Retrospect on Mac OS X
This
page details how to install and configure the
Retrospect backup client for Mac OS X for use with the Department Backup
Service, as well as provide important usage advice and
assistance with basic troubleshooting.
Installation
Installation of the client requires first downloading the client installer.
Unpackage and run the installer. Type in the initial backup password that Computing Support will give you upon request. Reboot your workstation when asked to.
This password is what we use to connect the backup server to your computer and securely exchange data. Do not use any other password than what we provide. Do not install a Retrospect client on any machine on which backups will not be done. For security, this password will be changed upon the first connection attempt by the backup server.
Configuration
No configuration is required; the default settings are fine. However, you should email us as soon as you have installed the client. This lets us know to add your workstation to the backup server.
Usage advice and troubleshooting
What you need to know to initiate file recovery
If your computer fails, or you have deleted a file from your workstation, disconnect your workstation from the campus network immediately and contact Computing Support at 215-573-2818, or 215-219-5544 (in an emergency).
It is very important that you disconnect your workstation from the network as quickly as possible after the deletion event.
Incremental backups are done daily: deleted files are removed from the incremental backup, so if a subsequent backup is completed, there is nothing we can do to recover your lost file.
Error messages
Some errors are normal, as a few files backed up during the procedure can change during the verification step. If you notice an abnormal number of errors (e.g. a number larger than 10 or so) then feel free to email us so that we can check the backup logs.
Ensuring smooth backups
Your computer must be turned on and awake to allow backups to be performed. Computers that are switched off or asleep will not exchange data with the backup server.
On Mac OS X, to keep your computer turned on and awake, open the Energy Saver system preference and make the following adjustments:
- Set "Put the computer to sleep when it is inactive for:" to Never
- Set "Put the display to sleep when it is inactive for:" to 30 minutes or another reasonable value. You do not need the display turned on for backups to be performed
- Uncheck "Put the hard disk(s) to sleep when possible", if it is checked
Firewall issues
Your computer must allow Retrospect network traffic to at least the backup server archive.bio.upenn.edu. If you run a software or hardware firewall as a security measure, this firewall must be configured to allow this traffic through. Otherwise backups will fail.
On Mac OS X, you can use the Sharing system preference applet to adjust firewall settings:
1. Click on the Firewall tab in the Sharing system preference applet
2. Click once on the New button in the Firewall settings window
3. Pull down the Port Name menu and select Retrospect
4. Click on OK to add Retrospect to the list of allowed traffic list
