Understanding the computer backup settings

Updated: March 30, 2011

Applies To: Windows Home Server 2011

After backup is configured for client computers, you can specify a different window of time for the backup to occur. Similarly, you can specify a longer or shorter backup retention time than the default. The Restore defaults button lets you reset the backup window and retention policy to the defaults provided during initial backup configuration.

The defaults are:

Backup setting Default Description

Start time

12:00 am

Specifies the time that the daily backup starts. It is recommended that you set this to a time when users are not using their computers.

End time

6:00 am

Specifies the time that the backup must be finished. If the backup does not require the duration specified, it uses only the time required to successfully backup the computer

Retain daily backups

5 days

Specifies the number of days that daily backups are retained. For example, using the default setting 5 daily backups are retained. On the 6th day and each day thereafter, the oldest daily backup file is deleted.

Retain weekly backups

4 weeks

Specifies the number of weeks that the last backup of the week is retained. For example, using the default settings, 4 weekly backups are retained. On the 5th week and each week thereafter, the oldest weekly backup is deleted.

Retain monthly backups

6 months

Specifies the number of months that the last backup of the month is retained. For example, using the default setting, 6 months of backups are retained. On the 7th month and each month thereafter, the oldest monthly backup is deleted.