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Arctera DLO Agent Backup Guide

Welcome to the IT Services page for the Arctera Desktop and Laptop Option (DLO Agent). This resource explains how the DLO Agent works, how to verify your backup status, and answers frequently asked questions.

 

What Is the Arctera DLO Agent?

The Arctera Desktop and Laptop Option Agent is a secure backup solution for faculty and staff PCs. It automatically backs up data from designated folders to a private storage environment accessible only by the user. This ensures that deleted or corrupted files can be recovered quickly and securely.

 

Is My PC Being Backed Up?

To check your backup status:

  1. Look for the Arctera DLO Desktop Agent icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner near the clock).

  2. Double-click the icon.

  3. If your files are backed up, the status window will say: "Your files are protected."

If you don’t see the icon or the status doesn’t confirm protection, please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.

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Arctera DLO FAQs

The Arctera DLO Agent automatically backs up files stored in key folders within your user profile, including:

  • Documents
  • Desktop
  • Picture
  • Browser bookmarks from Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome

Please note: Certain file types may be excluded from backup. See the exclusions list for details.

The Arctera DLO Agent excludes certain file types from backup. Files with the following extensions will not be backed up

  • Executable and installation files: .exe, .iso, .msi
  • Media files: .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .wma
  • Temporary and virtual disk files: .tmp, .vmdk, .vhd
  • Compressed archives: .zip, .tar

To ensure your important files are protected, avoid storing critical data in these formats.

Yes — your Outlook personal email folders (.PST files) will be backed up if they meet BOTH of the following conditions:

  • The PST file is actively connected to your Outlook client, regardless of its location
  • The PST file is stored in a protected folder that is included in the backup configuration 

To ensure your email data is protected, avoid placing PST files in excluded DO_NOT_BACKUP folder.

Your backed-up files are accessible only to you. In the event of a PC crash or hard drive failure, you can restore your files by logging into another computer that has the Arctera DLO Desktop Agent installed or any PC via the web site https://dlo.uhd.edu. Simply use your own credentials to access and recover your data securely.

Your files are backed up continuously in real time. As changes are made—whether edits, additions, or deletions—the Arctera DLO Agent automatically captures and protects the latest version of your data.

To prevent specific files or folders from being backed up:

  1. Create a folder named DO_NOT_BACKUP on your PC.
    Note: The folder name is case-sensitive and must be typed in all capital letters.
  2. Move any files or folders you don’t want backed up into this folder.

The Arctera DLO Agent is configured to automatically exclude the DO_NOT_BACKUP folder from all backup operations.

To recover a deleted file using the Arctera DLO Agent:

  1. Double-click the Arctera DLO Desktop Agent icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen).
  2. In the window that opens, go to the "Views" panel on the left and click "Restore."
  3. Expand the section labeled "Backups on this computer (your PC name)" by clicking the "+" symbol.
  4. Navigate to the folder where the deleted file was originally located (e.g., My Documents, Desktop).
  5. Locate the file:
    • Check the box next to the file name, or
    • Right-click the file and select "Restore" from the dropdown menu.
  6. Accept the default settings in the restore prompts.
  7. Click OK once the restore is complete.

NOTE: Up to three versions of a file may be available. You can choose which versions to restore.

Important Access Note

The Arctera DLO Web Portal is not accessible while connected to the UHD network — either on campus or via VPN. 

Logging into the Web Portal

  1. Open a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, or Internet Explorer).
  2. Go to: https://dlo.uhd.edu
  3. Enter your UHD credentials:
    • Username: uhd\yourusername (e.g., uhd\smithj)
    • Password: Your UHD password
  4. Click Login.

Once logged in, you’ll see the Arctera DLO Dashboard:

  • Left Panel: Lists all computers you've used with DLO.
  • Center Panel: Displays drives and folders from the selected computer.

Restoring Files via the Web Portal

  1. In the left panel, select the computer you want to retrieve data from.
  2. In the center panel, navigate to the folder containing your file.
    • Use the .. folder to go up one level if needed.
    • Common paths:
      • Documents: C:\Users\[yourusername]\Documents\
      • Desktop: C:\Users\[yourusername]\Desktop\
  3. Once you locate the file, you’ll see details like Name, Last Modified, and Size.
  4. Click the green download icon to begin downloading.
  5. For multiple files:
    • Select them together.
    • Click the yellow "View Progress" button to monitor download status.

Note: The web portal only allows downloading the latest version of a file. For older versions, contact the IT Service Desk.

The Arctera DLO Agent is designed to retain the three most recent versions of each backed-up file. This allows you to recover an earlier version if a file is accidentally overwritten or modified with incorrect data.

Yes — as long as the Arctera DLO Desktop Agent is installed on that PC. Any files you create under your own user profile and within protected folders will be backed up automatically.

Yes — all data backed up by Arctera DLO is fully encrypted to ensure your information remains secure.

Your data remains on the backup server as long as it exists on your office PC. If you delete a file or folder from your PC, its backup copy will be retained on the server for 90 days before being permanently removed.

No — this is a backup system, not an archive. It simply creates copies of the existing files from your office PC to ensure data recovery in case of loss or damage.

Yes — if you're using a UHD-issued laptop connected to UHD's wireless network, and the Arctera DLO Desktop Agent is installed, your files will be backed up automatically.

Yes — as long as you're using a UHD-issued laptop with the Arctera DLO Desktop Agent installed and connected to any internet network, your files will be backed up automatically via Backup Over Internet (BOI).

For assistance, please reach out to the IT Service Desk.

Support Hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday – Sunday: 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Phone: 713-221-8031
Live Chat: ithelp.uhd.edu
Email: itservicedesk@uhd.edu

In Person: ACAD 700 (Walk-in hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)