Handy Backup News

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January 28, 2010

We have just released an important update to the program, Handy Backup 6.5.1. We highly recommend all users of version 6 and higher to update to the latest version!

• For over a year we have been receiving rare complaints on Handy Backup start-up crashes, but couldn't reproduce the problem. And to our great relief, recently we finally succeeded in catching the bug! Under some systems the program failed to start if the computer's IP address changed during the operation. In version 6.5.1 this problem has been fixed, and now Handy Backup is stable as never before!

• The problem with incorrect restoration from SFTP servers was fixed.


• There are several minor improvements to the user interface.

January 12, 2010

We have just released Handy Backup 6.5 with a new powerful function!

• Now users can create differential backups and minimize time and disk space required for regular backups.

Differential backup is a technology based on binary comparison of data with existing backup, when each task execution saves only new files and changes on modified files. If you are backing up large amounts of data, such as disk images or databases, you can greatly reduce data storage costs. For enterprises, this feature allows achieving near continuous protection of business data at minimal costs!

• In addition to employing differential backup technology, we also improved data indexing engine. No matter how large your HDD or database is, backups and restorations will always run smoothly and error free!

Handy Backup 6.4 - now officially compatible with Windows 7!

October 23, 2009

We are delighted to announce the release of Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server 6.4!

• The program received a new "Compatible with Windows 7" logo verifying its compatibility with the newly released Microsoft operating system:

Now all our customers can safely migrate to Windows 7 - Handy Backup will work on it perfectly and error free!

• More about Handy Backup's compatibility with Windows 7...

Also, Handy Backup 6.4 features several important updates and improvements:

• Outlook Backup plug-in now works more correctly under multilingual versions of Windows. Earlier, some users had problems when they tried to back up Outlook data from under non-English user accounts.


• MS SQL Backup plug-in's work has been considerably optimized and now doesn't require a lot of disk space for temporary files.


• Handy Backup moved further to compatibility with 64-bit platforms: most features should work smoothly and error free.


• Finally, as always, there are a lot of minor bug fixes and several enhancements to user interface.

New 6.3.1 versions of Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server

August 19, 2009

We have just released an important update to Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server. New in version 6.3.1:

• We've made noticeable improvements and fixes to MS SQL Server Backup and DB2 Backup plug-ins.


• Now you can back up MSSQL databases that are physically located on networked workstations (on a client-server scheme, using Handy Backup Server).
• Local DB2 backup issues have been resolved and the functionality has been restored in the program.
• Finally, we are happy to introduce new free plug-ins for backing up popular applications:
• Adobe Photoshop CS4 Backup
• Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 Backup
• Skype Backup

We hope that our users will find the improvements useful and advantageous!

Announcing new versions of Handy Backup, Handy Backup Server and Handy Backup Web Access!

July 28, 2009

In version 6.3 we have made substantial improvements to internal architecture of Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server, which made them fast and stable as never before. The most significant changes are as follows:

• Handy Backup became much faster and more resource-friendly: now it can perform backup tasks of 1 million files and more, with moderate PC memory consumption.


• We have created Handy Backup Console Client (comes in the installation folder as hbcc.exe) which can be used to launch, stop or delete tasks through the use of command line interface. To learn more, please see Command Line in the User Manual.


• Handy Backup is slowly (but surely) becoming compatible with 64-bit platforms. Version 6.3.0 passed tests of files-based backup in various modes and made first steps to compatibility of advanced plug-ins (see below).


• Microsoft SQL Server Backup plug-in has been tested and proven to work with 64-bit platforms. So, now we support 32- and 64-bit versions of MS SQL 7.0, 2000, 2005 and 2008 running under 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 2008/2003 Server or Vista/XP/2000.


• There are many other enhancements and fixes related to Outlook Backup and DB2 Backup plug-ins, graphical interface, and much more...

Also, we have released a new version of Handy Backup Web Access which is now more stable and secure. Note: The new version of Web Access is not compatible with Handy Backup 6.2.5 and earlier, so it is highly recommended to update both programs to the latest version.

New certification/partnership logos, advantageous changes and summer discounts!

July 6, 2009

We are proud and excited to report a lot of good news and announce changes that will benefit all Handy Backup users:

• Handy Backup has completed the Microsoft's Works with Windows Server 2008 certification! Now all users who work under Windows Server 2008 are guaranteed to have great experience when using our software. The new logo verifies that Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server are fully compatible with the platform and will work reliably and error free under any system conditions. More about Windows Server 2008 backup...

