1. Registering for the backup service

Before you can use the HFS backup service you must first register your desktop/laptop/server with the service. You will also need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be an Oxford University staff member or postgraduate with an Oxford (Single Sign-On) username and password.
  • Have a desktop/laptop/server with an operating system that is supported by our backup software.
  • Have read and understood the acceptable use guidelines.

2. Registration process

The process of registering a computer for backup is very straightforward: please follow the steps below to complete the registration.

  1. Go to the IT Services Self-Registration Page. The link will open in a separate window to allow you to follow the instructions.

    In the page you have just opened you will see a screen similar to the one below:

    Screen shot of the IT Services Registration Page
    Figure 1. General Registration Screen

  2. Click on the link labelled Register a computer for TSM backup. This will take you to a TSM Client Registration screen that will offer you different types of account to choose from. All users have the choice between a normal account (for fast backups on the university network) and a backup-over-VPN account (intended for small backups from outside the university network - see further our page on VPN-based backup). Additionally, IT Support Staff will see four more options, for registering DNS-registered desktops and servers. A full list looks like the screen below:

    Screen shot of the TSM Registration Page
    Figure 2. TSM Client Registration Screen - account type

  3. Make your choice and click Proceed. Next you need to specify your TSM nodename (account name). If you are registering a personal desktop or laptop, the screen will look like this:

    Screen shot of the TSM Registration Page
    Figure 3. TSM Client Registration Screen - account name
  4. Now ensure that the following sections are completed correctly:
    1. Name of computer - this is made up of three elements:
      1. Username - this is taken from the account you are logged in with and cannot be changed.
      2. A reference name for the desktop/laptop you are registering - you should choose a name that refers to the desktop/laptop that you wish to register. It must be a lower-case alphanumeric text string (max. 24 characters), e.g. "mylaptop", "abcdef01234".
      3. The name of your unit (department or college) - this is selected by choosing the most appropriate selection from the drop-down list.
    2. Contact address - ensure that this is correct, as it will be used to confirm registration and to notify you of backup failures.
    3. Operating system - select the item from the list which applies to the computer being registered.

  5. An example of a completed registration screen can be seen below:

    Completed TSM Registration Page
    Figure 4. Completed TSM Registration Screen
    When the details have been entered and confirmed as correct then please click on the Proceed button.

  6. You will then be asked to enter and confirm a password - this password is used in the configuration of the backup software and also to protect your backups.

    TSM Client Password Screen
    Figure 5. TSM Client Password Screen

  7. You will have a summary of details presented to you; confirm all is correct and then click Submit. If some details prove to be incorrect, please click Cancel and start the registration process again.

    Confirm TSM Backup Registration
    Figure 6. Confirm TSM Backup Registration Screen
  8. If you have clicked on Submit, you will now see a screen confirming your registration and will soon receive an email from the HFS Team confirming your node registration.

    Please note that the email you receive from the HFS Team will contain details of your automated backup schedule and other useful information.

  9. What now?- Now that you have successfully registered a node with the backup service, please proceed to the instructions on downloading and then onto installing the backup software onto your machine.