Frequently Asked Questions
For a basic overview of SquirrelSave's function please watch the demo first.
When using SquirrelSave remember that normally you can do everything you need to by right-clicking on files in Windows Explorer then moving to the SquirrelSave sub-menu (like in the demo). Most users don't need to use the main control panel.
General
Q: What Operating Systems does SquirrelSave run on?
A: SquirrelSave has been tested under Windows XP and Windows Vista. It works on 32 bit and 64 bit versions of these Operating Systems.
Q: What are the requirements of SquirrelSave
A: A supported OS (see above). Approx 100MB of free disk space and 50MB of free RAM and most importantly an always on broadband Internet connection.
Q: Can I use one SquirrelSave on more than one machine
A: You can provided you backup different paths on each machine. So if you backup c:\Documents on one and c:\Work on the other that will be fine.
Q: SquirrelSave is taking a very long time to backup my data
A: It is quite likely to take a long time for the first backup. Most home Internet connections are much slower upstream than downstream. You may have to leave it for several days to complete.
Q: Viewing a backup said "Error changing to directory" but did open the /backup window, but didn't navigate to the subdirectory.
A: The server deletes older directories in order to keep a good selection of backups for you so you may see this every now and again. Refreshing the usage (on the Usage tab of the main window) should fix the problem.
Q: How do I restore my data onto a different machine?
A: Assuming you were backing up your computer and it has broken or been lost and you need to restore data onto your new computer, you need to :-
- Install SquirrelSave on your new computer and run it.
- Log into your account with your username and password and click the configure link.
- Click "Later" on the box that pops up - SquirrelSave will then not back anything up from that computer. You can then use "View Backups" to see the backed up data and copy it to your new computer.
Q: Is SquirrelSave compatible with my firewall?
A: SquirrelSave makes outgoing connections on port 22/tcp so you will need to make sure this is enabled in your firewall. No incoming connections are required.
Installing
Q: How do I install SquirrelSave under Windows.
A: Follow the instructions in the email we sent you exactly! Here is a quick reminder :-
- Download and run the installer from here. Follow the on-screen instructions and click "Close" when the installer has completed.
- Log into your account with us here. Click the "config" link next to the SquirrelSave line.
- Click "Run" on the window that pops up. This should start SquirrelSave and configure it for you.
Windows
Q: Can I backup an external drive?
A: No, SquirrelSave is not designed for use with external or network drives.
Q: Can I backup an external server?
A: No. SquirrelSave is only for use with the local contents of personal computers and laptops. It is not for use with shared servers or file stores.
Q: SquirrelSave never shows that files with Unicode characters in are backed up?
A: This is a known bug. The files really do get backed up but the ticks and crosses in explorer are just wrong.
Q: The ticks and crosses aren't updating properly in Explorer or on the Desktop.
A: This is a known problem - sometimes Explorer ignores SquirrelSave's request to update the ticks and crosses. If you refresh (F5) the Explorer window or the Desktop they should update.
Q: Does SquirrelSave run as a service
A: No - SquirrelSave is a personal backup product only - you need to be logged in for it to run.
Q: Why do I have to reboot sometimes when installing / uninstalling SquirrelSave?
A: SquirrelSave installs something called "shell extensions". These are extensions to Explorer and show the ticks and crosses. Sometimes (depending on your machine) these can't be installed or removed cleanly without a reboot.
Q: Why do I get two SquirrelSave menus in the Explorer on some files
A: This appears for links - you get one menu for the link and one for the destination.
Q: Ticks on directories don't seem to work
A: Do you have any other applications which put icons in explorer? Eg Tortoise CVS/SVN? Sometimes they can interfere with each other.
Linux
Q: Where is the Linux version?
A: SquirrelSave runs fine on Linux. We haven't finished packaging it up yet, nor the desktop integration - check back soon!
