This article reviews why, where, and how to back up locally-stored files and data.
Why back up?
Backups are critical to the integrity of your data, and ensure you’ll never lose valuable files in the event of a device failure. Backing up data to a location not affiliated with the College is also important as you are leaving the College so that you don't lose any of your work.
Tip for Faculty and Staff: Learn how to schedule automated backups using Code42.

Where can I store my backup?
Storage size | How to access | ||
---|---|---|---|
Home Drive (H:)¹ | ![]() | 1TB | via network drive on Windows, macOS, and online |
OneDrive¹ | ![]() | 1TB | via OneDrive Online via OneDrive App |
Alternative Cloud Storage² | Varies | See link for alternative cloud storage | |
USB or External Storage | ![]() | 8GB-2TB | via USB port |
Code42 (Faculty/Staff only) | ![]() | Unlimited | via Software Center (College computers only) |
¹Access to your home drive and College OneDrive resources ends when you leave the College.
²Faculty/Staff: College-related files should ONLY be stored on College-provided resources.
Home drive (H: drive)
You can back up files to your home (H:) drive by mapping your drive to your computer or by accessing your H: online.
From Windows
- Map your BMC Network Drive
- Open File Explorer
- On the left-hand pane, click username (\\home.brynmawr.edu\home) (H:)
- Right-click > New > Folder
title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY) - On the left-hand pane, click This PC
- Navigate to Windows (C:) > Users > username
- Right-click and copy the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
- On the left-hand pane, click username (\\home.brynmawr.edu\home) (H:)
- Open the folder you created in Step 4
- Right-click and paste the file(s)/folder(s) you copied
From macOS
- Map your BMC Network Drive
- Open Finder
- On the left-hand pane, click username (//home.brynmawr.edu/home/username)
- Ctrl-click > New > Folder
title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY) - Navigate to the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
- Right-click the file(s)/folder(s) and select copy
- On the left-hand pane, click username (//home.brynmawr.edu/home/username)
- Open the folder you created in Step 4
- Right-click and paste the file(s)/folder(s) you copied
From the web
- Navigate to ingress.brynmawr.edu
- Log in with your College email and password
- Click Home Directory
- If prompted, authenticate with your College email and password
- Click the folder with your College username
- Click Upload Files
- Navigate to, and select the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
OneDrive
You can backup files on OneDrive either online or through the OneDrive desktop app. See our Microsoft 365: Overview page for more information about OneDrive.
OneDrive online
- Navigate to webmail.brynmawr.edu
- If prompted, log in with your College email and password
- Click in the top-left
- Select OneDrive
- Click New > Folder
title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY) - Open your newly created folder
- Click Upload, select either Files or Folders
- Navigate to, and select the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
OneDrive application
See links to Microsoft's website with instructions for Windows or macOS .
Code42
- Install Code42 via Software Center
- Open Code42
- Login with your College email and password
- Setup your backup (skip to Step 2)
Tip: For more information, see the following articles on Code42's website.
- Get started (which files, how often, etc.)
- How backup works
- What should you back up?
- Change which files you’re backing up
- Uninstall Code42
External Drive
You can also backup your files using external drives, either with a USB or hard drive. See below for instructions on how backup to external drives with both Windows and macOS.
From Windows
- Connect your USB/External drive
- Open File Explorer
- On the left-hand pane, click the USB/External drive
- Right-click > New > Folder
title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY) - On the left-hand pane, click This PC
- Navigate to Windows (C:) > Users > username
- Right-click and copy the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
- On the left-hand pane, click the USB/External drive
- Open the folder you created in Step 4
- Right-click and paste the file(s)/folder(s) you copied
From macOS
- Connect your USB/External drive
- Open Finder
- On the left-hand pane, click the USB/External drive
- Ctrl-click > New > Folder
title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY) - Navigate to the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
- Right-click the file(s)/folder(s) and select copy
- On the left-hand pane, click the USB/External drive
- Open the folder you created in Step 4
- Right-click and paste the file(s)/folder(s) you copied
Questions?
If you have any additional questions or problems, don't hesitate to reach out to the Help Desk!
Phone: 610-526-7440 | Library and Help Desk hours
Email: help@brynmawr.edu | Service catalog
Location: Canaday Library 1st floor