Getting Started with Rackspace Cloud Backup - Part 5

How to Use System Actions

Important: The System Actions are for users who are familiar with Rackspace Cloud Backup. Users with Managed Cloud Accounts may want to contact their Account Manager before performing any of the following actions.

You may do several actions with your System. This page describes them.

You can access the System Actions drop-down menu in two ways: 1) from the gear widget next to the System name on the Systems List; and 2) from the "Actions" button on the System Details Screen. This menu is not that on the Single Backup screens.

The System Actions drop-down menu offers the following actions:

• Create Backup
• Restore Backup
• Encrypt System
• Cleanup System
• Disable System
• Delete System

Create Backup

Clicking Create Backup from the System Actions menu is the same as clicking Create Backup on the System screen. See Create a Backup in this guide for complete instructions.

• Note: You cannot perform a Backup job or Restore to a System that is offline. If the system status displays “offline” and your Cloud server is active, please contact support.

Restore Backup

Clicking Restore Backup from the System Actions menu is the same as clicking Restore Backup from the Single Backup Action menu. See Restore Backup in this guide for complete instructions.

• Note: You cannot perform a Backup jobs or Restore to a system with an offline status. If the system status displays “offline” and your cloud server is active, please contact support.

Encrypt System

You may encrypt your Backups with AES-256 encryption. The key or passphrase you create will be known only to you. If you lose or forget your passphrase, you will not be able to recover your backups.

Let's state that again:

If you lose or forget your passphrase, you will not be able to recover your Backups.

Also, once you turn on Encryption, you cannot turn it off. You can only change your passphrase. This is a security measure. If anyone ever gained access to your account, they would not be able to access your backups without your passphrase.

When you use a passphrase, we encrypt it locally on your browser using a javascript RSA library before it is even submitted over the web. Rackspace will never know your passphrase. All communication between your computer and Rackspace servers for Cloud Backup is done over SSL, which means that no one can intercept and read your messages.

1. Select Encrypt... from the Systems Actions drop-down menu.

2. Enter a passphrase that only you know.
3. Enter your passphrase again.
4. Click Save Passphrase.

You may confirm by that you have enabled Encryption by clicking Encrypt... from the System Actions drop-down. On the Backup Encryption screen, your System name will have the Encrypted flag next to it. Also, your Encrypted Backups will display "This is an encrypted backup," on the Single Backup Details screen.

You may change your passphrase for Encryption:

1. Select Encrypt... from the System Actions drop-down.
2. Enter your current passphrase.
3. Enter a new passphrase that only you know.
4. Enter your new passphrase again.
5. Click Save Passphrase.

Cleanup System

Cleanup Vault allows you to manually kick off a cleanup at any time, even if you have an automatic backup scheduled. This frees up unused space in your Cloud Files account, where you Backups are stored.

1. If your system is Encrypted, you are asked to confirm your passphrase. Click the Check button when you've entered your phrase.
2. Click the Start Cleanup button to begin Cleanup.

Disable System

When you Disable a System, you prevent all future backups from running. You can re-enable the system at any time--Select Enable System from the System Actions drop-down--and no data will be deleted.

Delete System

Delete System - this option will permanently delete all backups and any data associated with this system. A confirmation prompt will require you to verify that this is your intention.