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Meet VSS: The Unsung Hero of Windows Backup (and BigMIND’s Sidekick)

October 17, 2024
Genie9 Product Updates, BigMIND
3 min read

 

Ever tried copying a file, only to be rudely interrupted by that dreaded pop-up: “File in use. Try again later”? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But guess what? There’s a superhero quietly working behind the scenes, ensuring that your backups are smooth, even when files are being edited or locked. Enter the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)—the unsung hero of Windows backup. It’s not just a mouthful to say; it’s the tech magic that keeps your data safe and sound.

And if you think that’s impressive, BigMIND has taken VSS to the next level by teaming up with it to back up your open and locked files. Talk about teamwork!

 

What Exactly Is VSS?

Picture this: You’re writing an epic novel or crunching numbers in a spreadsheet. You save your work, but it’s still open, right? VSS is like that thoughtful roommate who makes sure your leftover pizza is still edible even after midnight snacks. It’s a service built into Windows that allows backups of files even when they’re being used, edited, or locked. It takes “snapshots” of your files, like a time-traveling photographer who captures your data as it is at a specific moment—no more file-lock tantrums!

 

How Does VSS Work Its Magic?

When VSS takes a snapshot of a file, it creates a “shadow copy”—a frozen moment of your file’s state. This allows backup software, like BigMIND, to swoop in and back up that snapshot, ensuring nothing is missed. So, even if you’ve got 25 tabs open and are frantically editing a document, VSS keeps the backup train running on time without derailing your work.

 

The Many Perks of VSS (Why You Should Love It)

  • No Interruptions: Forget about closing your files for backup. VSS does it all while your apps stay open, saving you time and a lot of frustration.
  • Consistency: It ensures that the backed-up version of your data is 100% consistent, even if the file is in use.
  • No File Left Behind: From open Word documents to busy databases, VSS ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
  • Data Peace of Mind: It helps create reliable restore points, making system recoveries a breeze.

 

BigMIND + VSS: The Dream Team

Here’s where it gets exciting. BigMIND has integrated the VSS service into its cloud backup solution. What does that mean for you? Well, BigMIND uses VSS to seamlessly back up your open and locked files to the cloud. (Learn more)

Imagine this scenario: You’re working on a massive project due tomorrow, and disaster strikes—your system crashes. With BigMIND and VSS working in tandem, your progress is safe in the cloud, ready to be restored at any moment. It’s like having a superhero sidekick that backs up your files while you get the glory!

 

Why You’ll Love VSS with BigMIND

  • No File Lock Drama: Say goodbye to the days of having to pause your work just to run a backup. BigMIND + VSS has you covered, even when files are locked or being edited.
  • Cloud Backup for All Files: Whether you’re dealing with everyday documents or complex databases, BigMIND ensures that all files, no matter their state, are safely stored in the cloud.
  • Fast and Efficient: VSS keeps things smooth and ensures backups happen quickly, even in the most chaotic of work environments.

 

Conclusion: VSS—The Unsung Hero You Never Knew You Needed

VSS might not wear a cape, but when it comes to backups, it’s nothing short of a superhero. And with BigMIND’s smart integration of VSS, your open and locked files can always be securely backed up to the cloud—no fuss, no downtime, no lost work. So, next time you’re typing away at a late-night project, remember: VSS has your back (and BigMIND is keeping those backups safe in the cloud).