PURPOSE
1) Synchronize files and directories, for example between hard drive and USB
drive or synchronize two computers via USB drive or LAN
2) General purpose backup and restore utility with many options
Synchronization is used to keep updated some directories on several computers
you work on. You should synchronize before
beginning work on a computer and do it again when you are finished.
Backup is used mostly to create safe copy of your data files. Backup tool is
basically a file copy machine with specific options. There are also specialized
tools to backup/ clone whole (bootable) drives, specific applications (e-mail), Windows state
(registry) etc. Learn more about backup at
Wikipedia or by Googling on
"backup".
It is useful to think in advance about:
- which backup medium to use (internal or external drive, CD-ROM, networked
computer, Internet repository)
- backup directory structure and naming strategy and how often you want to backup
your data.
- do you want to have only the latest files or to keep all old versions?
- do you want to make backup copies of all files or only those changed from last
backup.
FEATURES
- portable version installation - just unzip to a user directory on a fixed or
removable drive (for example c:\zbackup).
- works from USB stick, does not write to the
registry
- backup/ synchronize to local drives or network computers (LAN)
- can be used as front-end for cloud backup/ synchronize/ mirror (Google
Drive, DropBox)
- Unicode support for foreign characters in file names
- support for files larger then 4 GB
- allows more then 260 chars in pathnames in native copy mode
- copy modes: update files, refresh existing files, mirror source to target,
synchronize, dated backup and restore
- filter files based on extension, size, date, subdirectories, only new or
existing files
- keep multiple versions of backup files
- include/ exclude specific directories
- preview and execute operation
- automatic generation of batch scripts for routine backups
- simple, manual, batch or command line operation
- scheduling for batch operation - you may set job repetition interval and auto-run when
overdue
- for easy access, you can make Zback desktop icon from Action menu
- drag and drop support from Windows Explorer
- small size
- personal freeware
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Manual or Simple panels are used for one time backup or sync jobs, while Batch
panel is used for routine
(repetitive) jobs. On Manual panel you may set all the options and then click [Add to Batch]
button to add this job to the Batch command list. Batch commands are DOS-like command
lines which can be saved in textual script files (*.BAL) for further use. You can have
many jobs in a single batch file.
For general backup use, it is good to go to Options and click [Set
default backup location] to choose target path, for example D:\BACKUP. Preferred
backup location should be on another physical drive in the system or USB attached drive
or USB stick. Backup works in incremental mode (only files changed since last
backup are updated).
After setting backup location, go to Manual panel and use Update mode to backup files. Use
restore mode to copy back previous backup from target to source.
Restore will overwrite newer files in the source directory and add missing ones,
so you will have
file structure like at the moment of last backup.
Action menu: located on top-right corner offers
some additional actions:
- Break operation - stops Preview or Execute operations. Esc key may be
used too.
- Drives properties -lists available disk drives and free space
- Sleep PC when done - Sleep when Execute or Run is finished
- Shutdown when done - Shutdown when Execute or Run is finished
- Save report - if option [x] Make report is enabled, this item can save
report to disk
- Check for Update - check for new Zback version now
- Go to Homepage - Browse to Zback homepage
- Advanced (view INI file, make Desktop Icon for Zback, Make non elevated
ZbackA.exe, View Debugging Data)
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Using Simple backup is like using Manual backup with default settings.
Before using it, it is good to [Set default backup location] in
Options tab - this way you will not need to set backup location each time. It
will Backup or Restore all files including subdirectories
(if Include Subdirs option is checked).
The option Include Source Path is used to make backups organized by
source path, so that backup files are on the same path as
source path (for example if Source path is C:\Dev\work, actual backup directory
will be D:\Backup\C(#)\Dev\work). Actual target directory is previewed on right
side of status bar. In Restore mode first set original Source
location. If option Include Source Path is checked you do not have to navigate to
actual full Target (backup) path, just leave default (for example d:\backup).
Click [Preview] and when
to-do list is done, click [Execute] button. You can
track progress on
progress bar and status bar. Operation can be stopped
at any time pressing ESC key or clicking on Break button [X] on top left of
To-do list.
