• Introduction
• Task
• Implementation
• How it works
• More information

Introduction

Window’s robust copy (robocopy) command can be used to reliably back-up files. Scheduling a robocopy script is a very effective method for backing up Iguana log files (or other files).

Task [top]

Schedule Windows robocopy to backup iguana log files.

Implementation [top]

Create a batch file (using the robocopy command) and schedule to run at particular time(s) using the Windows Task Scheduler.

Follow these steps to schedule a robocopy backup:

1. Create a robocopy-backup batch file:
   1. Create a robocopy command similar to this one which copies files from a source directory (like: C:\IguanaLogs) to a destination drive (like: \\NAS\backupfolder).

      robocopy C:\IguanaLogs \\NAS\backupfolder /ZB /MINAGE:30 /LOG+:\\NAS\backuplog.txt /TEE /NP

   2. Save the command in a file named Iguana_log_backup.bat or similar.
2. Open the Windows Task Scheduler:
   1. Type “scheduler” (or “task”) in Windows Search and select the Task Scheduler:
      
3. Create a new Basic Task:
   

   Tip: The Basic Task option uses a Wizard to create the task — if you prefer a a more comprehensive tabbed “properties style” view you can choose Create Task instead.

4. Follow the steps in the Task Wizard:
   1. Use a name like Iguana_log_backup or similar.
   2. Use a daily Trigger:
      
   3. We recommend scheduling the backup to start during off-peak hours, like 3 am:
      
   4. Choose the Action to Start a program:
      
   5. Choose to run your robocopy batch file you created above:
      
   6. And then click Finish to save your new scheduled task.
5. And that’s it you’re done — task created!

How it works [top]

We use a robocopy command to copy the Iguana log files to a remote disk device. The robocopy command is saved as a batch file and then scheduled to run at particular time(s) using the Windows Task Scheduler.

Robocopy command options:

• Source directory –   C:\IguanaLogs
• Destination directory –  \\NAS\backupfolder
• /ZB –  Restartable backup mode
• /MINAGE:30 –   backup all log files older than 30 days
• /LOG+:\\NAS\backuplog.txt –  Log the results of the backup in backuplog.txt
• /TEE –  Output to console window and log file
• /NP –   Reduce progress logging

More information [top]

• From the Windows cmd prompt, type: robocopy /?
• Windows documentation
• Backup and restore Iguana