Data loss is a serious threat. Personal Backup offers a robust, free solution for Windows users to protect their critical files. This powerful utility, developed by Dr. Jürgen Rathlev, provides comprehensive features for creating scheduled, encrypted backups to local, network, or FTP destinations.
Despite its simple, classic interface, the software includes advanced options like Volume Shadow Copy support and customizable log file placeholders, making it a favorite among power users and system administrators. It gives you full control over your data protection strategy, prioritizing precision over unnecessary background bloat.
To get the best results, users can configure an unlimited number of tasks. The program runs under all popular Windows versions, ensuring broad compatibility for your Personal Backup needs.
In This Post
Personal Backup Pro Tip
Configuring Advanced Task Synchronization
- Open the Control Panel and select the desired backup task.
- Click the Task settings tab.
- Under Other backup options, locate the Synchronize destination and source folders setting.
- Select Selected files, retain other to only delete files at the destination that were part of the backup selection but no longer exist at the source.
- Alternatively, choose All files to delete all files at the destination that are missing from the source, including those excluded by filters.
Why: Synchronization ensures your backup is an exact mirror of the source, deleting obsolete files to save space. Using the Selected files, retain other option prevents the accidental deletion of unrelated files stored in the backup directory.
Setting Default Compression for New Tasks
- Go to Extras > Options in the main menu.
- Select the Preferences tab.
- Find the Default setting for new tasks section.
- Choose the desired default compression: No compression, Compress as zip, or Compress as gz.
- Click OK to save the new default for all subsequently created backup tasks.
Why: Setting a default compression type streamlines the creation of new backup tasks. The Compress as zip option is ideal for creating individual, easily accessible archives for each file, while Compress as gz offers a different compression format.
Software Specifications
| Software Name | Personal Backup |
|---|---|
| Version | 6.4.6.1 |
| License | Free |
| File Size | 27.1 MB |
| OS Support | Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and respective server versions (32-bit and 64-bit) |
| Language | English, German, French (multi-language) |
| Developer | Dr. Jürgen Rathlev |
| Homepage | http://personal-backup.rathlev-home.de/index-e.html |
| Last Updated | 2026-01-27 |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free with no feature limitations or ads. | User interface is functional but dated. |
| Supports advanced destinations like FTP/FTPS and Windows network shares. | No direct support for major commercial cloud storage services (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive) without a network share. |
| Includes robust AES encryption and file compression (zip/gz). | Requires manual removal of the previous version when switching between 32-bit and 64-bit installations. |
| Offers highly flexible scheduling options (logon, logoff, fixed time, Windows Task Scheduler). | |
| Supports Volume Shadow Copy for backing up open files. |
Core Features
- Flexible Destination Support: Users can select any folder on a local fixed or removable drive, a Windows network server, or an FTP server as the backup destination. This flexibility is crucial for a comprehensive data security strategy.
- Advanced File Selection and Filtering: The selection of files is made on a by-folder basis, automatically including all sub-folders. Users can apply additional criteria, including selection by file type, file age, and file name filter, to fine-tune the backup scope.
- Scheduled and Automated Backups: Performing the backup can be done manually or automatically using a time schedule. Options include starting on logon, on logoff, at a fixed time of day, or via the Windows Task Scheduler for individual schedules.
- Compression and AES Encryption: All data can optionally be compressed into gzip or separated zip files to optimize storage space. Plus, all backed-up data can be secured using the robust AES algorithm-encrypted for enhanced data security.
- Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS): The program can utilize the Volume Shadow Copy Service. This allows the utility to back up files that are currently open or in use by other applications, ensuring a complete and consistent backup.
- Portable Installation Option: A zip archive is provided for update or portable installation. This allows the application to be run from a USB stick, which is always recommended for the 32-bit version due to its ability to run on either system.
Questions & Answers
What is the latest version of Personal Backup?
The latest verified version of Personal Backup is 6.4.6.1, released on January 27, 2026.
Can Personal Backup back up open files?
Yes, the program can use the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to back up files that are currently open or in use by other applications on your system.
Does Personal Backup support cloud storage?
The software supports local drives, removable media, Windows network servers, and FTP servers. While it does not natively support commercial cloud services, you can use a network share or a local folder synchronized with a cloud service as a destination.
How do I configure a custom log file for a task?
Navigate to the Task settings tab, then select Miscellaneous options. Here, you can specify a custom log file name, including placeholders like %taskname% or %start% for dynamic naming.
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