions can be restored by right-clicking on the file, accessing properties, and navigating to the previous versions tab.
– Tip: Use the Shift key while right-clicking for quick access to previous versions.
– Even if a file is deleted and removed from the trash, it can be restored using the file version history by selecting the specific file version and clicking the restore button.
2. **Synology Drive Backup Client**:
– A more reliable method than Windows file version history.
– Users need to download and install the Synology Drive Client, log in to the NAS, and set up a backup task.
– Allows selecting specific folders to back up, including desktop, documents, and picture folders, regardless of OneDrive backup status.
– Backs up files continuously upon changes, making it more storage-efficient than the hourly backup in Windows.
– Recovery tasks can be performed via the Synology Drive app or web interface by navigating to the desired backup task, selecting folders and specific file versions.
This part emphasizes the steps to ensure files are backed up and can be easily restored in case of data loss, with a comparison between Windows file version history and the more dynamic Synology Drive Backup Client.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains how to manage file versions and backups using a Synology NAS with Btrfs. The options include restoring old versions or downloading them. He advises using NAS as a central storage hub similar to cloud services like OneDrive. By activating the snapshot feature, the NAS only saves changes in files, not the entire file every time. This allows users to right-click and restore previous file versions directly in Windows Explorer without additional apps. The speaker highlights the benefits of using this method for documents, images, and system backups, ensuring easy and quick restoration.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains the shortcomings of Windows System Restore. They emphasize that while System Restore can revert your system to a previous state, it does not back up personal files like Word documents or PDFs and only works with predefined system file formats such as DLL and Excel files. The speaker notes that this approach resets system files and installed programs to an earlier state but does not protect personal files, meaning recent changes in personal documents could be lost. As an alternative, the speaker suggests using more comprehensive image-based backup and recovery solutions like Acronis True Image or the built-in backup solutions available on Synology NAS devices, which can accommodate regular, user-friendly backups for both personal and business use.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter explains how to set up and use Synology’s Active Backup for Business application on a Synology NAS. They outline the installation process via the package manager, activation with a Synology account, and basic setup steps. Key features such as automatic share creation for backups, integrated user management, and storage-saving through Btrfs deduplication are highlighted. The process to install the backup agent on a Windows PC is covered, including downloading the appropriate program, installing it, and logging in with NAS credentials. The presenter then details configuring backup policies, managing backup settings, and scheduling backups, including options for compression, encryption, energy-saving configurations, and setting specific times or events for backups to occur.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, guidance is provided on backup storage management and strategies using Active Backup for Business. It explains that, by default, backups are kept indefinitely on your PC unless you specify otherwise. The decision on retention policies should be based on your backup frequency and available memory. The speaker describes their personal strategy of keeping two backup versions and manually managing memory when necessary, always keeping an initial clean version with essential programs and a few backup points to recover from potential failures such as updates or viruses.
The segment also covers basic restoration steps. To restore a file, navigate to the Synology NAS Active Backup for Business portal, select the desired backup, and choose either to download or restore the file. The interface allows users to easily navigate and select specific dates for data recovery, presenting a user-friendly experience.
00:18:00
In this segment, the video explains how to carry out a full disk backup or bare metal recovery using Synology NAS. If a system is compromised due to viruses, bad updates, or misconfigurations, you can restore it to a previous state. The official method requires creating a USB stick with Synology’s Active Backup for Business Recovery Media Creator, which involves downloading a large Windows ADK and has limitations like lack of WLAN support. Instead, the video showcases an unofficial, simpler method using Hiren’s BootCD PE and Synology’s Recovery Wizard. This involves downloading Rufus to create a bootable USB stick, obtaining Hiren’s BootCD PE ISO, and accessing Synology Recovery Wizard from the Synology Download Center. This method is said to be more user-friendly but comes without official support from Synology.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the speaker guides viewers through the process of preparing a USB stick for system recovery using the ABB Recovery Wizard and Rufus. Key actions include downloading the necessary tools, formatting the USB stick, and transferring required files such as the Synology Active Backup for Business recovery tool and custom drivers (e.g., network and SSD drivers) onto the USB stick. The speaker emphasizes the importance of placing these files in the correct folders and ensuring that all necessary drivers are included to facilitate recovery. They also demonstrate how to boot the intended PC from the prepared USB stick, highlighting the necessity of using a custom key (such as F12) to access the boot menu. Finally, the speaker explains how to use Hen’s Boot CD to establish a WLAN connection in the Windows 10 preinstall environment since this feature is not supported by default.
00:24:00
In this segment of the video, the process of connecting to a WiFi network and verifying the installation of WiFi drivers is discussed. The presenter successfully connects to the network where their NAS is located and then initiates the Synology Active Backup Recovery Tool. They guide through the necessary steps using Windows Explorer to launch the recovery tool from a USB stick, log in with a NAS user account, and handle a potential certificate error.
Next, the presenter describes how to choose the device to restore, whether to restore the entire device, just the system partition, or select volumes manually. They opt to restore the entire disk and choose a backup date. An overview of what will be restored is provided, and the recovery process is initiated. The duration of the recovery depends on the backup size and network load, with the presenter noting their specific recovery took about one hour. Finally, they explain that after the process, the PC will be restored to the state of the selected backup, resolving issues without reinstalling programs, thus saving time.
00:27:00
In this part of the video, the speaker highlights the multiple functionalities of a NAS device, such as hosting a personal cloud, setting up a private media server with Plex or Jellifin, and using Synology Photos for photo storage and backup. They mention their ongoing backup strategy, which includes using both Synology NAS and OneDrive to ensure photo safety. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the NAS, stating they would prioritize saving it in the event of a house fire due to its significant impact on their digital life. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more content on Windows tips, tricks, and tests.