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Using Simple Synchro is used to synchronize directories, for example
directories on hard drive with ones on the USB stick. When done, both
directories will contain latest versions of all files. It
will include subdirectories
(if Include Subdirs option is checked). Click [Preview] and when
to-do list is done, click [Execute] button.
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In Manual operation you first set Source and Target directory, for example
c:\work and d:\backup\work. Alternatively, you can drag directory from Windows
explorer and drop it to left or right directory list in Zback. If Target
directory does not exists yet, you can create it using [MkDir] button.
Then set copy mode:
- update (backup) - it will copy new files from source to target directory and update
to new
versions of existing files. This is default mode, it is good for backup files to
other disk, external
USB drive or a stick. You may also choose to keep old (multiple) versions of backup files.
- mirror source to target - target directory will be identical as source (it
adds new files to target, updates existing, deletes surplus files and
directories from target, overwrites target files even if newer then source).
Use this mode only if you are sure that target files may be discarded.
- copy all - copies all source files that pass filters to target directory regardless of which is
newer
- synchronize <> - update bidirectionally (from Source to Target and vice versa).
This mode is good for synchronizing home and office computer directories using
USB stick.
- erase source - erases files from source directory, no copy (useful for
erasing temporary files)
- backup [date] - copy source files to unique dated target directory
(for example to D:\Backup\[2009-12-15_9-37-31]\). This mode is good for
making chronological backups. You can make daily, monthly, etc. backups (see
Option Backup [Date] dir. name)
- restore < - restore (copy different date) files from Target to Source. It is used to
restore files from backup location back to Source directory.
When choosing mode, watch status bar for additional info about modes.
You can choose to copy all files/ directories or use several filters and
options:
- Main Filters tab:
- include only specific file type (for example: *.doc,*.txt,project*.*)
- exclude specific file types or specific file(s) (for example: *.exe,*.tmp,test.bal,old*.*)
- include Source path in Target path (good to organize backups)
- include (all) subdirectories
- Files tab:
- include only between file dates
- include based on file size
- include only new files (not existing on Target)
- include only files existing on Target (refresh)
- keep old file versions when updating files
- keep old/surplus versions of files/dirs in separate directory (works
with mirror too)
- Dirs tab:
- include only given source directories and their subdirs (for example: Work,My
Pictures)
- exclude some source directories and their subdirs (or unique paths) (for example: Windows,Temp*,\Video\Misc)
- include only new dirs - not existing on Target
- existing dirs only - exclude subdirectories that do not exist on Target
- show hidden/system directories on Manual directory list boxes (needed to
see Google drive, etc.)
After making above settings, click on [Preview] to get preview in the to-do
list of what files will be copied/ deleted.
When you are satisfied with the list, click [Execute] to start copy
files. When busy Zback can be paused/ stopped using [Esc] key.
When comparing source and target files, they are considered to be the same if
they have same name and last modified date. But if the file size differs, you
will be notified. It is also possible to use "Compare files by content" option
to be sure that they are really the same.
Please note that on Windows Vista or higher you need explicit administrator
privileges to write files outside "User" folders.
Preview (to-do) list customization
Before clicking [Execute] you can change some lines in to-do list.
On the to-do list you can click on [>>] icons or use right-click
for menu of actions. This way you can uncheck lines that you do not
want to be executed or you can change copy direction or do other actions. Look
at statusbar to see what is the particular meaning of clicked to-do line.
Clicking on [>>] icon in to-do list directory label line (line starting with =[), you can Enable/
Disable/ Reverse all files in the stated directory. Please note that multiple lines may be selected in to-do list
(shift key+ click).
To-do list context menu offer more functions including list search. For most
actions in to-do menu you should select list line(s) first.
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In Batch operation you [Load] batch script file(s) or create a [New] one
manually, or using [Add to Batch] button on Manual tab (button offers menu to
chose between adding to existing batch or making new batch).
You can [Save] batch file in ANSI or Unicode format (recommended to preserve
language specific characters). Right-click on batch file list for additional options (schedule repetitive
jobs, put PC to Sleep when batch job is done, etc). When batch script is done you have two
options to execute it:
- use [Preview Batch] to generate preview of all operations and then use [Execute Batch], or
- use [Batch Run] to execute immediately command lines one by one
(this is one-click operation but you do not get preview before execute).
