Command Line Backups
Handy Backup Works with Windows Vista Handy Backup - Command Line Backups

Data backup and disaster recovery software for
Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000 or 2008/2003 Server

Command Line


Handy Backup can perform a number of operations through the use of the command line, which allows you to manage tasks without opening the program's graphical interface. In different versions of Handy Backup this can be done in different ways.

Using Command Line Interface in Versions 6.3 and Higher

Since version 6.3 Handy Backup comes with a special utility called Handy Backup Console Client (hbcc.exe). It allows managing Handy Backup tasks through certain keys which can be either in full or contracted form (for instance, "-Execute" or "-e"). The syntax is as follows:

Usage: hbcc <key>[<tasks>]
<key>Command
--Help(-h) Displays this syntax
--Execute(-e) <tasks> Execute specified tasks by name
--ExecuteId(-ei) <tasks> Execute specified tasks by id
--ExecuteAll(-ea) Execute all tasks
--Stop(-s) <tasks> Stop specified tasks by name
--StopId(-si) <tasks> Stop specified tasks by id
--StopAll(-sa) Stop all tasks
--Delete(-d) <tasks> Delete specified tasks by name
--DeleteId(-di) <tasks> Delete specified tasks by id
--DeleteAll(-da) Delete all tasks
--List(-l) List all available tasks
--Close(-c) Close server
<tasks> is space separated list of task names, or IDs

Note: The Execute All command cannot be used if you have more than one task working with CD/DVD drive. Only one task that will be first to lock the CD drive will be executed.

Managing tasks by using the command line can noticeably fasten all of your backup processes. For instance, you may create a shortcut allowing you to back up your entire hard drive. To do so, just create the corresponding task, then create a shortcut launching that task (hbcc.exe –e <task>) and place it on the desktop. Next time you will need to back up your hard drive, simply double-click the shortcut.

Using Command Line Interface in Versions 5.8 and Lower

If you are using Handy Backup of version 5.8 or lower, Handy Backup can be managed with Handy Backup Agent (hbagent.exe). To open the window describing the command line syntax, follow these steps:

  1. On the Start menu, click Run.
  2. Type a path or browse for the Handy Backup Agent execution file (hbagent.exe).
  3. Add the “-help” or “-?” key and then click OK.
Handy Backup: Running Agent

The window with Handy Backup command line syntax will open.

Handy Backup: Command Line



Agent Menu

Backup Extras

Go to Help Contents

File Backup - back up individual files and folders stored in local, LAN and FTP locations Email Messages Backup - back up e-mail box directly from your mail server Image Backup - perform complete hard disk image backup with all data and operating system Email MS Exchange Backup - back up and restore Microsoft Exchange Server stores Lotus Notes Backup - back up Lotus Notes without stopping the service ODBC Database Backup - protect your databases by regular backups

Backup to LAN, Local and External Drives - store your backups at any drives visible in Windows Explorer Backup to FTP - offsite backup to remote FTP server provides maximum reliability Backup to SFTP - transfer sensitive data to a remote server via secure SFTP protocol Backup to CD-R/CD-RW - burn your backups to optical disks with multi-drive spanning and verification options Backup to DVD/HD DVD/Blu-Ray - record important data to DVD disks using the integrated burning tool Handy Backup Online - store backups at Novosoft Online Backup Service instead of third-party providers

Handy Backup software - Command Line Backups
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