ARK Cloud Backup: getting started

Before you begin

You'll need the sign-in details from your welcome email: your server address (https://backup.arkcare.uk), your username (your email address) and your temporary password. Your backup space is already set up — you just need to install the app on each device you want protected.

• Windows 10/11, macOS 11 or later, or most modern Linux distributions.
• An internet connection — the first backup is the slowest, later ones only send changes.
• Leave the device switched on and awake during your scheduled backup window.

Step 1 — Install the backup app

• Go to https://backup.arkcare.uk and sign in with your username and temporary password.
• Download the installer for your operating system from the download page.
• Run the installer and accept the prompts. On macOS you'll be asked to grant Full Disk Access in System Settings › Privacy & Security — the app can't back up your documents without it.
• When the app opens, enter the same server address, username and password. You'll be asked to set a new password of your own — choose something strong and store it safely.

Step 2 — Choose what to protect

In the app, open Backup and add a protected item. For most people the right choice is your user folder, which covers Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Downloads and Videos.

• Files and folders — tick the folders you care about. Avoid backing up the whole system drive; program files and Windows itself waste your storage allowance.
• Application data — options exist for mail stores, databases and virtual machines if you run them.
• Exclusions — leave out large media libraries, ISO files or game installs unless you need them, as they eat storage quickly.

Step 3 — Send it to your ARK vault

Your storage vault is already created and linked to your account, so it appears automatically under Storage. Select it as the destination for your protected item — there's nothing to configure and no separate credentials to enter.

Everything is encrypted on your device before it leaves, and stays encrypted in the UK data centre. Keep your password safe: nobody at ARK can read your data.

Step 4 — Set a schedule

Open the protected item, go to Schedule and add a timed backup. Our recommendation:

• Daily at a quiet time — overnight or during a lunch break.
• Tick the option to run a missed backup when the device next comes online.
• Laptops: allow backups on battery, or the job will skip when unplugged.

Run one backup manually straight after setup so you know it works. The first run may take several hours depending on how much data you have.

Step 5 — Check how long copies are kept

Retention decides how far back you can go. Under the storage vault's Retention settings we suggest keeping the most recent 30 daily backups. That gives you a month of history — enough to recover from a ransomware attack or a file you broke weeks ago without noticing.

Restoring your files

• Open the app and choose Restore.
• Pick the protected item, then the date and time you want to go back to.
• Browse the snapshot and tick the files or folders you need.
• Restore to the original location, or to a new folder if you'd rather compare before overwriting anything.

Lost the whole device? Install the app on the replacement, sign in with the same details, and everything is there waiting to be restored.

Adding another device

Install the app on the new device and sign in with the same account — each device registers itself automatically. If you're at your device limit, add more from My Account › Subscriptions › Change storage or devices.

Common problems

• Backup says "quota exceeded" — you've filled your storage allowance. Trim what you're protecting, shorten retention, or upgrade your storage in the portal.
• Backups keep being skipped — the device was asleep or offline at the scheduled time. Move the schedule, or allow the job to run when the device next wakes.
• Files missing on macOS — Full Disk Access hasn't been granted. Add the app in System Settings › Privacy & Security › Full Disk Access, then re-run.
• Forgotten password — contact us and we'll reset it. Because your data is encrypted with your password, a reset may mean starting a fresh backup set.
• Slow first backup — normal. Leave it running; later backups only send what has changed.

Need a hand?

Call us on 01329 623 555 or email support@arkcare.uk and we'll help you get set up. If you'd prefer us to do it for you, we can add a remote setup session where a technician configures everything while you watch.