Critical file backup process guide

A step-by-step guide for backing up important personal files to an encrypted USB drive.

• Overview
• Step 1: Configure backup computer
• Step 2: Configure USB drive
• Step 3: Unlock USB drive
• Step 4: Gather backup items
• Step 5: Back up files to USB drive

Platform note: This guide is written for Linux (specifically Fedora). Other operating systems can follow the general structure, but Steps 1 and 2, Pika Backups and LUKS-based disk encryption, are Linux-specific and will need platform-appropriate alternatives on macOS or Windows. I recommend VeraCrypt for encrypting a USB drive for use with macOS and Windows.

A companion script that automates parts of this process is available at codeberg.org/splitsubdued/backup_process.

I use a USB drive that has both USB Type-C and Type-A connectors for maximum compatibility when recovering files.

Step 1: Configure backup computer

Password manager

Install the desktop version of your password manager — the web version doesn’t support all the actions needed here.

1. Download and install the desktop app
2. Log in to your account

Backup Software

Pika Backups will back up everything in your Home directory. Replace files as needed and Pika will handle version control.

1. Install Pika Backups as a flatpak from Flathub via the Software app
2. Configure the Home directory as the backup source

Step 2: Configure USB drive

For maximum compatibility, use a USB drive with both USB-C and USB-A connectors at 64 GB capacity.

Formatting the disk

Use Ext4 (MBR) with LUKS encryption via the Disks utility.

In Fedora Linux:

1. Open Disks (gnome-disk-utility)
2. Select the disk on the left
3. Click Additional Format Options > Format Partition
   1. Erase: Don’t overwrite existing data (Quick)
   2. Partitioning: Compatible with all systems and devices (MBR / DOS)
4. Click Format
5. Click Next until complete
6. Name the drive (e.g., “BACKUP1” or “BACKUP2”)

Formatting the partition

In Fedora Linux:

1. Open Disks
2. Select the disk on the left
3. Click Additional Format Options > Format Partition
   1. Volume name: your chosen drive name
   2. Type: Internal disk for use with Linux systems only (Ext4)
      1. Check the box for Password protect volume (LUKS)
4. Click Next
5. Set a strong password and store it securely in your password manager
6. Confirm that data will be wiped

Step 3: Unlock USB drive

1. Open your password manager
2. Search for and copy the drive password
3. Connect the already-encrypted USB drive to the backup computer
4. Paste the password when the OS prompts for it

Step 4: Gather backup items

Password manager

1. Open the desktop app and log in
2. Click the overflow icon (…) > Export
3. Enter your password
4. Leave the default export format
5. Click Export Data
6. Save the file in ~/Documents

Google Drive

1. Go to Google Drive
2. Click on Starred
3. Open and export Docs and Sheets files as OpenDocument types

Task Manager

1. Open your task manager app
2. Go to Settings > Account
3. Next to Backup & Restore, click Generate Backup
4. Choose where to save the file and click Save

Google Contacts

1. Go to Google Contacts
2. Select all contacts by checking the box next to any contact, then click Selection Actions > All
3. Click the overflow icon in the top right > Export
4. Export as: Google CSV
5. Click Export
6. Move the CSV file from Downloads to Documents

uBlock Origin (Firefox)

1. Open Firefox
2. Open the uBlock Origin extension > Settings gear icon
3. Click the Filter Lists tab

KOReader Settings

See the KOReader User Guide for details on what gets backed up.

1. Exit KOReader
2. Connect Kobo to computer via USB cable
3. Navigate to .adds/koreader
4. Back up these files and directories:
   1. settings.reader.lua
   2. settings/
   3. data/

Pleco Settings

1. Open Pleco on iOS
2. Tap the sidebar menu (three lines)
3. Tap Settings
4. Under Backup/Restore, tap Backup Settings and/or History > Backup Settings Only
5. Tap Save when prompted to name the file
6. Tap OK on the success popup

Step 5: Back up files to USB drive

1. Connect the encrypted USB drive and unlock it
2. Open Pika Backups
3. Confirm the destination drive is correct
4. Click Back Up Now
5. Wait for the backup to complete (typically under 5 minutes)
6. Click the eject icon in Pika Backups
7. Close Pika Backups
8. Delete all files from the USB drive but leave your core personal directories intact