Backup choices

This document explains the major differences between Titan Drive, CrashPlan, Google Drive, Dropbox, Carbonite, and external hard drives.

Document 5521  |  Last updated:  04/21/2021 SPB

Deciding on the best file-sharing or backup storage option can be overwhelming. This document covers the most common backup methods used by our customers, and explores their pros and cons. For a visual chart, click here.

Best practices

Whether you're still shopping around or you've already chosen a backup solution, make sure to keep these important tips in mind:

  • If you're using Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or Carbonite with TOTAL, double-check your backup settings. Any third-party backup software that's constantly running in the background may interfere with your ability to save, move, or open reports inside TOTAL. To prevent performance problems, simply disable any continuous sync or persistent backup features before you start working on reports.
  • If you're using an External Storage Device like a hard drive or flash drive, make sure to un-plug it from your computer when your backup is complete. Leaving external devices plugged in to your computer can affect its performance.

Titan Drive

  • Backs up and stores all reports in watched folders until you delete them from Titan Drive.
  • Gives access to stored reports on any PC.
  • Automatically backs up your TOTAL and WinTOTAL preferences and databases, per your set schedule.
  • Makes recovering from a hardware failure, or moving to a new computer, simple and hassle‑free. Restoring everything takes minutes, as opposed to days. That means as little down time as possible!
  • Send reports to Titan Drive manually directly from TOTAL and WinTOTAL's Appraisal Desktop.
  • Reports are easily shared with co‑workers through Titan Drive's online interface.
  • Provides USPAP‑compliant, paperless protection from natural disasters, theft, and PC meltdowns.
  • Designed specifically for appraisers, by appraiser minded developers.
  • Click here to learn more about Titan Drive.

Dropbox

  • Automatically syncs any file saved in the Dropbox folder. Does not allow for other watched folders.
  • Files are easily shared by sending a link to the file or invite to a folder.
  • Gives access to synchronized files on any PC or smartphone.
  • Does not provide file storage unless the file is currently in the Dropbox folder. If a file is moved from the folder (or deleted), the file is immediately removed from Dropbox.
  • Click here to learn more about Dropbox.
Having Dropbox sync My Documents and subfolders can create a situation where it prevents TOTAL from writing to the same file — which can cause dataloss to occur. If you plan on using Dropbox for report backup, create a folder in Dropbox for your appraisal files, then attach that folder in TOTAL or WinTOTAL's File Cabinet. For more information on using an attached directory, click here.

Google Drive

  • Automatically syncs any file saved in the Google Drive folder. Does not allow for other watched folders.
  • Files are easily shared by sending a link to the file or invite to a folder.
  • Gives access to synchronized files on any PC or smartphone.
  • Does not provide file storage unless the file is currently in the Google Drive folder. If a file is moved from the folder (or deleted), the file is immediately removed from your Google Drive account.
  • Click here to learn more about Google Drive.
If you plan on using Google Drive for report backup, create a folder in Google Drive for your appraisal files, then attach that folder in TOTAL or WinTOTAL's File Cabinet. For more information on using an attached directory, click here.

OneDrive

  • Automatically syncs any file saved in a OneDrive folder.
  • Files are easily shared by copying a link or sending an e‑mail to access the file.
  • Gives access to synchronized files on any PC or mobile device.
  • Does not provide file storage unless the file is currently in a OneDrive folder. If a file is moved from the folder (or deleted), the file is immediately removed from OneDrive.
  • Click here to learn more about OneDrive.
TOTAL uses your Documents folder, and so does OneDrive. If you're using Windows 10, OneDrive may be enabled even if you never turned it on — and it might make changes to your Documents folder. Click here for a Microsoft article about OneDrive, and click here for a help doc if OneDrive has relocated your Documents folder.

CrashPlan

  • Unlimited backup space with any subscription.
  • Automatically backs up any file or folder that is configured to back up, in real time. By default, CrashPlan doesn't back up .zap (report files). You will need to configure CrashPlan to recognize and back up your report files.
  • Does not provide file storage, only a scheduled backup. Shortly after a file is moved from the watched folder (or deleted), the file is removed from CrashPlan's servers.
  • Click here to learn more about CrashPlan.

Carbonite

  • 250 GB backup space with basic subscription.
  • Automatically backs up any file or folder that is configured to back up, in real time. By default, Carbonite doesn't back up .zap (report files). You will need to configure Carbonite to recognize and back up your report files.
  • Does not provide file storage, only a scheduled backup. 30 days after a file is moved from the watched folder (or deleted), the file is removed from Carbonite's servers.
  • Click here to learn more about Carbonite.

External Hard Drive

  • Amount of storage varies from drive to drive. If you run out of space, backups will fail or overwrite one another.
    We recommend that you have at least 20MB (Megabytes) of storage space available per report that you complete. Multiply this value with the number of reports you complete in a year to determine your minimum annual storage needs.
  • Automated backup varies from drive to drive. Some hard drives come with backup software, while others will require you to back up your data manually.
  • Hard drives require transportation on and off‑site, and they don't protect against theft, accidents, natural disasters, or catastrophic failures. If the drive is lost, stolen, or damaged, the data is gone.
If you plan on using an external hard drive, verify its features before purchase. Many do not come with automatic backup programs installed, increasing the difficulty and time spent backing up your files.

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