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FAQ
General information
DataDaddy Backup
General information
What is DataDaddy?
DataDaddy is an online storage service, providing two innovative and powerful features:
- DataDaddy Backup - a very simple, secure and robust online backup solution. DataDaddy Backup keeps a copy of your files safely online, so that if they are lost or damaged you can retrieve them quickly and easily.
- DataDaddy Briefcase - a place to put the files you use most regularly, and access them absolutely anywhere. DataDaddy Briefcase appears as a new drive on your PC, and you can use it just like any other drive, but your Briefcase files are also copied online and you can view or edit them from any web browser. If you install DataDaddy Briefcase on more than one computer, all of the files are the same on every PC, and changes you make on one machine are replicated across all of your other computers.
Both features come with unlimited storage space and bandwidth, so you don't have to worry about how much you're storing or backing up.
When you sign up for DataDaddy you can purchase DataDaddy Backup just by itself, or DataDaddy Backup & Briefcase to get all of DataDaddy's great features in one package.
What is the difference between DataDaddy Backup and DataDaddy Briefcase?
DataDaddy Backup is a very simple (yet powerful) online backup solution. You choose which folders you want to backup, and DataDaddy backup will work in the background to protect the contents of those folders while you work. You can set it up and forget about it.
DataDaddy Briefcase is our flexible and innovative access-anywhere product, that lets you access your files wherever you go, and see the same files on all of your PCs. DataDaddy Briefcase will change the way that you view files - no longer are they static objects on one computer, but they go with you wherever you go and you never need be without them again.
See the two packages compared side by side.
How much does DataDaddy cost?
DataDaddy provides two different packages - DataDaddy Backup and DataDaddy Briefcase. DataDaddy Backup is £2.95 per month or £29.50 per year . DataDaddy Briefcase is £7.95 per month or £79.50 per year . You can pay in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
There are no charges for storage space or bandwidth. Both DataDaddy Backup and DataDaddy Briefcase come with unlimited space and unlimited bandwidth, so you can store as much as you want.
DataDaddy Basic product has a 14 day free trial - you don't even need to enter a credit card to create your account and it takes seconds to sign up. If you pay up-front for one year's service you get an additional 2 months free. You can cancel within 14 days and get a full refund - no questions asked.
Check the latest prices in your currency and sign up
Where are my files stored?
Your files are usually stored both on your own computer and in DataDaddy's state-of-the-art data centres. By storing your files in both places you can be sure that you have access to your files and can use them as normal even when you're not online.
DataDaddy have built our own data centres, so that we have complete flexibility to make them as secure, responsive and efficient as possible. They use cutting edge, military grade technology to make sure that your data is both safe and highly accessible. Our main data center is in London, UK.
What does unlimited storage space mean?
Unlimited storage space means that you can put as much as you want on your DataDaddy without worrying about it. Many of our customers store hundreds of gigabytes, some store over a terabyte. We don't limit the amount you backup or the amount you store, nor do we limit the amount you upload or download to the DataDaddy servers (the bandwidth). You really can use DataDaddy as much as you want.
Do you ever limit bandwidth or transfer speeds?
No - there are not any limits on how much bandwidth you can use each month. Nor are there limits on the speed of your transfers beyond the natural limits of technology -our data centres have super fast connections. Unlike some other providers we don't punish you for making use of our service by throttling your bandwidth just because you store a lot.
How secure is DataDaddy?
DataDaddy is very secure. Our data centres use military-grade technology to keep your files encrypted and safe. We support SSL transfers between your PC and our servers too, so there's no risk of people intercepting your data while it is uploaded or downloaded.
All of the data that you put on DataDaddy is backed up redundantly across multiple locations, so it is fully protected against hardware failure or other damage.
Why do I need DataDaddy?
Over 60% of users have lost irreplaceable data from their computer. The files you store on your computer - photos, music, videos, emails and documents - are increasingly precious, but they're so easy to lose. Hard drive failure, fire, theft or even just accidental user error can wipe out highly important content in seconds.
Before DataDaddy you could only back up your data to CDs, DVDs, external drives or even backup tape, but all of this takes effort, you need to remember to do it, and they're about as susceptible to failure, loss and damage as the PC itself.
