Cloud Backup - How to Set Up Backblaze B2 for Cloud Backup

Cloud Backup

Centralized deployments where every endpoint will be logged into a primary Backblaze account that is managed by IT. In this scenario the end-user will not have access to their data on Backblaze, they will need to contact whoever manages that centralized account. These deployments are quite simple as the email passed to the installer doesn't. Backblaze is a low-cost data storage provider that offers cloud storage and computer backups. It has four data centers, three of which are in the U.S. It is a direct competitor to services like Microsoft’s Azure and Amazon’s S3. While it is an affordable option, the 30-day deletion policy and slow restoration feature drive away many users. Visit and sign in to your Backblaze account with your email address and password. On the 'Overview' page, select the appropriate download link for your operating system at the bottom right hand corner 3.

Backblaze B2 is a business-class cloud storage provider with extremely low costs, at $0.005/GB a month or $5/TB a month. Retrospect 12 and higher for Windows and Retrospect 14 and higher for Mac are certified for Backblaze B2 API, and Retrospect 17.5 for Windows and Mac are certified for Backblaze B2 S3-Compatible API. Follow these step-by-step instructions for setting up a Backblaze B2 account and adding it to Retrospect.

Please note that buckets created before May 4, 2020 cannot be used with Backblaze S3 Compatible APIs.

Step-by-step Guide

Video Tutorial - Retrospect Backup for Windows

Video Tutorial - Retrospect Backup for Mac

Account Setup Guide

Setting up a Backblaze B2 account is quick and easy.

  1. Visit Backblaze B2. Type in your email address and password and click 'Sign up for B2'.

  2. Backblaze B2 requires a valid phone number, so you’ll need to verify yours with a text message. This also allows you to set up two-factor authentication for added security. Autodesk autocad for mac 2016.

  3. After verifying your phone number, you’ll see your new Backblaze B2 account page.

  4. Backblaze B3 provides two different interfaces that Retrospect supports: B2 API and S3 API. Let’s walk through setup for each.

Information for Retrospect using Backblaze B2 API

Retrospect needs two pieces of information to access Backblaze B2.

  • Account ID – Use the Account ID from above.

  • Application Key – Use the Application Key from above.

Note that Retrospect’s B2 API requires the master key and does not support application-specific keys. To retrieve the master key, click the 'Show Account ID and Application Key' link and then the 'Create Application Key' button.

Information for Retrospect using Backblaze S3-Compatible API

Retrospect needs two pieces of information to access Backblaze B2. Free data recovery for mac.

  • Paths3.us-west-001.backblazeb2.com/your_bucket_name (using the endpoint URL listed in Backblaze 'Buckets' page)

  • Access Key: Use the Application Key ID (KeyID).

  • Secret Key: Use the Application Key (applicationKey).

The S3 Compatible API does not support the master key but does support application-specific keys. You’ll need to click 'Add a New Application Key' under 'App Keys' to get the 'Application Key ID' (KeyID) and the 'Application Key' (applicationKey).

The path is listed as 'Endpoint' under the bucket description on your Backblaze 'Buckets' page.

Adding Cloud Storage in Retrospect using Backblaze B2 API

Adding cloud storage as a destination is simple. Retrospect has a new set type called 'Cloud'. Create a new backup set/media set and select 'Cloud' as the type.

Next you’ll need to enter your cloud storage credentials. Retrospect allows customers to set the maximum storage usage, up to 100TB. If you have an existing bucket, type it into 'Bucket'. Otherwise, leave that field blank, and Retrospect will walk through creating a new one.

Adding Cloud Storage in Retrospect using Backblaze S3-Compatible API

Adding cloud storage as a destination is simple. Retrospect has a new set type called 'Cloud'. Create a new backup set/media set and select 'Cloud' as the type.

Next you’ll need to enter your cloud storage credentials. Retrospect allows customers to set the maximum storage usage, up to 100TB. If you have an existing bucket, type it into 'Bucket'. Otherwise, leave that field blank, and Retrospect will walk through creating a new one.

Using Cloud Storage in Retrospect

Using cloud storage is simple. After you have created a cloud set, create a new script or add it to an existing one, and click 'Run'. The backup will begin with the contents of the set being uploaded to your cloud storage location. You can track the progress in the execution/activity.

Throttling Cloud Backups in Retrospect

Throttling for cloud backup and cloud restore is available in Preferences.

Backblaze B2 Fireball

Retrospect Backup supports integration with B2 Fireball. However, when doing this backup, it will be important that you create a Cloud Backup Set and not a Disk Backup set for the Fireball device.