• The certification for the "Works with Windows Server 2008" logo allowed our company to become Microsoft Gold Certified Partners. Gold Certified Partners represent the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies, and we are proud to have reached this level!

• The latest large enhancement of Handy Backup, Oracle Backup plug-in, coupled with overall high quality of the application allowed our company to become Oracle Partners. We hope that enterprises that exploit Oracle technologies will find Handy Backup greatly useful and beneficial for their businesses!

• And the last, but not least – we have extended functionality of Handy Backup Standard with the Backup to DVD feature and functionality of Handy Backup Professional with the Database Backup feature. Now you get the more for the same price!

Handy Backup 6.2.5 and Handy Backup Server 6.2.5

May 8, 2009

We have just released new 6.2.5 versions of Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server. The new version comes with a lot of important changes:

• Backing up and restoring data generated by plug-ins (ODBC Database, DB2, Exchange and all other) now works correctly. Earlier, under some Windows configurations, there were problems when storing data to CD/DVD and FTP/SFTP.
• The Database Backup plug-in has undergone many useful improvements. We have optimized its algorithms of interaction with different database management systems, now it works faster and more accurately.
• The Image Backup plug-in was changed. Old backups will work fine, yet we recommend everybody who uses Handy Backup for disk imaging update it to the new version.
• Backing up to remote computers from behind a proxy server now works more correctly.
• Also, there are some graphical interface fixes and a lot of other minor updates and enhancements.

New versions of Handy Backup and Handy Backup Web Access!

April 3, 2009

We are glad to announce the release of Handy Backup 6.2.4 with the new Oracle Backup plug-in. The new plug-in allows backing up Oracle databases with all tables, archive logs, control files, settings, passwords and other data. Learn more about Oracle backup...

Also, we have released the new version of Handy Backup Web Access. Now it is more stable, easy to use, and proven to work correctly on all operating systems supported by Handy Backup. Note: Handy Backup Web Access 0.2 is not compatible with Handy Backup 6.2.3 and earlier versions. It was tested and proven to work correctly only with Handy Backup 6.2.4. In order to use it, please update Handy Backup to the latest version.

Handy Backup 6.2.3 with support for T-Mobile G1 Google Phone!

March 23, 2009

We are happy to announce the release of the new version of Handy Backup! Handy Backup 6.2.3 features a new function and multiple important enhancements:

1. A new Mobile Devices Backup plug-in has been added to the program. At present, it allows backing up contacts of Google Phone, also known T-Mobile G1. Learn more about T-Mobile G1 backup...
2. The internal architecture of Handy Backup has undergone several important changes. Firstly, this concerns files-based backup: under certain circumstances, Handy Backup failed to back up large amounts of files. Now you can safely create backup tasks involving several hundreds of thousands of files. Secondly, some changes have been made to multilanguage versions of the program (particularly, Russian build of Handy Backup). Finally, as always, there are multiple minor updates and bug fixes which made general performance better and more stable.

We welcome all users to download and install the latest version!

• Also, please don't forget to take part in March 2009 contest! We have already received several great reviews, buy you still have the chance to get Handy Backup Full, worth $199, for free!

Handy Backup Web Access & Special Offer!

March 3, 2009

1. We have just released a beta version of Handy Backup Web Access – an extension to Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server that allows managing the program's tasks via Web interface. Using it, you can start and stop your tasks and check their status without actually accessing your computer, from any part of the world.

Note: The current release of Handy Backup Web Access is a beta, and it is very important for us to hear your opinion on both its concept and performance. We welcome you to send your comments, questions and suggestions to support@handybackup.net or submit them via the feedback form.

2. We are proud to announce the new special offer! Do you want to get Handy Backup Full, worth $199, for free? Take part in a new monthly contest! All you need to do is to write a short review about the program and publish it in your blog or website! Learn how to get our backup software for free...

Handy Backup 6.2.2 with new functions and advantageous improvements

January 12, 2009

We have recently released a new 6.2.2 version of Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server. Now the program has an improved Outlook Backup feature which in earlier versions, under certain circumstances, didn't work properly if the user had Handy Backup GUI opened. Also, minor enhancements have been made to Lotus Notes/Domino Backup plug-in: now the program uses environmental variables more correctly.

