Technical Support

FAQ

How much does Hitachi Backup cost?

You get 3 GB of backup space for free, and 250 GB of space for $49/year.

What happens to my data if I don't renew Hitachi Backup?

You will be contacted and non-renewal involves the immediate blocking of your account. If within 90 days you have not renewed your Hitachi Backup account we will delete your files.

What is the difference between Hitachi Backup and other conventional backup systems?

Hitachi Backup offers important advantages over other consumer backup methods:

- The long-term storage at most affordable prices
- File access from every location connected to the internet
- Backup as many computers as you like

In this way we provide a complete service that is closest to your needs.

How can I access my data?

From your computer either click on Hitachi Backup icon on your desktop and click on "VIEW MY FILES" in the Cloud Backup section.

From any web browser visit www.hitachibackup.com and click on "Login".

What does TurboUpload mean?

Hitachi Backup generates random sequences of bit ciphers from parts of user files. If the server recognizes this sequence of bits Hitachi Backup shares it, making it unnecessary to transfer the sequence. This procedure of bit sharing allows us to speed up the transfer of system files which are unchanged in most cases.

How often is the backup made?

Hitachi Backup is a continuous backup system. Every time a file is added or modified a copy is uploaded to our server. Hitachi Backup starts when your computer starts up. No action on your part is necessary.

Can I install Hitachi Backup on all of my computers?

Yes, until reaching the maximum space allowed for your account, you can install Hitachi Backup on any computer. All computers will be displayed on your Hitachi Backup Drive as individual folders.

How does Hitachi Cloud Backup work?

Hitachi Backup software allows every file on your computer (up to 5 GB in size) to be saved through your internet connection. You can view them and work on them from any location connected to the web. With up to 250 Gigabytes available you can save every type of file: photographs, documents, music, etc. After the initial setup backup occurs in a continuous manner and without user intervention. The program also keeps track of every change made to the files. The data is saved on a remote server with restricted access.

I have deleted or modified a file. Can I recover it?

Yes. Log into your account on www.hitachibackup.com and use the search function. Not only will you be able to find the file you are looking for, but you can also find all earlier versions that you have modified; in this way you can choose which version you wish to recover.

How is my privacy ensured?

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more details.

Can I delete my files from Hitachi Backup?

Deleting files is simple and quick. All you have to do is log into your account on www.hitachibackup.com, browse through your data, and delete unwanted files and folders.

What if my computer crashes? How can I recover my data?

Computers only have a lifespan of approximately 5 years. If you have Hitachi Backup, recovering your data is simple. Just access your files from our website and download them, or you can drag them to the desktop and wait until the transfer is complete. You can retrieve all your files, every time you want, in a simple manner.

What can I save?

Any files you want, until reaching the your storage limit (3G free or 250G for $49/year). Hitachi Backup saves and protects any type of file of any size. Hitachi Backup can automatically save any additions and modifications of any file that you have selected for backup. By default Hitachi Backup saves 10 revisions, but you an configure it to save up to 100 revisions.

Can I have more space?

At the moment Hitachi Backup offers 3GB of space for free or up to 250GB of space for $49/year.

How much time does Hitachi Cloud Backup take to save my files?

The first complete system backup can take a very long time. However a few minutes after installation the most important files become protected. Hitachi Backup determines which files are most important based on the type of file and its frequency of use. It then backs up the most important files first. As you use your computer Hitachi Backup re-evaluates which files are important and always backs them up first.

In general, the time necessary to backup the files depends on the quantity of information that you have chosen to save and the speed of your internet connection.

Our technology also helps Hitachi Backup make transfers faster. If other users have already transferred files with the same content, for example operating system files or common applications, Hitachi Backup will only register the presence in your space without physically performing the transfer.

Can I use Hitachi Backup for sending very large files?

Yes. Log in to your account on www.hitachibackup.com and select the files you would like to share. Right-click on any file you can save it and share it. The SHARE function allows you to send a link to the file to an email address of your choice. Then the recipient will be able to download the file directly to their computer. If a file is already saved with Hitachi Backup use the SEARCH function, or on the website from our control panel, and you will find the SHARE function.

If I use Hitachi Backup will I have more space on my computer?

Yes. You can lighten the load on your PC by using Hitachi Backup as a virtual disk, keeping your files there to use them and work with them when and where you want. Remember that you can restore them to your computer from Hitachi Backup!

