Portable Version

Using the Portable Version

The portable version of Archive (ArchivePortable.exe) requires no installation and stores all data in the same folder as the executable.

Getting Started:

  1. Download ArchivePortable.exe from the download page
  2. Place it in any folder (e.g., USB drive, cloud sync folder, or local directory)
  3. Double-click ArchivePortable.exe to run
  4. All settings and job data will be stored in the same folder
Portable Benefits:
  • No administrator rights needed
  • Run from USB drives or network locations
  • Easy to move between computers
  • Keep multiple configurations separate
Note: The portable version is self-contained and includes all necessary .NET runtime files.

First Run

When you first launch the portable version:

  • The main window will open automatically
  • A jobs.db file will be created in the application folder
  • The application will minimize to the system tray when closed

To access Archive after it's minimized, click the Archive icon in your system tray (notification area).

Note: Unlike the installed version, the portable version does not automatically run on Windows startup. You can add a shortcut to the Startup folder if desired.

Creating Backup Jobs

A backup job defines what to backup and where to backup to.

To create a new job:

  1. Click the Add Job button
  2. Enter a descriptive name for your backup job
  3. Click Browse next to Source Folder and select what to backup
  4. Click Browse next to Destination Folder and select where to backup to
  5. Configure sync options as needed
  6. Click OK to save the job
Tip: Use the Preview Operations button to see exactly what files will be affected before saving your job.

Scheduling Backups

Archive allows you to schedule backups to run automatically at specific times.

Configuring a Schedule:

  1. Select a backup job and click Edit Job
  2. Check Enable automatic scheduling
  3. Select the days of the week to run backups
  4. Set the time window:
    • Start Time: When the backup will begin
    • Cutoff Time (Optional): When long-running backups will be stopped
  5. Click OK to save
Important: For scheduled jobs to run, Archive must be running. The portable version doesn't start automatically with Windows unless you add it to your Startup folder.

Examples:

  • 22:00 to 06:00 - Start backup at 10 PM, stop if still running at 6 AM
  • 01:00 (no cutoff) - Start backup at 1 AM, let it run to completion

Viewing Job History

Every time a backup job runs, Archive records detailed information about what happened.

To view job history:

  1. Click the View History link in the History column, or
  2. Right-click a job and select View History

The history window shows:

  • Run time and duration
  • Files copied, updated, deleted, and failed
  • Success/failure status

Click View Details to see the complete log of file operations for any run.

Preview Operations (Dry Run)

Before running a backup, you can preview exactly what will happen without making any changes.

  1. Open the job editor
  2. Click Preview Operations
  3. Archive will analyze your source and destination folders
  4. A report will show you all planned operations

The preview shows which files will be:

  • Copied (new files)
  • Updated (modified files)
  • Deleted (if "Delete orphaned files in destination" is enabled)
  • Skipped (already up to date)

Sync Options

Include subdirectories (recursive)

When enabled, Archive will backup all files in subdirectories. When disabled, only files in the root folder are backed up.

Delete files in destination that don't exist in source

When enabled, files that exist in the destination but not in the source will be deleted. This keeps the destination as an exact mirror of the source.

Warning: Be careful with this option. Files deleted from the source will also be deleted from the destination.

Verify files after copying

When enabled, Archive will verify that copied files match the source by comparing file hashes (SHA256). This is slower but ensures data integrity.

Exclusion Patterns

You can exclude specific files or folders from being backed up using wildcard patterns:

Pattern Examples:

  • *.tmp - Exclude all .tmp files
  • node_modules - Exclude node_modules folder
  • *.log - Exclude all log files
  • temp\* - Exclude everything in temp folder

Archive automatically excludes common system files and folders:

  • $RECYCLE.BIN
  • System Volume Information
  • pagefile.sys, hiberfil.sys, swapfile.sys
  • Thumbs.db, .DS_Store

Data Location

The portable version stores all data in the same folder as ArchivePortable.exe:

  • jobs.db - Backup job configurations and history
Backing Up Your Configuration: Simply copy the entire application folder (including jobs.db) to backup your settings and job history.

Moving Between Computers:

To move Archive to another computer:

  1. Copy the entire application folder
  2. Paste it on the new computer
  3. Run ArchivePortable.exe

All your jobs and settings will be preserved.

Note: Make sure the source and destination paths in your jobs are valid on the new computer.

Need More Help?

For the installed version, see Archive Documentation.

For command-line usage, see the Console Documentation.

For issues or questions, visit the GitHub Issues page.