In batch operation you can perform complex tasks, for example backup to
multiple disks or backup multiple work directories with a single click.
Each line in batch file (command script) represent one job (see example.bal
file). It specifies
source and target paths and mode of operation:
Batch backup line format:
SourcePath\Mask > TargetPath [/mode[options]]
# This is example batch command script for routine backups (*.bal)
c:\work\*.* > d:\backup\work /us #(backup current work to D:)
c:\work\*.* > f:\work /ms #(make mirror on stick F:)
# Backup to LAN computer Coreduo, external drive U:, folder \work
C:\work\*.* > \\Coreduo\xporter (u)\work /us
Mode:
u= Update (Backup) (= Refresh existing files + add New files, default mode!)
m= Mirror source to target (= Refresh + New + Erase surplus Target files)
c= Copy all files from Source to Target regardless of which is newer
U= Synchronize (=update bidirectional, Source to Target and back) (=b)
b= alternate to U (above)
e= Erase Source files (for example: c:\work\*.tmp > (nul) /es)
Note: (nul) is required as target
d= Backup - copy files to unique TargetDir\[Date_Time] directory
o= Restore files from Target to Source (copy different date files)
Options:
s= recurse subdirectories too
n= copy only new files (not existing on Target)
r= copy files existing on Target only (refresh)
y= ask before processing batch line
t= filter source files based on file date (t=[dd.mm.yyyy_dd.mm.yyyy])
(date format must be adjusted for your regional settings)
z= filter source files based on size (kB) (e.g. z=[11-22])
k= exclude source files with extension(s) (e.g. k=[*.bac,*.tmp])
j= process system + hidden files/dirs too
f= include only given source directories and their subdirs (e.g. f=[Work,My Pictures])
g= exclude some source directories and their subdirs (e.g. g=[Windows,Temp*,\Video])
("\Video" excludes absolute/unique "SourcePath\Video" path, see Example.bal Ex.30 and Ex.07)
p= exclude source subdirectories that do not exist on Target (See also Example 33).
q= include only new dirs - not existing on Target
v= when updating keep old versions of target files (old file renamed adding file_Date_Time)
i= keep old/surplus versions of files/dirs in dir @bak@\[Date_Time] (for update/mirror mode)
x= delete source files after copy = move files (e.g. /cx= move files) (caution!)
h= shred source files after copy (e.g. /ch= secure move files, /eh= shred files) (caution !!)
1..6= Date_Time format modifier for mode /d (d1..d6), or options /v (v1..v6) and /i (i1..i6)
Options that have to be entered manually (i.e. not found in Zback interface):
Date_Time number 1..6 for options /v and /i,
option characters /x, /h, /y.
Special codes to use in batch command lines:
?=k = define ?: drive to be drive k: (may also be ?=|XPORTER| drive name or LAN, see Tip 4)
?: = prompt user to specify drive if not already defined (? is wildcard for drive character)
%: = drive where Zback.exe is located
\= shortcut for Source Dir name:
c:\beta\toto > d:\back\=
will do:
c:\beta\toto > d:\back\toto
\== shortcut for Source Path:
c:\beta\toto > d:\back\==
will do:
c:\beta\toto > d:\back\beta\toto
\=== is shortcut for Source Drive + Source Path
%mydocs% = "My Documents" directory, see Tip 9 (example: %mydocs%\*.* > d:\backup\my /us)
%user% = root of current user directories (C:\Documents and Settings\(username))
%progfiles% = "Program files" directory (usually C:\Program files)
%computername% = Computer name, see Example 32
%backup% = Default backup drive+ directory (as set in Options)
<=> = reverse copy direction for whole batch
$searchSt=>replaceSt = replace string for whole batch (e.g. $c:=>d:). Max 2 statements per batch.
$swapSt1<>swapSt2 = swap string for whole batch (bidirectional replace e.g. $dir1<>dir2)
|dname| = drive specified by its name (for example use |main drive| instead of c:)
# = comment line
#' = comment line will also appear in To-do list and Report
#'? = comment line will ask if you wish to process this segment of list (ending with #'?. line, Ex.31)
## = stop processing batch list after line starting with ##
Line prefixes in To-do list (first character describing line purpose):
[ = create directory
+ = copy file
* = delete file
$ = delete surplus directory on target
= = directory label line
# = comment line
second character in To-do list means:
- = copy (new file or directory)
= blank, copy (refresh existing file)
@ = copy (refresh existing file and keep old version)
* = copy (overwrite newer file!)
