Fab's AutoBackup 7 Pro - a must have tool for techs

[britechguy]

I totally agree with @nlinecomputers. Yes, Home & Office version can do the job but it is less handy for that as it's not portable and has to be installed on each machine. Pro is portable and can be used on as much computers as you want.

Just the "Pro is a portable program" factor is enough for me in this case.

Since most of the work I do is for residential clients who have (generally) minimal data as far as storage locations go, and most these days are using browser sync features for their settings, it's generally easy enough to set up someone on new hardware by hand.

That will not be the case for this new client, so I'm following my own advice of finding the correct tool for the task, and Fabs appears to be it. I've already downloaded the trial version to play with so I have some familiarity before snagging the real version for use in the field.

 

[Metanis]

Just the "Pro is a portable program" factor is enough for me in this case.

Since most of the work I do is for residential clients who have (generally) minimal data as far as storage locations go, and most these days are using browser sync features for their settings, it's generally easy enough to set up someone on new hardware by hand.

That will not be the case for this new client, so I'm following my own advice of finding the correct tool for the task, and Fabs appears to be it. I've already downloaded the trial version to play with so I have some familiarity before snagging the real version for use in the field.

You won't be sorry! This tool has saved me so much time over the years it's not even funny! Not only do you grab the actual data but the program acts like a real-time checklist so that you don't forget important things like wi-fi passwords and software keys.

 

[nlinecomputers]

This 1000x.

It also grabs things like QB and settings in Outlook like autofill lists and so on. All things you can get but can be easily forgotten.

 

[britechguy]

QB

And because one of the machines is used almost exclusively for QB, and the experience I've had with QB still gives me the chills, anything that automates the transfer of everything *but* the program itself from old machine to new is critical. Worth it to me just for that alone (but there is more, and I agree it's all of worth).

 

[britechguy]

I've purchased Fabs AutoBackup Pro, and have activated the trial version I downloaded with the order reference number and email address used without a hitch.

Since this is a portable program, I am presuming that if I copy the activated copy on my computer's main drive to any other media, that the activation comes right along with the copy. Is this presumption correct, or will I need to keep a small text file with the order reference number with me to reactivate it when using it on other machines in the field?

(@fabs in particular, but anyone who knows feel free to answer)

 

[fabs]

I've purchased Fabs AutoBackup Pro, and have activated the trial version I downloaded with the order reference number and email address used without a hitch.

Since this is a portable program, I am presuming that if I copy the activated copy on my computer's main drive to any other media, that the activation comes right along with the copy. Is this presumption correct, or will I need to keep a small text file with the order reference number with me to reactivate it when using it on other machines in the field?

(@fabs in particular, but anyone who knows feel free to answer)

Just keep the program's folder and its content and you'll be fine

 

[nlinecomputers]

You need to keep the entire directory intact. I always have a FABS directory on a flash drive.

 

[nlinecomputers]

The reason for that is FABS as needed will download supporting programs to do certain functions like getting WiFi passwords. It needs to download utilities from NirSoft to do that. FABS is in many ways a front end for other free utilities.

 

[britechguy]

OK, now the second "beginner's question." Were I dealing with two fully intact computers where I was trying to move content from one to the other the way I'd think I'd do it is backup on the source machine then restore on the target one. But my first case is going to be dealing with the AIO I posted pictures of, that's dead as a doornail, and where I'm going to have to extract the system drive from it to do anything. So, in that scenario, it seems to me that connecting it as an external drive on the target machine, then using the Transfer function would be the way to go. Am I missing something?

@nlinecomputers and @fabs: I have kept the entire folder, which started out life as the trial version, intact. I activated the program there and then moved it (on my source machine off of the root of C: to elsewhere) then proceeded to copy that folder lock, stock, and barrel to two different USB thumb drives. If I'm reading what you're saying correctly, it's possible that over time Fabs may fetch the various NirSoft or other utilities on an "as needed" basis and, if that occurs, I should really then copy the "updated" folder back to wherever else I might be carrying or storing it. Would that be correct?

