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Reconnecting an Existing Backup

Overview

If you are reformatting a hard drive, upgrading your operating system, or setting up a new computer, you can avoid having to repeat another possibly lengthy, initial backup. Instead, follow these instructions to move your computer's ID (GUID) to the reinstalled OS or new computer.

Before You Begin

  • WARNING: After reconnecting, do not de-select files from your backup selection. CrashPlan immediately removes the de-selected files from your archive. You do not have a chance to confirm this operation. There is no way to reverse this operation or recover these removed files. Learn more about de-selecting files.
  • WARNING: Make sure the computer with the old ID is no longer in use or connected to CrashPlan Central.
  • If your original computer crashed or failed and you need to restore files, restore files first before resetting the GUID.
  • Your files on the new computer must be in the same locations as they were on the old computer.

How It Works

  1. In the CrashPlan desktop, go to Settings > Account.
  2. Copy the computer ID to someplace safe.
  3. Now you can format the hard drive, upgrade OS, or start up your new computer.
  4. Download latest version of CrashPlan. If you are not switching over to a new computer, first run UNinstaller to remove all traces of the old CrashPlan on this computer.
  5. Install CrashPlan.
    • If you need to restore files, open CrashPlan and restore your files now.
  6. Open CrashPlan and double-click on the logo in the upper right.



    A text input area appears at the bottom of the application window.
  7. In the input area, type: guid [Old Computer ID]

    Example: GUID 609211309568860507
  8. Press Enter
    The CrashPlan desktop closes. When you re-open the desktop, CrashPlan uses the computer ID you specified, allowing it sync up and avoid re-transmitting the initial backup.

Once you've reset the computer ID, you'll still see the “new” computer listed under your account. If you'd like to remove the computer, see instructions here.

Find Your Computer ID (GUID)

You can find your GUID online.

  1. Log in at http://www.crashplan.com
  2. Go to My Computers.
  3. Click on the computer name.
  4. Your Computer ID (GUID) is displayed.