Will Hitachi Backup slow down my computer?

Hitachi Backup believes in giving priority to the user. The service uses computer resources and an internet connection in a dynamic manner, in such a way that the service does not cause a slowdown for the user.

What happens if the connection is interrupted?

If the connection is interrupted Hitachi Backup stops working, but remembers the progress of the backup and continues from that point when the connection is restored.

What encryption system does Hitachi Backup use?

Hitachi Backup utilizes different encryption systems in every phase. Data is encrypted by the program and divided into different parts, making it unreconstructible by intercepting any single part. Data is then sent by an encrypted SSL channel to the Hitachi Backup servers. This type of communication is the same used by online banks and credit card payment systems. The files are not subsequently reconstructed, but rather the different parts of the files are archived on a RAID system.

I have an office network. Can I install Hitachi Backup?

As long as it meets your employer's guidelines, yes, Hitachi Backup can be installed on any office computer, desktop or portable running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X version 10.5 or greater.

I have very important data. Can Hitachi Backup help me?

Hitachi Backup allows you confidential archiving of every file up to 5GB in size. If a file exists on Hitachi Backup you can delete it from your computer and be assured that it will only be possible to access it by using your logon information.

Can I transfer files using FTP?

At the moment you can't transfer files to or from Hitachi Backup using FTP.

How can I find out how much space I have left?

Every time that you login on the Login page on the Hitachi Backup website information showing how much space you have left will be displayed.

What do I need to install Hitachi Backup?

You need Hitachi LifeStudio branded hard drives, an internet connection, and a computer running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X 10.5 or greater. You will also be able to download the backup software from www.hitachibackup.com

I have lost my password. Can I retrieve it?

We do not save user passwords. We use an encryption algorithm that permits us to verify them but not to read them. Through the program or our website you can request a change of password using the email address specified when Hitachi Backup was activated.

My email has changed. What happens?

If your email changes it is necessary to contact customer support at http://www.lifestudio.com/support/ Tell us your old and new email addresses. Your login information will be sent to your new address.

Does Hitachi Online Backup backup Microsoft Outlook emails, address books, Internet favorites, operating system and applications?

The Hitachi Backup software offers file-level backup only. Internet favorites can be backed up as well as Microsoft Outlook emails and address books, but the applications using these files must be closed before running the backup.

I connect through a proxy server. Can I use Hitachi Backup?

Hitachi Backup has been designed to work with a proxy server. Communication with the Hitachi Backup server is through the encrypted HTTPS port 443, used by banks and credit card payment systems. If your network supports connections through port 443 Hitachi Backup will work without problems.

How can I purchase Hitachi Backup?

Hitachi Backup provides 3GB of storage free, but if you wish to purchase more space you can do so on our Purchase webpage. You can pay with most common credit cards through PayPal.

What is the maximum size for files saved on Hitachi Backup?

Hitachi Backup client software supports files up to 5GB in size. The web upload limit from hitachibackup.com is 50 Mb per file.

How can I speed up backups?

Backup time depends on the internet connection upload speed and the quantity of data selected for backup. Modify these factors to maximize performance.

Note: A typical user with a 512 Kbps upload connection (standard DSL line) saves between 1 and 10 GB per day, depending on how long the user is connected to the internet and how similar the contents of different uploaded files are.

Is Hitachi Backup available for Linux?

No, at this time Hitachi Backup is not available for Linux.

How can I backup files on the network?

You can't backup files on the network at this time.

Is there an iPhone or iPad client for Hitachi Backup?

Yes, you can download Hitachi Backup for iPhone and iPad. The application is free to customers with the 250 GB plan.

How can I uninstall Hitachi Backup?

Windows XP

• Open Control Panel
• Click on Add or Remove programs
• Select Hitachi LifeStudio & Hitachi Backup
• Click the Remove button

Windows Vista/Windows 7

• Open Control Panel
• Double Click Programs and Features
• Select Hitachi LifeStudio & Hitachi Backup
• Click the Remove button

Macintosh

• Open the Application folder and drag Hitachi Backup to the Trash.
• Delete the folder ~/Library/Application Support/HitachiGST/LSBackground/
• Delete the folder ~/Library/Application Support/HitachiGST/Hitachi Backup/
• Delete the file ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.hitachigst.backup.agent.plist
• Delete the file ~/Library/Logs/LSBackup.log
• Restart your computer