High-Sync can preserve multiple versions of each file in your backup. The recommended method to achieve this is by encoding the timestamp into the filename. The option is called ‘Filename Encoding’ within the synchronizer software. The date and time is added at the end of each file, before the file extension.

‘Filename Encoding’ is also needed to preserve a file’s timestamp on most FTP servers, as well as on WebDAV, and Amazon S3 online storage. Since a file’s date and time are very important for synchronization, we recommend to use this feature with such servers whenever you do not need to have the original filenames on the server. This method requires that the local folders with the original filenames are on the left-hand side and the remote folder with the encoded filenames are on the right.

Example:

A file named Example.doc becomes Example.d20180604-u112510.doc on the right-hand side. The time you see in the filename is UTC/GMT time, which is independent from time zones and daylight saving time.

The encoded filename is only visible when looking directly at the storage used for the right side. When using High-Sync, the filenames are automatically decoded, and the ‘Synchronization Preview’ shows the original filenames only, along with the original file’s date and time.

Filename encoding can be chosen:

Versioning

By adding the date and time to a file’s name, it becomes possible to keep multiple versions of the same file, in the same folder, in the backup. This is the recommended method to keep multiple versions with any type of backup storage. To use it, choose ‘Keep multiple versions…’ on the ‘More’ tab, and mark only the first check-mark in the dialog that comes up. Earlier files should not be moved into a separate folder.

Compression – Zipping – Encryption

The files can also be zipped and/or encrypted. You will find these options on the ‘Zip’ tab. When combining compression with filename encoding, you must compress each file into a separate zip file. Only use the two upper check-boxes on the ‘Zip’ tab.

Restoring Files From Backup Storage

Restoring will give you the original file names and modification dates. For additional information, view our documentation on performing a restore.