Summary: Back up your files and ensure your data is safe by installing and configuring iDrive on your Mac. Follow these steps to securely set up iDrive for automated backups and data recovery. Contact us if you need help selecting the best iDrive plan for your needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing and Configuring iDrive on Mac
Step 1: Contact Us for an iDrive Plan
Reach out to us at DavLaw Tech Solutions to help you choose the iDrive plan that best fits your needs.
Phone: (207) 449-0364
Email: [email protected]
Step 2: Purchase and Download iDrive
After selecting the right plan with our assistance, you’ll receive an email with purchase confirmation and download instructions.
Visit the iDrive website and log in to your iDrive account.
Go to the Downloads section and download the iDrive installer for Mac.
Step 3: Run the Installer
Locate the downloaded installer file (usually in the Downloads folder).
Double-click the installer file to start the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions, and if prompted, drag the iDrive icon to the Applications folder to complete the installation.
Step 4: Open iDrive
Go to the Applications folder and double-click on iDrive to launch the application.
You may be asked to enter your Mac’s admin password to allow iDrive to make changes to your system.
Step 5: Sign In to Your iDrive Account
Once iDrive is launched, you’ll be prompted to sign in to your iDrive account.
Enter your credentials and click Sign In to proceed.
Step 6: Grant Necessary Permissions and Prepare Files for Backup
iDrive may request access to your files and folders. Click OK to grant the necessary permissions.
You may also be asked to enable iDrive in Security & Privacy settings for full access:
Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Go to the Privacy tab and select Full Disk Access.
Add iDrive to the list of applications with full disk access.
Important: If you use iCloud’s Optimize Storage feature, it is crucial to turn it off to ensure that all files are downloaded to your Mac before backing up with iDrive.
Open System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud.
Uncheck Optimize Mac Storage.
Warning: Ensure you have enough disk space to download all files from iCloud before disabling this option to avoid any issues.
Step 7: Initial Configuration
After signing in, you’ll be guided through the initial setup process.
Choose the folders you want to back up by default, or customize your selection.
Tip: Include important locations like your Desktop, Documents, Photos, Videos, and any other critical folders in your backup.
Click Continue to finalize your selections.
Step 8: Set Up Automated Backups
Go to the Backup tab within iDrive.
Set up a schedule for automated backups to ensure your data is always up-to-date.
Choose the frequency (e.g., daily, weekly) and the time of day for backups.
Step 9: Enable Continuous Data Protection (Optional)
In the iDrive settings, you can enable Continuous Data Protection to automatically back up files as they are modified.
Go to Settings > Continuous Data Protection and toggle it on.
Step 10: Configure Backup Preferences
In the Settings tab, You can find the following
In the General tab, you can configure notifications, and start up actions
Click on Exclusions to exclude locations from backup
Click on Archive Cleanup to choose when iDrive will remove missing files from the backup
Click on Throttling to configure additional settings such as bandwidth usage
Adjust these settings based on your needs.
Step 11: Perform the First Backup
Click Backup Now in the iDrive interface to start your first backup.
Monitor the backup progress and ensure that all selected files are being uploaded to iDrive.
Step 12: Verify Backup Status
After the initial backup is complete, go to the Backup tab and verify that all files are backed up successfully.
Ensure that there are no errors or unresolved issues.
Step 13: Set Up iDrive Test Restore (Optional)
To ensure that your backups are functioning correctly, it’s a good idea to perform a test restore.
Go to the Restore tab within iDrive.
Select a few non-essential files and choose the destination folder on your Mac.
Click Restore Now to retrieve your files from iDrive and confirm that the restore process works smoothly.
By following these steps and contacting DavLaw Tech Solutions, you can effectively install and configure iDrive on your Mac, ensuring your data is securely backed up and easily recoverable.
