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Create and edit a backup

A backup pair connects one or more source folders with one destination and stores the schedule, retention, filters, and security choices for that job. Once configured, the same protection rules are applied to every run.

Keeping those decisions together makes automatic operation possible. You do not select everything again for each run; O&O AutoBackup opens the pair, checks what changed, and applies the same protection policy.

Create a custom backup​

  1. From Home, select Create custom backup or sync.
  2. Choose Create Backup and then Back up custom folders.
  3. Add the folders you want to protect. Remove overlapping selections so the same file is not copied twice.
  4. Choose a local, removable, network, WebDAV, or S3 destination.
  5. Review the summary and use Change beside schedule or retention if the defaults do not fit.
  6. Decide whether to enable encryption and the portable recovery app.
  7. Select Start protecting my files.

Plan a pair before creating it​

Avoid making one enormous pair simply because all data belongs to the same user. Separate pairs can be useful when sources need different destinations, schedules, or security:

  • Work documents may run hourly to an encrypted NAS destination.
  • A large photo archive may run when an external drive is connected.
  • OneDrive may use “download, back up, then free up space.”
  • Temporary project exports may need no backup at all.

On the other hand, putting several related personal folders into one pair keeps the Home page simpler and lets them share one restore history. Choose based on recovery needs, not merely folder count.

Edit an existing backup​

Select a pair on the Home page and choose Change, or double-click the pair. You can update sources, destination behavior, file selection, schedule, and retention. Save the pair when finished.

Changing the source does not delete previously backed-up files immediately; retention rules determine how historical versions are kept. That prevents a configuration mistake from instantly erasing the recovery history.

Changing a removable destination should be done through the application so O&O AutoBackup records the correct volume identity. Copying the destination folder in Explorer and merely editing a drive letter can leave the pair associated with the wrong device.

Encryption and name hiding become fixed once the backup has run. Existing readable files cannot honestly become encrypted after the fact, and encrypted files do not become readable because a switch was turned off. Create a new pair with an empty destination when changing that design choice.

Delete a pair​

Deleting a pair removes its configuration and restore points from the O&O AutoBackup interface. It does not delete the files already stored at the destination. Read the confirmation carefully, then clean the destination manually only when you are certain it is no longer needed.

Before deleting a pair, open its destination and perform a test restore. If the pair is being replaced, keep the old destination until the new backup has completed and been tested.

Use descriptive names

Names such as “Laptop documents → Office NAS” are easier to diagnose than “Backup 2,” especially once you have several pairs.