= = copy (overwrite identical file)
^ = copy (same date but different size)
" = copy (same date but different content)
! = delete (source file)
> = executed copy, erase or make directory (< = reverse copy)
Batch file menu:
If you right-click on batch file list context menu will open:
- LIST usage details: lists batch files and info when last used.
- Set job due Interval: set interval in days when selected job have to be repeated.
- RUN overdue jobs: run all jobs for which interval has elapsed.
- Delete batch job file: delete selected batch file from disk.
- Explore BAL directory: open Explorer on directory where batch files are
located.
- Drives properties: lists disk drives, their capacity, free space and drive
type.
- Sleep PC when done on/off: option to put PC to sleep mode after batch Execute or
Run.
- Settings to Manual on/off: option to transfer settings from last previewed
batch line to manual panel.
Scheduled batch execution:
You can set how often batch job have to be executed (interval in days). In
this way you may be reminded at Zback start to run jobs that have to be executed.
- Option "LOG batch use date" should be set to "ON" or "Run all overdue
jobs" and then click [Save options].
- On batch panel, right-click on batch file list (top left) and choose "Set
job due interval" for current batch.
"List usage details" shows all batch files and their due intervals.
- Choose "Run all overdue jobs" to execute.
Cloud drive:
Zback can be used as a front-end for Google Drive, DropBox or other cloud
service.
Put local copy location of Google Disk (for example: "C:\Users\dave\Google
disk") as a Target directory of Zback.
For example, use script like:
D:\U\HTML\*.zip,*.doc > C:\Users\dave\Google disk\= /ms (to
mirror DOC and ZIP files from all subfolders).
Later, Google driver will transfer the
changes to Google Drive remote cloud location.
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- you can start Zback with parameters. Do this using Windows Start menu/
Run or using console window or using BAT file.
- you can specify batch command line as parameter1 (for example: Zback.exe "C:\totto\*.*
> D:\Backup /us").
- you can specify BAL file as command line parameter1, and then you can
also set parameter2:
- parameter2 may be:
/l - auto-start [Preview Batch],
/r -auto-start [Batch Run],
/R -minimize Zback, auto-start
[Batch Run], then close Zback (quiet run). It is good for making automatic
backups using Windows Scheduled tasks. Quiet mode will not prompt user about
copy errors (use with caution!).
/Rs -same as /R, but also
save report to Batchname.TXT in the directory where Batchname.BAL is located.
Example: c:\zback\Zback.exe
"c:\work\Batchname.bal" /Rs
Remark: If path is not specified for batch file, it is assumed to be in
default location (usually Zback directory).
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- Backup [Date] dir. name - sets Date_Time format for mode Backup
[Date]. Setting numbers shown here are used by batch command line as /d1.../d6. Default target directory name is [yyyy-mm-dd_hh-nn-ss]
(code /d1).
In this case directory name is unique because next backup will have different
date-time (all the files that pass filters will always be copied because target directory is
new and empty).
If you choose for example daily backup [yyyy-mm-dd] (code /d4) and you make
several backups on that day, this same directory will be updated. So
this directory will contain last content of source directory on this
day. Using this alternative setting you will not have many surplus copies of
same files (it saves disk space). So older versions of files will be overwritten in target
directory, but if you wish to keep them too, you can use setting [x] Keep old
version (Manual/Files tab). Same Date_Time format codes 1...6 may be used in Keep older version
option /v (v1...v6) or Keep in new dir /i (i1...i6) but number has to be
entered manually in batch line.
- Compare files by content - if file names, dates and sizes are equal, you will get
warning if content is different (this option will make [Preview] much slower!).
This is done by comparing CRC32 checksums.
- List system+hidden too - those files are invisible if this
option not checked. if checked they can be rewritten or deleted (same as /j batch option. use with caution!).
- Del. non empty dirs-mirror - it should be checked if target should
be exact copy of source. (surplus target directories will be removed)
- Make empty dirs - copy empty directories from source to target
too. Grayed state = don't make and don't list.