General Tips

Backblaze Account

Below are a number of tips for using cloud storage in Retrospect:

  • Bandwidth Measurement Tool – Measure your upload and download bandwidth with this free tool: Speedtest.net.

  • Disable Backup Verification – Verification will download all of the data that you upload. See more details about why you should disable it for cloud backups in Cloud Backup - Best Practices for Data Protection with Cloud Storage.

Troubleshooting

In some cases, Retrospect Backup will receive an error during upload and need to retry. You need to set your bucket’s lifecycle to 'Keep only the last version'. Otherwise, B2 might store retain the prior incomplete copies of your RDB file, and B2 will charge you for this space.

Last Update: September 22, 2020

Backblaze is a low-cost data storage provider that offers cloud storage and computer backups. It has four data centers, three of which are in the U.S. It is a direct competitor to services like Microsoft’s Azure and Amazon’s S3.

While it is an affordable option, the 30-day deletion policy and slow restoration feature drive away many users.

Cancel BackBlaze On Your Own

Canceling Backblaze should be simple enough. There are three methods you can use to cancel:

  • Deleting your Backblaze backup
  • Sending an email
  • Deleting your account
Account

Cancel by Deleting Your Backblaze Backup

To delete your backup, you have to:

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Go to Preferences
  3. Find the backup you want to delete
  4. Next to it, press Delete Backup and confirm
  5. Go to Overview
  6. Select Delete next to the unused license

This will cancel the online backup service. If you’ve registered multiple backups, you have to delete all of them to get rid of your subscription.

Cancel by Sending an Email

If you want to cancel by email, simply send a cancelation request to helpme@backblaze.com. Make sure to include relevant contact information that will let the service identify you.

Cancel by Deleting Your Account

You can also choose to delete your account directly. Deleting it will make it impossible to access any data stored in the account, but it will cancel the subscription. To delete a Backblaze account, follow these steps:

Backblaze
  1. Sign in to your account
  2. Go to My Settings
  3. At the top of the page, press Delete Account
  4. Confirm

Remember to download necessary backups before you delete your account.

Backblaze accountant

These are the different ways you can cancel your Backblaze subscription:

Can I Cancel With

Yes/No
Delete Backup

Yes

Email

Yes
Letter

No

Delete Account

Yes
Phone

No

DoNotPay

Yes
In-person

No

Does Backblaze Offer Prorated Refunds Upon Cancelation?

No. You won’t receive a refund after canceling BackBlaze before the end of the billing period.

Backblaze Account Management

Cancel Backblaze With Ease by Using DoNotPay

There’s no easier way to cancel a service than with DoNotPay’s help. Our app can get rid of any subscription in just a few minutes. To cancel Backblaze, follow these steps:

  1. Open DoNotPay in your web browser
  2. Choose the Find Hidden Money option
  3. Type in BackBlaze

After you confirm, DoNotPay will cancel the service. You won’t have to worry about getting further charges from Backblaze.

Monitor All Your Subscriptions With DoNotPay

It’s easy to lose track of the services you’re paying for. We all use dozens of subscriptions for various things, which lets a few of them go under the radar when we don’t need them.

The average American spends over $300 on unused subscriptions. It’s wasted money that could be used for something else.

DoNotPay can help you track your subscriptions. To start using the feature, connect your email or bank account to DoNotPay, and it will start monitoring your paid subscriptions. When you see one that you want to cancel, do it from the convenience of the app. It’s going to take you only minutes, and you won’t have to worry about wasting money on something you don’t use.

Backblaze Client Download

Are There Other Services Like Backblaze Worth Considering?

Cloud storage companies are plentiful. You shouldn’t have any difficulties finding an alternative to Backblaze after you’ve canceled their service. Here are a few services that might interest you.

Company

Pricing

Benefits

$69.50 per year for 2TB of storage

  • More control over the backup process
  • 5GB of free backup

$15.00 per year for 1TB

  • Different backup modes
  • Excellent security and privacy

Services for one computer—$6 per month

  • Unlimited backup storage
  • Private encryption

Let DoNotPay Assist You With Daily Tasks

DoNotPay doesn’t just cancel services for you. We also help you with a variety of other tasks you might find difficult. Do you want to lower your cable bills? DoNotPay has you covered. The app will also show you how to stop robocallers and dispute parking tickets.

After opening the app in your web browser, you’ll be greeted with quite a few helpful features.

Here are some examples of tasks we simplify for our users:

  • Disputing traffic tickets
  • Getting refunds for delayed or canceled flights
  • Fighting speeding tickets