Back up files: Why, where, and how

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.

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  

1. Map your BMC Network Drive
2. Open File Explorer
3. On the left-hand pane, click username (\\home.brynmawr.edu\home) (H:)
4. Right-click > New > Folder
   title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY)
5. On the left-hand pane, click This PC
6. Navigate to Windows (C:) > Users > username
7. Right-click and copy the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
8. On the left-hand pane, click username (\\home.brynmawr.edu\home) (H:)
9. Open the folder you created in Step 4
10. Right-click and paste the file(s)/folder(s) you copied

From macOS

1. Map your BMC Network Drive
2. Open Finder
3. On the left-hand pane, click username (//home.brynmawr.edu/home/username)
4. Ctrl-click > New > Folder
   title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY)
5. Navigate to the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
6. Right-click the file(s)/folder(s) and select copy
7. On the left-hand pane, click username (//home.brynmawr.edu/home/username)
8. Open the folder you created in Step 4
9. Right-click and paste the file(s)/folder(s) you copied

From the web

1. Navigate to ingress.brynmawr.edu
2. Log in with your College email and password
3. Click Home Directory
4. If prompted, authenticate with your College email and password
5. Click the folder with your College username
6. Click Upload Files
7. 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

1. Navigate to webmail.brynmawr.edu
2. If prompted, log in with your College email and password
3. Click
   
   in the top-left
4. Select OneDrive
5. Click New > Folder
   title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY)
   
6. Open your newly created folder
7. Click Upload, select either Files or Folders
8. 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 

1. Install Code42 via Software Center
2. Open Code42
3. Login with your College email and password
4. Setup your backup (skip to Step 2)

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

1. Connect your USB/External drive
2. Open File Explorer
3. On the left-hand pane, click the USB/External drive
4. Right-click > New > Folder
   title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY)
5. On the left-hand pane, click This PC
6. Navigate to Windows (C:) > Users > username
7. Right-click and copy the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
8. On the left-hand pane, click the USB/External drive
9. Open the folder you created in Step 4
10. Right-click and paste the file(s)/folder(s) you copied

From macOS

1. Connect your USB/External drive
2. Open Finder
3. On the left-hand pane, click the USB/External drive
4. Ctrl-click > New > Folder
   title your folder appropriately (e.g., Backup MM-DD-YYYY)
5. Navigate to the file(s)/folder(s) you’d like to back up
6. Right-click the file(s)/folder(s) and select copy
7. On the left-hand pane, click the USB/External drive
8. Open the folder you created in Step 4
9. 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