Finally, we are glad to announce the release of a new plug-in for creating backups of DB2 databases which gives more accurate and fast results than backing up via ODBC with a common Handy Backup's Database Backup plug-in. By default, the new plug-in comes as a part of Handy Backup Full, or can be added to Standard or Professional editions for $29.

In honor of the release of the new plug-in, we decided to extend holidays discounts on Handy Backup Full: you can buy it with 20% discount. This is a limited offer, valid till February 14th, 2009. Discounts on all other editions of Handy Backup are no longer available. To buy the program, please refer to the Order section.

Handy Backup is now certified for Windows Vista!

October 14, 2008

We are glad to announce that our popular backup software Handy Backup has been certified for Windows Vista! The program has been rigorously tested by Microsoft® and proven to deliver an exceptionally high-quality experience when used on computers running Windows Vista under any system configuration. It was an exciting experience to collaborate with Microsoft and become associated with the most powerful and advanced operating system of today!

The latest updates, which have made Handy Backup certified for Windows Vista, will undoubtedly benefit all users. We have taken great care to ensure that each component of the software is fully compatible with all aspects of Windows Vista and follows all policies required for the best performance. Learn more about Windows Vista backup...

Handy Backup 6.1 – Novosoft Product Lineup Updated

June 10, 2008

Novosoft LLC announced updates to its flagship products Handy Backup and Handy Backup Server. The latest 6.1 versions add new features that make working with the program easier, faster and more efficient.
First of all, the changes concern user interface, in particular backup, restore and synchronization tasks representation in the main window of the program. Now users can easily manage their tasks and find ones they would like to execute, change or remove due to improved sorting mechanics that allow arranging tasks by name, task type, status and other parameters.
The version 6.1 of both editions provides the opportunity to import/export program configuration. Program settings can be saved in a simple ZIP format and retrieved after new version installation or just to change the way of data protection.
The range of data the program operates on has been enlarged. Now Handy Backup supports automatic backup of data used by the newest Microsoft’s e-mail clients. The program includes presets for Outlook 2007 backup and Windows Mail backup in Windows Vista: it automatically searches and copies all messages, contacts, settings and other data.

Handy Backup 6.0 earns ‘Works with Windows Vista’ logo

Jan 31, 2008

The newly released version 6.0 of Handy Backup, after exhaustive testing has been approved by Microsoft for carrying the ‘Works with Windows Vista’ logo to ensure customers have an optimal experience when protecting data on computers running the Windows Vista operating system.
Windows Vista backup compatibility was implemented in the software about a year ago and now it has been officially acknowledged which means that the program meets the highest standards of reliability and security. Tests proved that Handy Backup works with different configurations of Windows Vista correctly without the need to change system settings even after updating the OS. This became possible because of a new architecture introducing multiuser support, digital certificates for all program files, long file name support etc., which results in considerably increased security and stability.
The application installer has been changed and now combines all versions of the product (Standard, Standard DVD, Professional, Full and Server) in one package. Apart of that, all versions of Handy Backup now include the Windows Service Mode functionality by default.
In addition Handy Backup 6.0 implements include/exclude file masks for synchronizing, improved MS SQL backup feature that now allows even novices to perform backup of MS SQL databases quickly and easily, conserving all the information that the database contains, including views, store procedures, functions, etc., just in a few clicks.

Handy Backup Server will protect workstations even more efficiently

Jan 10, 2008

Novosoft LLC announced the release of the latest version of Handy Backup Server - network backup software for small to medium businesses. The new version implements a range of enhancements that enables organizations to execute their data protection strategies much more efficiently by taking full control over data stored on client machines.
With Handy Backup Server 6.0 system administrators can perform not only server backup but workstation backup as well which means making exact hard drive copy on all workstations on the network. In case of a physical drive failure such approach allows recovering client data as quickly as simply replacing the damaged disk with a new one without reinstalling operating system, applications and drivers. Complete system restore can be performed to the same or another system with different hardware.
Apart of image backup on workstations, added functionality also includes some powerful features that allow automatically backing up specific data stored on workstations. Thus the program executes MS Exchange backup not only on the server, but finds all MS Exchange storage groups on a network and backs them up quickly and easily. The same comes with Lotus Notes databases.
As previously Handy Backup Server reliably protects ODBC-compatible databases such as MySQL, Oracle, MS Access, MS SQL and others. But now, MS SQL backup can be performed using not only ODBC protocol but also native Microsoft API which is more reliable and allows avoiding errors while backing up and restoring databases.