- Ignore NTFS Daylight time - you can ignore NTFS 1 hour delay on NTFS
drives that might affect file date compare. It is recommended to disable in
Windows "[ ] Automatically adjust clock for daylight saving changes" if using
NTFS drives. Also, to synchronize computers all of them should be set to same
time zone.
- Skip too long paths - Windows limits path names to 260 characters.
Most Windows programs cannot operate with such long paths, including Windows
Explorer. You may need special tool to remove/manage such paths, like
Total Commander. It is recommended to shorten paths to avoid system errors.
If you want to use long paths, option Win native copy method should be checked because it can copy files on long paths (caution!).
- Log batch use date - remember last date when batch job is executed.
This information is shown later in Zback caption and you also get it listed at
Zback startup. To schedule
repetitive backups, use context
menu on a batch file list to set due interval in days for some job - this way you will be
reminded if you did not do this batch job on time. This control may also be set to Run all overdue batch jobs at Zback startup.
- Verify copied files - after each file copy verify that copy is
identical to the source file (it makes [Execute] somewhat slower).
- Copy file attributes - target attributes will be same as source,
un-check it if you want to remove target read-only, hidden or system
attributes.
- Use recycle bin - if this option is unchecked then files and
folders delete are
permanent (caution !!).
- Win native copy method - use this if you have too long pathname files
to copy or
expect faster copy.
- Quiet mode - less warnings and question dialogs (use with
caution!). Grayed state is max quiet. Quiet mode max may overwrite system and
drive root files and change system folders without warning !
- Set NT Creation dates - set target files Creation dates on Windows
NT or higher. This makes copy file virtually same as original.
- Show modes - show all modes (panels) or hide some not needed
- Specify Drives by name - when clicking [Add to Batch] drives will be
specified by its names (for ex: c:\ -> |main drive|\). Drives
must have names ((use Windows Explorer: drive Properties) and be ready. This option may be
incompatible with Substitute Special dirs option.
- Substitute Special dirs - when clicking [Add to Batch] special
directories will be substituted by their code (d:\backup to %backup%, etc.,
see Tip 9).
- Make Report - after execution you get listing of all operations, on
Report tab. Use Right-click on Report (or use arrow button on the left) to save it (ANSI or Unicode) or do other actions.
- Check for new version - check for new version on homesite when
Zback closes (not always but randomly). Click now to check now.
- Scrollbars in lists - adds horizontal scrollbars in To-do list
and Directory tree lists.
- Default Backup location - default target directory name to backup files is
\BACKUP. If this option is not set, Zback will propose backup location. You can enter %:\Backup to use (portable) drive where Zback is
located. it is also possible to edit Zback.ini file and write BackupDir=%:\Backup.
- Font - set another font for to-do list, batch commands and report
list. Monospaced fonts are recommended (Courier New, Lucida Console, Consolas)
- Save Options - save all above options to INI file. Some options on
Simple and Manual tabs are also saved.
- More options - click it to show /hide advanced options
- User's Guide [F1] - (on help panel) opens this file.
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- Zback.BAL file is automatically loaded at startup, if it exists.
- BAL files are normally saved in Zback folder. They may also be located in
Zback\MAINTAIN subfolder. Zback Installer version uses
"<user>\documents\Zback" folder to store batch and INI files
- Direction mark ">" in batch line may be replaced with "<" mark to reverse
Source and Target directories.
- define drive line ?=k is accepted if drive k: is ready otherwise it is
skipped. Subsequent ?= lines will redefine ? drive if this second drive is
ready. So you may have one script with multiple ?= lines to do backup on one
drive which is currently ready. Define line may have optional parameter: ?=k
/ path=[M_latest\new]
to define root path (k:\M_latest\new). Command $?=k does the same function but
will not redefine drive if already defined.
- it is useful to associate BAL files to open with Zback.exe. Then put
shortcut to BAL file(s) on the desktop to easy access routine backups.
- you can [Load..] multiple batch files at once (they will be appended).
- deleted files and directories can be restored from Recycle bin, except
from removable drives. Use of Recycle bin can be avoided in options.
- note that using Batch Run instead of List + Execute you might get
different results because files on disk change as a result of previous batch line(s) execution.
