Langmeier Backup FAQ

When configuring data backups, it is easy to overlook seemingly minor details. However, paying attention to these aspects is essential to ensure a reliable and effective backup strategy. In this article, we will highlight some of the most common mistakes users make when setting up Langmeier Backup—and show you how to avoid them.

Error 1: Backup logs are not sent via email

Many users forget to enable the option to send backup logs by email. We strongly recommend that you configure Langmeier Backup to send these logs to your email address. This way, you will receive proactive notifications and can regularly review the logs to ensure that your backups are running smoothly. To set this up, navigate to:

Options → Global Settings → Logging → E-mail Options...

Error 2: Data carrier is not named—backup fails when the drive letter changes

External hard drives or USB sticks are often referenced by their drive letter. However, when you connect or disconnect different storage devices, Windows may assign a new drive letter. If your backup is configured to a specific drive letter, this can cause the backup to fail with an error message stating that the data carrier is not available. The solution is to use the disk name instead of the drive letter in Langmeier Backup. Enter the disk name in the target path as follows:

[disk name]

For example:

Incorrect:


Correct:

Error 3: No media rotation in companies

The frequency of your data backups should be tailored to your data flow. While a fixed schedule is important, it is equally crucial to implement a media rotation strategy. This is where the 3-2-1 backup rule comes into play.

The 3-2-1 rule is considered the minimum standard for a robust backup strategy. It states:

• 3: Keep at least three copies of your data
• 2: Store these copies on at least two different types of storage media
• 1: Keep at least one backup copy off-site

Error 4: No administrator user is assigned to the backup service

Suppose you are backing up data to a network folder using Langmeier Backup. Manual backups may work as expected, but automated backups might fail with an error message such as:

Data carrier \\server name\share name\ is not available.

Or, if the network folder is the backup source:

The source #1 cannot be found

This issue occurs because the Langmeier Backup service runs under the default “System” user, which does not have network credentials. For security reasons, Windows network shares typically require a user account with valid login data. As a result, connections without credentials are blocked.

Solution: Open the Windows Services management console and locate the “Langmeier Backup Service”. Right-click the service, select “Properties”, and go to the “Log On” tab. Enter the credentials of a user account that has the necessary permissions to access the relevant files and folders.



Confirm your changes with OK and restart the service.

Error 5: Using drive shares (e.g., X:\) instead of UNC paths with IP addresses

Automatic backups often fail due to incorrect path formatting. You should always use the UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path format, rather than referencing devices by drive letter. The UNC path starts with two backslashes:

\\XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX\backup

Here is an example using an IP address:



Alternatively, you can use the server name (DNS). For example, if your server is named “Jupiter”:



In both cases, “backup” must be the share name.

By following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your data backups with Langmeier Backup are both reliable and secure. If you have further questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our support team.

Look it up further: Langmeier Backup, Backup, Data backup, external hard disk, Backup media, Backup concept

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