New Design of Handy Backup Web Site

Sep 13, 2007

We are currently making improvements to the design of our site. There may also be some changes in the content. We hope you enjoy the new design!

Handy Backup 5.8 – increased reliability of your backups!

Sep 5, 2007

Novosoft has released version 5.8 of Handy Backup with a new feature of backup verification. Now you can verify your backups after burning them to CD, DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD disks. Since optical disks sometimes fail, this is of much importance and provides an additional level of security. Unlike many other products that perform file names and sizes check only, Handy Backup ensures that all the data on the destination disk is readable and the files were backed up without any errors. Once your backup has been verified, you may be confident that it will be restored perfectly. Feel safe about your data with Handy Backup!

Handy Backup 5.7 Server - new generation of Novosoft's key product

May 10, 2007

Novosoft has released the first version of enterprise backup edition of its backup application Handy Backup. The new version represents a complete data protection solution for small and medium businesses corporate networks. In contrast to the most similar solutions Handy Backup Server protects valuable information on both administrator and client machines without interrupting processes running on servers and workstations. The program keeps balance between ease of use, speed and data protection level, what is much important for backing up data in small business environments.

The application incorporates all key features crucial to the small business market and allows creating an exact server disk image including the operating system, applications, and configurations to any storage devices; backing up mission critical databases; supporting 2000/XP/2003/Vista. The product also provides scheduling opportunities and can be run in Windows service mode to completely automate the backup processes.

SMB IT staff will undoubtedly find Handy Backup Server a must-have product for quickly and reliably backing up Windows server-based networks.

Handy Backup Protects MS Exchange Servers Data

Mar 14, 2007

A new feature has been implemented in the version 5.6.1 of Handy Backup just released by Novosoft. This popular backup application used by thousands people worldwide now provide an opportunity to perform MS Exchange Server backup delivering an efficient access - to e-mail, calendars, attachments, contacts, and more to employees of the most enterprises. MS Exchange servers keep a lot of important information vital to the productivity and running of a company and it is much important to protect this data with high priority. And now it can be easily done with Handy Backup. The feature is delivered as an upgrade, so even previous versions users will be able to take advantages of the considerably enhanced functionality.

Handy Backup is now Vista compatible!

Feb 19, 2007

Novosoft has released a new 5.6 version of Handy Backup. The program was tested on Windows Vista and now this OS users can be sure that they will never experience any troubles when running Handy Backup and their data will be fully protected. In addition the range of storage devices to back up to has been enlarged and now the program provides an opportunity to store reserve copies to such advanced media as Blu-Ray and HD DVD disks.

Handy Backup gets multiple new features

Jan 26, 2007

The latest 5.5 version of the popular backup application, just released by Novosoft developers, contains multiple new features at once and delivers completely new functionality targeted both at home users and corporations interested in deploying the most secure, reliable and robust backup solutions.

The most important innovation long-expected by thousands of current Handy Backup users and seeming to be much useful to future customers is the ability to make image backup appeared in the new version. The program can now back up not only files and folders but the whole hard drive contents including operating system, settings, drivers and applications.

Next two new features implemented in the version 5.5 have also been highly requested by program users and especially by those who have to work with a large amount of information kept in different databases. Handy Backup 5.5 solves this problem by providing advanced options that allow performing hot database backup. One of these features enables users to perform backups of databases managed with systems supporting Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) protocol, such as MySQL, MS Access, DB2 and so on. The other provides an opportunity to back up Lotus Notes/Domino databases used for e-mail or more complex enterprise information sharing.

In addition there is one more option introduced in the new version and allowing e-mail backup. Reserve copies of all messages with attachments are stored to any device and can be accessed with any e-mail client installed on the computer such as MS Outlook, The Bat. For the moment the program works with POP3 servers.

All these features are delivered as backup upgrades, so even previous versions users will be able to take advantages of the considerably enhanced functionality.

Handy Backup has been improved

Jan 19, 2007

A new 5.4.8 release of the 5.4 tree, just appeared on the product website, fixes recently discovered bugs and presents a number of enhancements that make users more comfortable deploying the program and considerably increase data protection. Fixed multiple issues causing problems when backing up to and restoring from FTP/SFTP servers, errors which occurred when synchronizing files and folders were eliminated, backup to DVD option errors were corrected, errors arising when using Online Backup option were removed, temporary files created during backup procedures are now being deleted. Many other code cleanups and important corrections have been done.

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