Also, progress bar position (job done in %) might not be exact.
- using special directory codes %mydocs%, %progfiles% and %backup% enables
synchronization between computers with different Windows versions or different
user names, without having to adjust/ change batch list (Auto inserted if enabled
option [x] Substitute Special dirs).
- Simple backup creates one line batch command and executes it. After execution you
can click Batch tab and save this command for later use.
- to restore default options, delete Zback.ini file and restart Zback.
- please note that manual tweaks in to-do list are not reflected in batch
command line (if you click [Add to Batch]).
- instead of using Restore mode, you may swap left-right directories using
[<>] button and then use Copy all or Mirror mode (mirror mode will erase
surplus files and directories from the source too). But if there are multiple
copies of files in Backup location, they will be copied to Source too.
- you can use drag and drop directories from Windows Explorer to Zback on
Simple, Manual and Batch tabs (see Known issues for Vista, 7 and up).
- some antivirus software can slow down Zback operations when working with
many files. Operation speed also depends on your software and hardware
configuration.
- if you create INSTALL.INI file (content not important) in Zback
directory, it will force Zback to use "my documents\Zback" directory to store
batch and INI files (on current machine). This is also good to avoid User
Account Control (UAC) on win7.
- Zback execution may be restricted by Windows if you do not have
permission to overwrite some files (like opened .EXE files, etc). Also some
directories are restricted from writing (like Program files). If you have
trouble writing or reading network files, test it by using Windows Explorer.
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- Zback runs as elevated (Admin) application in Vista, 7, 8, 10 to be able to access any
(system) directory. This inhibits dropping directories from Windows Explorer.
But dropping will work if you use any third party file manager (for example
Total Commander) and run it as administrator.
- For the elevation reason as above, accessing mapped drives in Batch mode may be
possible only after the drive is first "activated/opened". For example,
activation can be done in Manual tab clicking "choose source directory" button
and navigate to desired drive, or using Windows explorer. In elevated Zback, mapped
network location might not appear as a drive in Windows 7 and above. Microsoft gives the
solution. Alternatively you can map network drive from elevated application or
command prompt (net use p: \\computername\share\test\folder).
Also you can map network drive from Zback itself: go to 'Choose source
directory' button, navigate to network location and right-click to map
network drive.
- You can create a Zback clone (ZbackA.exe) that does not ask for UAC
elevation, by using Action menu/Advanced. ZbackA can be elevated manually
if needed (Right-click on its icon and choose "Run as Administrator").
- batch options/modes /x /h /e delete files as expected, but leave empty directories after
operation.
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- thanks to Bill Pratt for many useful suggestions and beta testing.
- thanks to Allen Titley for creating Help manual, beta testing and
finding bugs.
- thanks to all users who wrote me with their suggestions.
- thanks to various authors of code examples for sharing their code.
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- This program is PERSONAL FREEWARE but requires payment to the author if
used for commercial work or used in for-profit or government organization.
Commercial use requires written license by the author.
- The author holds (c) for program concept, look and feel, functionality and actual
implementation. It is prohibited to copy, emulate, clone, rent, lease, sell,
modify, decompile, disassemble, otherwise reverse engineer, or transfer the
licensed program, or any subset of the licensed program, except as provided
for in this agreement.
- Distribution of original package is allowed if it is free and if author
name is mentioned.
- Mentioned hardware and software products are (c) of their producers.
- "Zback" IS DISTRIBUTED "AS IS". NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED. YOU USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK. THE AUTHOR WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DATA
LOSS, DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR ANY OTHER KIND OF LOSS WHILE USING OR
MISUSING THIS SOFTWARE.
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Go to Zback homepage
Croatian server,
USA mirror1,
USA mirror2
and then Download the latest version.
Zback is available in portable (ZIP
archive) and installer (EXE) formats.
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Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. Albert
Einstein I tried to make program that is simple to use but still able to perform many useful functions. Enjoy!
Suggestions, comments and bug reports are welcome. When contacting me, please
include your Windows version; make sure you have the latest Zback version.
Author Homepage:
https://dzorc.droppages.com/index.html/a>
USA mirror1,
USA mirror2 E-mail:
davor.zorc@gmail.com
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Last update:
27.03.2020
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