DataDaddy gets rid of this problem completely by providing a simple, secure and robust online backup solution. Just install it, select which folders you want to backup and forget about it. There's no need to schedule your backups or leave your PC on overnight - it backs up your files as you work. There's no limit on how much you back up either, so it's completely hassle free.
DataDaddy Briefcase takes this one step further by setting your files free and letting you access them wherever you are. See the same files on every computer you use - you can use them just like any other file on your computer, but if you change them, they will automatically change on all of your other PCs. View and even edit your documents online from any web browser anywhere. Even access your files on your go from your mobile.
Where can I get a DataDaddy account?
Just sign up at www.DataDaddy.com. It takes minutes to get a fully featured 14 day free trial - you don't even need to enter your credit card number.
Is there a free version of DataDaddy?
There is no free version of DataDaddy, but we do provide a 14 day no-obligation free trial. You don't even need to enter your credit card number - just click here to sign up.
Can I try out DataDaddy before buying it?
Yes - click here to sign up for our free 14 day no-obligation free trial. You don't even need to enter your credit card number - it only takes a minute to get started!
How do I change from a free trial to a paid account?
When you log in to Datadaddys Memebers Area your free trial account you will see an announcement on your Home tab - this explains how to enter your billing details so that when your trial ends you are upgraded to a fully paid account. You won't have to pay then - you'll only be charged when the free trial expires.
Which operating systems does DataDaddy support?
The DataDaddy desktop software runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Mac desktop software is coming soon.
The DataDaddy web portal can be used by all of the major web browsers, including Internet Explorer 7 or later, Firefox 2 or later and Safari 3 or later. Some features on the web portal require recent versions of Java or Flash.
The DataDaddy mobile portal can be used by most mobile web browsers, including Opera. There is dedicated support for iPhone and Blackberry users, and a dedicated iPhone app is coming soon.
Can the Desktop Software run from a FAT32 drive?
Drives can be configured in many different formats. Most modern drives are configured in a format called NTFS, but some drives use a much older format called FAT32. Although the DataDaddy Desktop Software can be configured to store its cache on a FAT32 drive, it is recommended that you use an NTFS-formatted drive instead if possible. This is because the DataDaddy Desktop Software stores information about your files in a folder on your chosen cache drive, and FAT32 is limited to 15,000 files per folder. This means that if you put a lot of files on your Briefcase, or backup a large number of files with Backup, then the DataDaddy Desktop Software will stop syncing correctly.
When installing DataDaddy on your PC, the Desktop Software will try to select an NTFS drive to use by default. If you try to select a FAT32 drive instead, the installer will warn you.
Note that this will not affect the folders that you choose to backup with DataDaddy Backup. If you want to backup files on a drive that's formatted in FAT32 then you will experience no problems at all, as long as your DataDaddy cache is on an NTFS drive.
What are the minimum system requirements for DataDaddy?
- 1 GHz Intel or equivalent CPU
- 512 MB of RAM
- Windows XP/Vista/7/Server 2003 or Later
- Broadband Internet Connection
- Internet Explorer 7 or higher/Firefox 2.0 or higher/Google Chrome/Safari
- The latest versions of Java and Flash.
How can I keep up with news at DataDaddy?
You can keep up with the latest news at DataDaddy by visiting our Blog or our Twitter account. You can also view our service status page to keep track of any planned maintenance.
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DataDaddy Backup
What is DataDaddy Backup?
DataDaddy Backup is a simple and secure online backup solution - it keeps a copy of your files safely online, so that if the files are ever lost or damaged you can restore them quickly and easily. DataDaddy Backup is very easy to set up, and once it's configured you can just forget about it. Sign up now.
What makes DataDaddy Backup special?
There are many things about DataDaddy Backup that make it stand out from other backup solutions. Here are just a few of them:
- Extremely easy to set up - our simple step-by-step setup wizard helps you choose which files you want to backup. It literally takes a minute, and once you're done, you don't need to worry about it ever again.
- Backs up your files as you work - you don't need to worry about leaving your computer on overnight, or your backup suddenly starting up at a set time when you're trying to do something else. You certainly don't need to remember to do anything. DataDaddy Backup just silently backs up your files as you work, so as soon as you change a file it's instantly protected.
