If you’re a user of Synology DS220+, you know how crucial data preservation is. Files, documents, and databases can form the lifeblood of personal projects, professional assignments, or even cherished memories in the form of photos and videos. Thus, having regular, reliable backups is not just an option; it’s a necessity.
By configuring your Synology DS220+ for automated nightly backups to Google Drive, you essentially create a safety net for your data. This way, even if your Synology device fails unexpectedly, you have access to a fresh copy of your files online.
Today, we will dive into the process of synchronizing these two systems. We’ll walk you through the comprehensive step-by-step guide, from initial setup to scheduling your backups.
Setting Up Synology DS220+
Before you can automate backups, you need to set up your Synology DS220+ properly. With its high-speed data transfer capability and intuitive interface, it is one of the most user-friendly NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices available.
Start with the device’s physical setup. Connect the DS220+ to your router using an Ethernet cable and power it up. Then, initialise it using the Synology Assistant software, which can be downloaded from the Synology website. You can then create a volume (a logical unit of storage), install the DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, and set up user accounts as per your preference.
Configuring Google Drive on Synology DS220+
Once you’ve set up your Synology DS220+, your next task is to connect it to your Google Drive account. This process involves a few simple steps.
First, install the Cloud Sync package from the Package Center on your Synology device. Cloud Sync is an add-on that enables your Synology NAS to connect with multiple cloud services, including Google Drive.
Once you’ve installed Cloud Sync, open it and click on the ‘+’ button to create a new connection. Select Google Drive from the list of available services. You’ll be asked to log in to your Google account and grant permissions for Cloud Sync to access your Google Drive. After granting these permissions, you can choose which folders to back up from your Synology DS220+ to your Google Drive.
Setting Up Automated Nightly Backups
Once Google Drive is connected to your Synology DS220+, you can set up automated nightly backups. This feature ensures that your data is automatically saved to Google Drive each night, which can drastically reduce the risk of data loss.
Go to the settings page of the Cloud Sync application. Select the ‘Scheduling’ tab, then click on the ‘Enable backup schedule’ option. You can then set your preferred backup time. For nightly backups, you might consider setting the time to early hours when the data usage is typically lower.
Selecting Files for Backup
By default, all files in the connected folders will be backed up. However, you may not want to back up every single file. For instance, temporary files or system files may not be necessary to backup and can take up valuable storage space on your Google Drive.
To select specific files or folders for backup, go to the ‘Filter settings’ in the Cloud Sync application. Here, you can choose to include or exclude files based on their type, size, or name. This way, you can better manage your backup and storage needs.
Regularly Checking the Status of Your Backups
After you have configured your Synology DS220+ for automated nightly backups to Google Drive, it is important to regularly check the status of your backups. Although the process is automated, occasional glitches can occur, and files may fail to backup properly.
To check the status of your backups, go to the ‘Task List’ in the Cloud Sync application. Here, you can see a list of all your backup tasks and their status – whether they have been completed successfully, are in progress, or have encountered errors.
Establishing this regular check can help ensure that your data backup strategy is robust and reliable, safeguarding your valuable data against unexpected losses.
Remember, setting up your Synology DS220+ for automated nightly backups to Google Drive might seem like a complex task, but it can be tackled easily by following these steps. After all, the peace of mind and data security it provides are well worth the effort.
Navigating Potential Issues
Even with the best planning, technology can sometimes throw us curveballs. If you encounter issues while setting up your Synology DS220+ for automated nightly backups to Google Drive, don’t despair. There are a few common problems that users run into, along with corresponding solutions.
One common issue is the failure of the Synology DS220+ to connect to Google Drive. If you’re facing this problem, first, ensure that your internet connection is stable and working. If your internet is fine, try restarting your Synology device. Sometimes a simple reboot can clear up temporary glitches.
If you still can’t connect, make sure you’ve granted the necessary permissions for Cloud Sync to access your Google Drive. You might need to re-login to your Google account and confirm the permissions again. If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall the Cloud Sync package. This process can sometimes resolve stubborn connection issues.
Another issue you might encounter is the failure of some files to back up. If this happens, check whether the files are open or being used by another program. Files that are in use might not back up properly. If this is not the case, ensure that the problematic files fit within Google Drive’s file size and file type limitations.
If you’re still experiencing issues, consider reaching out to Synology’s customer support. They should be able to help you troubleshoot any persistent problems and get your backup system up and running smoothly.
Setting up automated nightly backups from your Synology DS220+ to Google Drive is a prudent step towards securing your valuable data. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can establish a robust backup system that provides you with a critical safety net against data loss.
While the process may seem daunting at first, it becomes straightforward once you understand the steps involved. From setting up your Synology DS220+ device to configuring Google Drive and scheduling your backups, each step brings you closer to data security. And should any hiccups occur, knowing how to navigate potential issues can save you a lot of stress.
Remember, data loss can happen unexpectedly, and the impact can be devastating. Taking a proactive approach by setting up automated nightly backups can give you peace of mind and ensure that your files, documents, and databases are protected. So, make your move today and secure your digital life with the Synology DS220+ and Google Drive.
