It is easy to do. Just use any backup software capable of backing up to an NAS, including the backup software (Smartware) WD provides, to backup your computer’s data to the My Cloud. If you use a Mac you can use Time Machine to backup to the My Cloud. The My Cloud Dashboard Help has some information on how to backup using Mac Time Machine. Or you can access the WD Support website to find much more information on how to backup your computer to the My Cloud including links to download Smartware for Windows.
I still have a soft spot for some good old cli based rsync lovin. Hard to beat when it comes to automated backups, because it quickly hash checks files at both ends, and skips unchanged files, and sends only the differences for files that have changed, meaning backup scripts complete very quickly unless you change a lot of big files frequently.
Too bad MS does not include it-- but you cant get a mingw ported version from sourceforge.
I have to say I’ve downloaded and installed the WD SmartWare and WD Sync software, but sadly neither of them do anything - on my home network (where the WD MyCloud drive is) or from my work network.
I really am not going to be messing about trying other peoples software if WDs software can’t do it
I found all the packaging and receipt last night for the the purchase (direct from WD). I’m going to have one more attempt with it now. If it still doesn’t work then it’s going back on Monday for a refund.
I’m so unimpressed with what should be a straightforward task. Very poor show so far WD, ver poor. Google Drive is looking a far better and more manageable option right now.
Can’t do what? What specific problem are you having with the WD software? What specific error message are you receiving? Have you read the My Cloud User Manual (http://support.wdc.com/product.aspx?ID=904)?
For a good number of people they have no problem using the WD software to backup or sync to their My Cloud provided their My Cloud AND their local computer are properly configured. If one’s Window’s computer is not properly configured for local network access, software on that computer may have trouble accessing NAS devices like the My Cloud on the local network.
first time input the admin password enter the Dashboard, go to Settings
General:
Time Zone → change to your location
Cloud Service → turn off (you can turn on later)
Drive Sleep → ON
LED → OFF
Time Machine → OFF (if you use Windows)
Network:
IPv4 Network Mode → change to Static → click on the Static icon → confirm the IP setting
Media:
DLNA Media Server → OFF
iTunes → OFF
Notifications:
Alert Emails → ON → add your email
Firmware Update:
Enable Auto Update → OFF
open Windows Explorer → in the left panel select Network → click on the My Cloud device
you can copy/edit/detele files in the My Cloud device just like use Windows Explorer
if your want create/delete/rename folder, go to Dashboard → Shares
stop access the My Cloud 10mins, let see will it go to sleep mode
you can go to router turn off the DHCP now
you don’t need install any WD software, but
WD Quick View (able Shutdown the My Cloud device)
My Cloud app (used by cloud access)
top of the Dashboard have Apps, Cloud Access, Backups
read the User Manual
the easy way to sync/backup your files from Windows to My Cloud
go to ASCOMP: Software for backup, synchronization & secure data deletion
check out BackUp Maker and Synchredible (support one way or both way sync)
both free for private to use and is very easy to use, the program keep asking a few questions to create a job
Note, if one turns off the local network’s DHCP server they will have to configure all of their local network devices with static IP addresses.
Typically a slightly better way to deal with static IP addresses is to configure the router’s DHCP server to reserve or assign a fixed IP address for the My Cloud and any other devices (if needed) on the local network. This way all devices can be left to obtain their IP addresses automatically (usually the default setting for devices) from the network DHCP server and one can control all the local network static IP addresses from one location, the router/gatway’s DHCP server.