- Stored off-site for complete safety - unlike backing up to an external drive, CD or DVD, DataDaddy Backup copies your files to our secure servers in our carrier-grade data centres. This means that if the worst should happen- fire or theft - your data is still securely backed up in a completely different location to your PC.
- Completely unlimited storage space - you can back up as much as you want with DataDaddy. You don't need to worry about your CD, DVD or backup tape being full - it will just keep backing up no matter how much you have on your PC.
- Restore previous versions of files - sometimes a file is not lost or damaged, it's just been changed in a way you don't want. Maybe someone made alterations to a file and you need to restore it to a previous version. With DataDaddy Backup you can - it stores the last 30 versions of any file, and you can download the older editions with one click.
- View your backup files online from anywhere - your backups are not compressed into some obscure format or hidden in a dusty filing cabinet - they're live online. Simply log in to your secure web portal and view them from anywhere. You can even play your music, view your Office documents, watch your movies and display your photos right from within your web browser!
How do I download and install the Backup software?
To download the DataDaddy Desktop software simply login to your web portal, click on the Account Settings tab and select Software Download. This page will show you how to download and install the latest version - it's very easy and literally takes minutes.
How do I choose which files to backup?
When you first install the DataDaddy Desktop software the welcome wizard will guide you through selecting the folders you want to backup.
Once DataDaddy Backup is installed and running, you can add any folder to the backup list just by right clicking on it and selecting Backup with DataDaddy Backup.
DataDaddy will then upload the contents of that folder in the background. In future DataDaddy will monitor the folder and any files you add or change will be uploaded instantly in the background as you work.
Advanced users can easily manage all of the folders you want to backup by opening the DataDaddy Settings screen in your Windows Control Panel, clicking on the Services tab and selecting "Select folders and files to backup". From here you can manually add and remove folders to your backup.
When does DataDaddy Backup run?
DataDaddy Backup doesn't run to a schedule - it just works in the background and constantly backs up your files as you work. Therefore you don't need to keep your PC on overnight or worry about whether the backup ran at a certain time - your files are protected all of the time.
How do I schedule a backup?
DataDaddy Backup does not currently have a scheduled backup option - it constantly protects your files as you work. If you change a file or add a file to the folders that you are protecting, DataDaddy Backup will instantly upload it without interrupting you.
Where can I see the files I've backed up?
The files that you've backed up are all available from your secure web portal. Login with your DataDaddy account e-mail address and password, and click on the Backup tab - you'll be able to browse your files just like you can in Windows. You can download files or folders from here with one click, but you can also do so much more - you can watch your movies, view your Office documents, play your music and display your photos right from within your web browser!
What happens if I delete a file from my PC?
If you delete a file on your PC then it is moved to the Recycle Bin in your web portal (even if it isn't in your Recycle Bin in Windows). It stays here for at least 30 days, so you can restore it quickly and easily. To access your Recycle Bin, login to your web portal, click on the Backup tab and see the Recycle Bin in the left hand navigation.
Can I get access to previous versions of files?
Yes - DataDaddy Backup keeps up to the last 30 versions of any file. Login to your web portal, click on the Backup tab and navigate to the file. Double click on the file to view it's properties - you'll see a list of historical versions here and can download whichever one you want.
Can I edit or delete files online in DataDaddy Backup?
No - you can't make any changes to files from the web portal. DataDaddy Backup is designed to keep an exact copy of what you have on your computer online, so you can't edit it online.
If you want to the ability to edit, move, delete or rename files online, try DataDaddy Briefcase - our powerful access-anywhere service. Find out about the difference between DataDaddy Backup and DataDaddy Briefcase on our package comparison page.
Can I upload files to DataDaddy Backup online?
No - you can't upload new files to DataDaddy Backup online. DataDaddy Backup is a direct copy of the files you have on your computer. If you want the ability to upload files from anywhere and have them appear on your PC, try our DataDaddy Briefcase service. For a comparison between DataDaddy Backup and DataDaddy Briefcase, see our package comparison page.
Can I use DataDaddy Backup on multiple computers?
Yes - you can install the DataDaddy Backup software on as many computers as you want. Each computer will appear as a new entry in the Backup tab of your web portal.
How do I remove a data from DataDaddy Backup?
