Preventing Backblaze from frequently reuploading entire external hard drives

External hard drives are a convenient way to store and backup your important files. Backblaze is a popular cloud backup service that can automatically back up your external hard drives to the cloud. However, some users have reported that Backblaze frequently reuploads the entire contents of their external hard drives, which can be time-consuming and consume a lot of bandwidth. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks to prevent Backblaze from frequently reuploading entire external hard drives.

1. Exclude unnecessary files and folders

One of the main reasons Backblaze reuploads the entire contents of an external hard drive is when there are changes to the file structure. By default, Backblaze backs up all files and folders on your external hard drive. However, you can exclude unnecessary files and folders to reduce the chances of Backblaze reuploading the entire drive.

To exclude files and folders from Backblaze, follow these steps:

1. Open the Backblaze control panel on your computer.
2. Navigate to the "Settings" tab.
3. Click on the "Exclusions" button.
4. Click on the "Add a new exclusion" button.
5. Select the files or folders you want to exclude from backup.
6. Click on the "Save" button to apply the changes.

2. Use the "Backup Now" feature

If you have made significant changes to your external hard drive and want to avoid Backblaze reuploading the entire drive, you can use the "Backup Now" feature. This feature allows you to manually trigger a backup of your external hard drive without waiting for the regular backup schedule.

To use the "Backup Now" feature in Backblaze, follow these steps:

1. Open the Backblaze control panel on your computer.
2. Navigate to the "Settings" tab.
3. Click on the "Backup Now" button.
4. Select the external hard drive you want to back up.
5. Click on the "Backup Now" button to start the backup process.

3. Adjust the backup frequency

By default, Backblaze continuously monitors your external hard drive for changes and backs up any modified files. This frequent monitoring can lead to Backblaze reuploading the entire contents of your external hard drive. To prevent this, you can adjust the backup frequency to a longer interval.

To adjust the backup frequency in Backblaze, follow these steps:

1. Open the Backblaze control panel on your computer.
2. Navigate to the "Settings" tab.
3. Click on the "Schedule..." button.
4. Adjust the backup frequency to a longer interval (e.g., once a day or once a week).
5. Click on the "Save" button to apply the changes.

4. Pause Backblaze during large file transfers

If you are transferring large files to your external hard drive, it is advisable to pause Backblaze temporarily. This will prevent Backblaze from detecting the changes and initiating a backup, which could result in the entire drive being reuploaded.

To pause Backblaze during large file transfers, follow these steps:

1. Open the Backblaze control panel on your computer.
2. Click on the "Settings" tab.
3. Toggle the "Pause backups" switch to the "On" position.
4. Perform your large file transfers.
5. Toggle the "Pause backups" switch back to the "Off" position to resume backups.

5. Contact Backblaze support

If you have tried the above steps and are still experiencing frequent reuploads of your entire external hard drive, it is recommended to contact Backblaze support for further assistance. They can provide personalized guidance and help resolve any issues you may be facing.

By following these tips and tricks, you can prevent Backblaze from frequently reuploading the entire contents of your external hard drives. This will save you time and bandwidth while still ensuring your important files are securely backed up to the cloud.

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