 

[fabs]

OK, now the second "beginner's question." Were I dealing with two fully intact computers where I was trying to move content from one to the other the way I'd think I'd do it is backup on the source machine then restore on the target one. But my first case is going to be dealing with the AIO I posted pictures of, that's dead as a doornail, and where I'm going to have to extract the system drive from it to do anything. So, in that scenario, it seems to me that connecting it as an external drive on the target machine, then using the Transfer function would be the way to go. Am I missing something?

@nlinecomputers and @fabs: I have kept the entire folder, which started out life as the trial version, intact. I activated the program there and then moved it (on my source machine off of the root of C: to elsewhere) then proceeded to copy that folder lock, stock, and barrel to two different USB thumb drives. If I'm reading what you're saying correctly, it's possible that over time Fabs may fetch the various NirSoft or other utilities on an "as needed" basis and, if that occurs, I should really then copy the "updated" folder back to wherever else I might be carrying or storing it. Would that be correct?

The transfer feature is designed for that purpose so yes, you're right.

About the nursing utilities, they're part of the bundle now so there's no problem with that. Just stick with the activated copy

 

[nlinecomputers]

Yes, you can transfer or you can point to the Windows directory as the source. I always back up to an external drive and then restore. Yes, it is two steps but I like having that directory of all the stuff to refer to should an error occur on restore. It is easier to find the missing items. It is very rare but has happened.

 

[timeshifter]

One problem I keep running into is the Nirsoft programs getting nuked by the AV. Are there any simple ways to prevent this that don't involve digging into the AV program and excluding things, or just turning off AV while running them?

 

[britechguy]

Are there any simple ways to prevent this that don't involve digging into the AV program and excluding things, or just turning off AV while running them?

I consider excluding the folder where I keep them to be as "simple as pie." I haven't had AV cut me off at the knees when I try to run them. Issues happen more when I try to save them initially.

 

[Porthos]

One problem I keep running into is the Nirsoft programs getting nuked by the AV. Are there any simple ways to prevent this that don't involve digging into the AV program and excluding things, or just turning off AV while running them?

Fabs used to add exclusions to Defender. If using a 3rd party AV you have to do the exclusions/disabling yourself.

 

[timeshifter]

I consider excluding the folder where I keep them to be as "simple as pie."

If you know where the setting is. I just tried in my Windows 11 VM. I can't find it on the first try. Gonna have to Google it.

OK, not too bad, I just wasn't seeing it

Add an exclusion to Windows Security - Microsoft Support

Find out how to stop Windows Security from alerting you about or blocking a trusted file, file type, or process, by adding it to the exclusions list.

support.microsoft.com

 

[Larry Sabo]

Fabs used to add exclusions to Defender. If using a 3rd party AV you have to do the exclusions/disabling yourself.

It would be sweet if @fabs could do it for the major AVs as well. Kaspersky is especially a PITA.

 

[timeshifter]

Fabs used to add exclusions to Defender. If using a 3rd party AV you have to do the exclusions/disabling yourself.

But the exclusions for Defender don't exist now?

Naive question: how can a program do that? Don't recall ever seeing software add files or folders to an AV's exclusion list. I guess it could be done with a UAC prompt?

 

[nlinecomputers]

But the exclusions for Defender don't exist now?

Naive question: how can a program do that? Don't recall ever seeing software add files or folders to an AV's exclusion list. I guess it could be done with a UAC prompt?

I assume that it's in the registry somewhere. Like everything else in Winders

 

[timeshifter]

I assume that it's in the registry somewhere. Like everything else in Winders

Then wouldn't it be overly easy for malware to just insert their own exclusions into the registry?

 

[GTP]

It would be sweet if @fabs could do it for the major AVs as well. Kaspersky is especially a PITA.

Add Emsisoft to this list.