You can easily delete computers from DataDaddy Backup. Login to your DataDaddy web portal, and click on the Backup tab. Select the computer you want to delete and click on Remove Computer in the File Management box on the right hand side. The computer will be removed from your DataDaddy Backup list, and all files contained within it will be deleted. Note that once you've deleted a computer from DataDaddy Backup it cannot be undone - you will not be able to access those files from your DataDaddy account, unless they are re-uploaded.
When you delete a computer from your DataDaddy Backup account nothing will happen on your local PC - no local files will be deleted at all.
If you delete a computer from your DataDaddy web portal but decide to keep using the DataDaddy Desktop backup software on that PC then DataDaddy recommend that you run an integrity check to make sure that DataDaddy re-uploads any files that were removed. To do this, go to your DataDaddy Control Panel, go to the Advanced Settings tab, select Maintenance and click on Run - DataDaddy will rescan all of your backup folders and re-upload any deleted files.
How do I add DataDaddy Briefcase to my account?
You can add DataDaddy Briefcase to your DataDaddy Backup account very easily. Just login to your members area on DataDaddy Home Page, click on Account Settings and select the "Upgrade" button.
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DataDaddy Briefcase
What is DataDaddy Briefcase?
The Briefcase 'L' drive is a place to store files for permanent archiving, sharing with friends and family and editing online. Files are accessible through a web browser, FTP or via windows Explorer.
This means you have 24/7 access to your files from any web connected computer, anywhere in the world.
Any files that you add to your Briefcase on one machine will automatically be synchronised with your other PC's. If you change a file on one PC, the new version will appear on all your other PC's in an instant! This is the best way of ensuring that you always have a copy of your important files, whether you're at home or in the office.
Why should I use DataDaddy Briefcase?
Unlimited storage means Briefcase gives you the option to do away with clunky external drives or expensive hard drives. Access your files from anywhere, anytime!
What do you get with Briefcase that you don't get with Backup?
- FTP Access
- File sharing
- Facebook, Smugmug and Flickr integration
- Online editing of your documents and pictures
- An integrated music browser and player
- Web playback for video files
- Mobile Access
How can I access my DataDaddy Briefcase?
Files are accessible through a web browser, FTP or via windows Explorer.
This means you have 24/7 access to your files from any web connected computer, anywhere in the world.
How do I get an L: drive on my PC?
Once you've activated your DataDaddy Briefcase and Backup account you will need to install the DataDaddy Desktop software on each PC you wish the Briefcase to occur.
Do I have to have an internet connection to use the L: drive?
An internet connection with an upload speed of at least 1mbps is recommended for optimal running of the DataDaddy Software.
Why doesn't the L: drive show unlimited space?
Windows cannot connect to DataDaddy's back office systems to determine the amount of free and used space. Therefore DataDaddy imitates the properties of the cache drive.
Where are files on my L: drive actually stored?
DataDaddy works by caching files locally in a hidden system folder (the cache folder) on the cache drive then uploading the file to online storage. The cache drive is a local drive with the largest free disk space and is selected from a choice of local drives when the software is installed the first time. Generally this is the C drive (volume) for most users.
What if I don't want Briefcase files stored on my hard drive, but want them only online?
Launch the DataDaddy Control panel from the shortcut on your desktop:
Select the 'Online files' tab
Configure DataDaddy using the options in the Automatic file downloading' box.
The 'Automatic file downloading' box allows you to select which files you store both locally & online, and which files remain 'online only'. The 'Exceptions' boxes allow you to configure these settings in detail.
By default, DataDaddy stores all your files locally and online. To make a file/folder online only, right click on the file or folder and select 'Do not keep a copy on my computer' from the DataDaddy menu.
Can I change the drive letter from L: to something else?
The default installation of DataDaddy will select 'L' as your drive letter. If, for some reason, 'L' is not available an alternative will be selected automatically. To manually change your drive letter:
Select the 'Advanced' tab in the DataDaddy Control panel
Select the 'Drive settings' tab
Choose a drive letter from the drop down list
Click 'OK'
Can I use DataDaddy Briefcase on multiple computers?
DataDaddy Briefcase can be installed on as multiple computers at no extra cost.
Can I use DataDaddy Briefcase on my Mac / Linux computer?
Our Mac OS client is currently under development. For at tech copy of the software, click here
How can I see my Briefcase files online?
Login to the web portal at www.DataDaddy.com/login and select the Briefcase tab.
