Webvault Offsite Backup Manager is a backup solution that allows you to securely back up important files and folders from your computer or server to offsite storage.

The software supports Windows, macOS and Linux, with additional backup capabilities available for servers, databases and virtual machines.

New customers can get started with a free 30-day trial, allowing you to install the software, configure your backups and test the service before committing to a subscription.

This guide explains how to install Webvault Offsite Backup Manager, create your trial account and configure your first backup.

Step 1: Download Webvault Offsite Backup Manager

Download the backup software using the following link:

Download Webvault Offsite Backup Manager

The download page provides installation packages for several operating systems.

Select the AhsayOBM tab (Offsite Backup Manager), then choose the installer appropriate for your computer.

Windows

Under the Windows section, select EXE Online Installer.

This downloads a small installation program that automatically retrieves the required software components during installation.

macOS

Under the macOS section, select DMG Online Installer.

This downloads the installation package for Apple Mac computers.

Linux and other platforms

Installation packages are also available for supported Linux distributions and other platforms.

If you require assistance installing the backup software on a Linux server, NAS device or another supported system, please contact Webvault Support.

Step 2: Install the Software

Installing on Windows

1. Open your Downloads folder and locate the downloaded installation file.

2. Double-click the installer to begin.

3. If Windows asks for permission to make changes to your computer, select Yes.

4. Click Next to continue.

5. Review and accept the software licence agreement.

6. Leave the default installation directory selected unless you have a reason to change it.

7. When prompted, select Anyone who uses this computer.

8. Click Install.

The installer will download and install the required components.

Once installation is complete, click Finish.

You can now launch the backup software from the Windows Start menu.

Installing on macOS

1. Open the downloaded .dmg installation file.

2. Double-click the obm.pkg installer.

3. Follow the installation wizard by selecting Continue.

4. Review and accept the software licence agreement.

5. Click Install.

6. Enter your Mac administrator password when prompted.

7. Once installation has completed, click Close.

The backup application will now be available in your Applications folder.

Depending on your macOS version, you may also need to approve additional permissions to allow the software to access files and folders.

Step 3: Register for Your Free 30-Day Trial

When you launch Webvault Offsite Backup Manager for the first time, you will be presented with the option to sign in or create an account.

If you are a new customer, select Free Trial or Sign up now.

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Login name: Choose a username for your backup account.

• Email address: Enter a valid email address to receive backup notifications.

• Password: Create a secure password for your account.

• Confirm password: Re-enter your password.

Follow the prompts to complete registration.

If the software asks you to configure the backup server, use the following details:

The backup server settings should normally be configured automatically when using the installer downloaded from Webvault.

Once registration is complete, your 30-day trial account will be activated.

A welcome email may also be sent containing details about your trial account and available storage allocation.

Important: Trial accounts may have storage capacity or feature limitations. Contact Webvault Support if you require a larger allocation or additional backup capabilities during your evaluation.

Step 4: Configure Your First Backup

After signing in, you can create your first backup.

A backup configuration is called a Backup Set. This determines which files are protected, where they are stored and when backups are performed.

Create a Backup Set

1. Open Webvault Offsite Backup Manager.

2. Select Backup Sets from the main screen.

3. Click the + icon next to Add new backup set.

4. Enter a descriptive name for your backup, such as Office Computer Backup.

5. Under Backup Set Type, select File Backup.

6. Click Next.

Select Files and Folders

Choose the files and folders you would like to protect.

For a typical office computer, consider including:

• Documents

• Desktop

• Pictures

• Important business folders

• Other locations containing information you cannot easily replace

You can select entire folders or individually choose files and subfolders.

Once you have selected your backup sources, click Next.

Configure Your Backup Schedule

The next screen allows you to configure automatic backups.

We recommend enabling scheduled backups so your information is protected without requiring manual intervention.

For most office computers, a daily backup is a suitable starting point.

The software normally provides a default daily schedule at 8:00 pm, which you can change to suit your requirements.

Make sure your computer will be powered on and connected to the internet when scheduled backups are due to run.

Click Next to continue.

Select Your Backup Destination

The destination determines where your backup data will be stored.

To use Webvault's offsite backup storage, select the backup server destination provided by Webvault.

Do not select a local folder unless you specifically intend to create an additional local backup.

Click Next to continue.

Configure Encryption

Webvault Offsite Backup Manager supports encryption to protect your backup data.  Encryption is normally enabled by default.

During setup, the software will display your backup encryption key.

You MUST securely save a copy of this encryption key.  The encryption key is required to restore your backups, particularly if you reinstall the software or recover data onto another computer.

LOSING YOUR ENCRYPTION KEY WILL PREVENT YOU FROM RECOVERYING YOUR DATA.   DO NOT SHARE OR EMAIL YOUR ENCRYPTION KEY!

Once you have securely saved the key, continue through the remaining setup screens to finish creating your backup set.

Step 5: Run Your First Backup

Once your backup set has been created, you can perform your initial backup.

1. Select Backup from the main application screen.

2. Choose the backup set you created.

3. Confirm the backup destination.

4. Click Backup to begin.

The software will begin preparing and uploading your selected data.

Your first backup may take some time depending on the amount of data selected and the speed of your internet connection.

Subsequent backups are generally faster because the software can avoid uploading unchanged information.

When the backup finishes, review the results to confirm that it completed successfully.

Your data is not protected until a backup has completed successfully.

Step 6: Test Restoring a File

We recommend testing the restore process after completing your first backup.

This verifies that your files can be successfully recovered if they are accidentally deleted, damaged or lost.

To perform a test restore:

1. Open Webvault Offsite Backup Manager.

2. Select Restore from the main menu.

3. Choose the backup set containing the files you want to recover.

4. Select the backup destination and Normal Restore.

5. Browse the available files and select a small file to restore.

6. Choose Alternate Location and select a temporary folder on your computer.

7. Start the restore process.

Once the restore has completed, open the restored file to verify that it is accessible and contains the expected information.

Using an alternate restore location prevents your test from accidentally overwriting existing files.

Step 7: Monitor Your Backups

Once configured, Webvault Offsite Backup Manager can automatically perform backups according to your selected schedule.

However, we recommend checking your backup results periodically.

In particular, you should:

• Confirm that scheduled backups are completing successfully.

• Review any warning or error notifications.

• Ensure newly created important folders are included in your backup configuration.

• Check that sufficient backup storage is available.

• Periodically test restoring important files.

A successful installation does not guarantee that all important data is being backed up. It is important to verify your backup configuration and monitor the results.

What Happens After the 30-Day Trial?

Your Webvault Offsite Backup Manager trial lasts for 30 days.

During this period, you can evaluate the software, configure backups and test restoring your information.

If you would like to continue using the service, please contact Webvault before your trial expires to arrange an ongoing subscription.

We recommend arranging your subscription before the trial ends to avoid interruption to your backups.

Need Assistance?

Webvault Support can assist with:

• Installing the backup software.

• Creating or accessing your backup account.

• Configuring backup sets and schedules.

• Troubleshooting unsuccessful backups.

• Restoring backed-up data.

• Configuring backups for servers, databases and other supported applications.

• Converting your trial into an ongoing backup service.

If you have any questions or are unsure whether your important files are being protected, please email support@webvault.com.au or call 1300 139 927 for assistance.