Your entire L: is replicated here giving you access to all your files and folders from any web connected browser.
Can I upload files to my Briefcase from anywhere?
Your personalised web portal has integrated Java and Flash web up loaders. These allow you to upload files and folders to your Briefcase wherever you may be.
Can I edit or delete files online?
Files and folders can be deleted via the web browser. Any files or folders that are deleted in this manner will be placed in the online recycle bin. Files or folders deleted by mistake can be recovered via the recycle bin.
Certain file types can be edited using the web plugins.
How can I restore a previous version of a file?
DataDaddy keeps a history of every file on your account, if you need to revert to a previous version of a document, first locate and open the file within your web portal, you will see a version list including the version date and computer that uploaded the file. Once you have located the version you which to rollback to click the 'Revert' link, any computers linked to your account will automatically synchronise the selected version of the file.
How can I play music from my web browser?
All your MP3 files will be automatically added to the DataDaddy music Browser. You can search by artist, album or song title and even create a playlist!
What are applications and how can I install them?
The web portal allows you to use plugins to edit documents online, any changes you make will be automatically synchronised with any computers linked to your account.
We currently support the following file types:
- Microsoft Word (.doc/ .docx)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt/.pps/.pptx)
- Microsoft Excel (.xls)
- OpenOffice Text Document (.odt, .sxw)
- OpenOffice Presentation Document (.odp, .sxi)
- OpenOffice Spreadsheet (.ods, .sxc)
- Plain text (.txt)
- JPEG Images (.jpg)
How can I see my Briefcase files on my mobile?
Mobile access to your DataDaddy Account via m.DataDaddy.com or via the iPhone App.
Can I use FTP to access my DataDaddy Briefcase?
Both FTP and the DataDaddy software can be used to access files from your PC like a normal hard drive. However, the DataDaddy software is significantly faster than FTP and includes advanced features such as caching. It's also fully integrated with DataDaddy meaning, for example, you can right click on your files to share them. DataDaddy recommends using the Windows Desktop Sync software instead of FTP.
More details can be found here www.DataDaddy.com/ftp
Can anyone else see files on my Briefcase?
DataDaddy uses military grade, AES-256 security to encrypt all communications between a user's computer and our servers, data stored on your DataDaddy is backed up on to multiple storage servers at our data centres ensuring your data is fully protected. Our network is protected by enterprise-grade firewalls ensuring that once your data is on our servers only the people you want to access your data can.
How can I let others see my Briefcase files?
You can share files via the web simply by navigating to the file or folder you wish to share on your web-portal and selecting share. You will have the option of sharing publicly (so that anyone can access your file via a web URL) or privately with a specific individual. When sharing privately you specify the e-mail address of the person you wish to share with and they will receive a private link in their e-mail to download your file.
You can also share files using the DataDaddy Desktop Software. Simply open your DataDaddy by opening My Computer and double clicking on your DataDaddy, right click on the file or folder you wish to share and select share from the menu.
Can I stop sharing a file?
To stop sharing a file or folder, right click on it and select the sharing option from the DataDaddy menu.
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DataDaddy Desktop Software
What is the DataDaddy Desktop Software?
The DataDaddy desktop software enables you to change your backup selection, modify settings, adjust bandwidth usage and many other features.
Is the software free?
Absolutely. The DataDaddy desktop software comes free with any DataDaddy Backup or DataDaddy Backup & Briefcase account.
I have Backup and Briefcase, so do I need two pieces of software?
No - the DataDaddy desktop software is the same for both Backup and Briefcase users, but just shows different features depending on the type of account you have. If you upgrade your account from a Backup account to a Backup and Briefcase account then the software will automatically display all of the Briefcase features the next time it starts.
Where do I get the Desktop Software from?
To download the latest version of the DataDaddy desktop software, simply login to your DataDaddy web portal, click on the Account Settings tab and select Software Download. The Software Download page will show you how to download and install the software.
How do I know when updates are available?
The DataDaddy desktop software automatically checks for updates. When a new version is available you will be alerted by the software itself and guided through the simple update procedure. DataDaddy will usually e-mail customers about a new software version as well, along with posting to our blog and our Twitter account.
Which operating systems does the software support?
The desktop software is currently only available for Windows, although a Mac version is coming very soon. Users of non-Windows operating systems can replicate some of the features of the desktop software using FTP.
I connect through a proxy - how do I set that up?
Proxies can be configured either when installing the software for the first time, or from the software's control panel. Simply go to your Windows control panel, open up the DataDaddy settings window, click on the Advanced tab and select "Proxy".
What ports does the DataDaddy client use?
The DataDaddy Desktop Software needs to be able to connect out to the DataDaddy servers on ports 50234 and 50235. If the software is having trouble connecting to DataDaddy, please ask your network administrator to open those ports.
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Sharing Accounts
What are sharing accounts?
When a DataDaddy user privately shares a file with someone who does not have a DataDaddy account, DataDaddy creates a free account called a "sharing account". The recipient is automatically e-mailed their username and password for this account, and can log in to securely see all of the files that have been shared with them.
Sharing accounts are completely free and are not time limited - the user can log in and see the files shared with them for as long as they want.
Sharing accounts have very limited functionality - sharing users cannot upload new files to DataDaddy, install the DataDaddy desktop software or edit files online. Sharing users can upgrade their accounts very easily - simply go to the Account Settings screen and click on Upgrade.
Someone shared a file with me and now I have a DataDaddy account - do I have to pay for it?
No - your sharing account is completely free and you can use it for as long as you want to access the files shared with you. However if you want to take advantage of DataDaddy's excellent simple, secure backups or access-anywhere features you will need to upgrade to a full paid account. It's very easy - just go to Account Settings and click on Upgrade.
I want to upgrade my sharing account to a full account - can I do that?
Yes - simply login to your sharing account, select the Account Settings tab and click on Upgrade.
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Businesses
Do you have a business version of DataDaddy?
There is no dedicated business version of DataDaddy at the current time, although there will be one in future. However DataDaddy in its current form works really well for many businesses, so why not try it out - we have a 14 day no-obligation free trial. Sign up now.
Can we use DataDaddy Backup or Briefcase in our business?
Yes - there are no limits to where you can use your DataDaddy account, and both DataDaddy Briefcase and DataDaddy Backup have some fantastic features for business users.
Can DataDaddy Briefcase support collaboration in an office environment?
Yes - absolutely. For example you can use DataDaddy as a shared network drive - but one that can be accessed from anywhere. Forget all of the complexities of VPN - just set up a DataDaddy Backup & Briefcase account, install DataDaddy Briefcase on all of the office PCs and everyone has a shared L: drive which they can all use wherever they are.
Can I use DataDaddy Briefcase to connect a mobile workforce?
Yes! DataDaddy is fantastic for mobile workers! If you set up a DataDaddy Backup & Briefcase account and install DataDaddy Briefcase on all of your employee's PCs, then they'll all be able to see the same L: drive wherever they are. And because DataDaddy Briefcase stores files locally as well as online, your team won't have to be online to use or access the files - any changes they make will just be synchronized when they reconnect later.
Can I use DataDaddy Backup to backup my servers?
Absolutely - just install DataDaddy Backup on your server and you can choose any folders to backup.
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Troubleshooting
I need help - what support do you provide?
DataDaddy provide 24 hour e-mail support - just e-mail your question to our support team and they'll get back to you within 24 hours. Our support e-mail address is support@DataDaddy.com
You can also find lots of useful information on this page, our FAQs, and on our blog.
I think there is a problem with my DataDaddy software, what is the first thing I should do?
The DataDaddy Control Panel has a built in repair tool that detects, and then fixes any problems that may occur.
To run the repair tool launch the DataDaddy Control Panel from the shortcut on your desktop. Select the Advanced tab and then the Maintenance tab. Now click Run.
The repair tool usually takes around 15 minutes to complete and the machine must be left idle whilst it completes the tool completes the repair.
If your issues persist please send an email to support@DataDaddy.com with detailed information about your issue.
How do I report a problem with the DataDaddy Desktop software?
If you think you've found a problem with the DataDaddy desktop software, please report it from the software itself. Go to your Windows control panel, double click on the DataDaddy icon and then select "Report Problem" from the DataDaddy Account tab:
How can check the DataDaddy service status?
You can see the DataDaddy service status, including any planned maintenance, at any time by visitinghttp://status.DataDaddy.com
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